“For you”: Mbappe dedicates Panenka penalty to Brahim Diaz after AFCON heartbreak | OneFootball

Real Madrid star sends powerful message of support

“For you”: Mbappe dedicates Panenka penalty to Brahim Diaz after AFCON heartbreak

Kylian Mbappe dedicated his Panenka penalty goal against Villarreal to Brahim Diaz after the Moroccan’s AFCON final disappointment.

Mbappe shows leadership beyond goals

Kylian Mbappe is no longer seen only as scorer for Real Madrid. The French star is also becoming important leader inside the dressing room and his latest gesture toward Brahim Diaz proved it clearly.

During Real Madrid’s 2-0 victory over Villarreal on Saturday in matchday 21 of La Liga, Mbappe delivered moment that carried emotional meaning beyond the result.

The penalty moment that caught attention

Late in extra time the referee awarded Real Madrid penalty after quick attacking move.

The action began with precise pass from Vinicius Junior to Mbappe who drove into the box before being brought down by Villarreal defender Alfonso Pedraza.

Mbappe stepped up to take the spot kick and chose bold finish. He scored with Panenka style penalty, softly lifting the ball down the middle of the goal to make it 2 -0.

The choice was significant because it was the same style that Diaz attempted and missed during Morocco’s heartbreaking AFCON 2025 final loss to Senegal.

“For you, For you”

The most powerful moment came after the goal. As Mbappe celebrated, he immediately ran toward Diaz who had just made his first appearance since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations.

Mbappe hugged the Moroccan midfielder and was heard saying:

Later when asked why he took the penalty in that way, Mbappe answered simply:

The gesture was seen as strong public support for his teammate who faced heavy criticism after missing crucial Panenka penalty in the AFCON final, a moment that could have given Morocco the title.

Mbappe continues backing his teammates

This is not the first time Mbappe has defended or supported teammates at Real Madrid.

Earlier in the season when Vinicius Junior appeared affected by criticism from fans Mbappe spoke out and urged supporters to judge the whole team rather than targeting one player.