Moroccan forward Brahim Díaz has publicly apologised following Morocco’s dramatic 1–0 loss to Senegal in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, a defeat marked by a controversial penalty decision and a crucial miss from the Real Madrid star.
In the dying moments of normal time in the final in Rabat, Morocco were awarded a penalty after a VAR review of a challenge involving Díaz.
However, the decision sparked intense protests from the Senegal camp, with coach Pape Thiaw briefly leading his players off the pitch before play resumed.
With the hopes of ending Morocco’s 50-year wait for a continental title hanging in the balance, Díaz stepped up but his Panenka-style penalty attempt was comfortably saved by Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, leaving the score level and pushing the match into extra time.
Senegal ultimately secured the trophy through a 94th-minute goal from Pape Gueye, leaving the hosts devastated.
In a heartfelt message shared on social media, Díaz took full responsibility for the miss and thanked fans for their support throughout the tournament.
My heart aches. I dreamed of this title thanks to all the love you’ve given me… I fought with everything I had,” he wrote. “Yesterday I failed, and I take full responsibility and apologise from the bottom of my heart. It will be hard to recover…I will keep going until one day I can repay all this love and be a source of pride for my Moroccan people.
The 26-year-old, who finished as the tournament’s top scorer, admitted the blow will take time to heal but reaffirmed his commitment to continue working and honouring the support of fans.
Morocco’s loss capped a roller-coaster final that will be remembered as much for its controversy as its drama, leaving many to reflect on what might have been in front of their home supporters.
