The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has highlighted Brahim Diaz’s exploits at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament as Morocco gears up for the blockbuster final against Senegal on Sunday.
In a high-profile clash, Morocco will take on Senegal at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, with victory crucial to securing the title.
The Atlas Lions are chasing their second AFCON title just as Senegal, who last won the trophy in 2021 in Cameroon.
Before drawing down the AFCON 2025 curtains, the continental football governing body singled out Morocco’s Brahim Diaz for special praise, considering him the standout player of the tournament after solidifying his lead in the Golden Boot race and also inspiring the Atlas Lions to the final of the tournament.
Per the analytical piece by CAF, the Real Madrid star continues to establish himself as the tournament’s most dangerous striker, having raised his tally to five goals in six matches – a feat unmatched by any other player up to the semi-final stage.
Despite failing to score in the semi-final match against Nigeria, which the Atlas Lions won, the Real Madrid winger maintained his position as the top scorer, reaffirming his decisive presence and continued influence.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) considered Diaz’s performance in this edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) a “remarkable achievement,” reflecting his rapid development and ability to be decisive in crucial moments. CAF noted that his composure inside the penalty area and his perfect timing made him the most threatening player in a tournament characterized by a high level of attacking balance.
Diaz has a golden opportunity to increase his goal tally when he plays in Sunday’s final against Senegal, a match that will not only decide the continental title but could also determine the winner of the Golden Boot.
Besides, a group of players including Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman, Ivory Coast’s Amad Diallo, Algeria’s captain Riyad Mahrez, Morocco’s Ayoub El Kaabi, and Mali’s Lassine Seynoko are tied on three goals each.
On a broader level, statistics published by the Confederation of African Football revealed that 63 players have scored only one goal in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. This, according to CAF, reflects the highly competitive nature of this tournament and the diversity of attacking options available to the participating teams.
As the tournament enters its decisive stage, CAF believes that Diaz’s emergence is no fluke, but rather the result of consistent performance and an ability to adapt to the pressure of major matches. CAF considers the final to be the “ultimate test” for the Moroccan star to crown an exceptional tournament, whether with a continental title or an individual accolade that reflects his rising stature in African football.
Between the collective dream of Moroccans to reach the podium and Diaz’s individual ambition to etch his name in gold, the AFCON final appears to be an open affair.
