PSG coach Luis Enrique makes stunning comparison between Brahim Diaz and Zidane after Morocco’s AFCON final penalty miss

Although Brahim Diaz did not play a major role in this Real Madridhe has managed to become one of the best players in Morocco. During the African Cup of Nations (AFCON), he shone impressively and became top scorer with five goals. However, he turned from hero to villain when he missed a crucial penalty in the final against Senegal, leading to fierce criticism. In response, PSG coach Luis Enrique came out to defend him and compared him to Zinedine Zidane.

“Today we talked about that goal. Everyone is talking about Brahim. But I remember Zidane. Zidane, the god of football. He did that during a World Cup final… When you score those penalties, everyone applauds and no one says anything. And if you miss, there are a lot of negative opinions about a player. Brahim is a great player… He is an exceptional player and a great person. It’s unfair,” Luis Enrique said this today at the press conference.

After the painful defeat against Senegal, Brahim broke his silence and publicly apologized to the Moroccan fans. His performance at the AFCON was excellent, but missing this penalty spoiled all his hard workand he has been heavily criticized on social media. However, Luis Enrique supports Diaz and reminds everyone of that he’s not the only player who has similarly missed out on much bigger stagesas this is an everyday occurrence in sports.

While Brahim Diaz leaves Morocco in a difficult period, he returns to Real Madrid, proving his ability to lead the team as a right winger. Although Xabi Alonso did not give him much playing time, the arrival of Alvaro Arbeloa gives him a renewed opportunity to earn a place in the team. Because Rodrygo Goes is not at his best, he could earn a starting spot because he was the MVP and top scorer at the AFCON.

Senegal’s Edouard Mendy also defends Brahim Diaz as criticism grows

The year 2026 is far from a peaceful event The AFCON finals descended into a storm of controversywith several Senegalese players threatening to leave the field. Amidst the chaos, Edouard Mendy decided to defend Brahim Diaz, who was accused of deliberately missing a penalty. For that reason, the former Chelsea goalkeeper did not hesitate to express his strong opinions on the situation.

see also

Mohamed Salah achieves what Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo couldn’t so quickly: Egyptian star reaches international milestone as AFCON sparks 2026 FIFA World Cup hype

“Do you really think we can agree on something like that in one minute, after Morocco has waited fifty years? Díaz wanted to score and I tried to save it. That’s it. Let’s put an end to this debate. A number of things happened after the penalty was awarded, but in football winning is always the most important thing.” Mendy closed after the AFCON final match.

With just a few months left before the 2026 World Cup, Moroccan coach Walid Regragui should boost Brahim’s confidenceas mounting criticism could tarnish his impressive form. Even though Achraf Hakimi and Abde Ezzalzouli are among the best players on the national team, the 26-year-old star has proven to be a difference maker. His contributions led them to the AFCON finals, and he could once again play a crucial role in the upcoming tournament.