Jérôme Rothen has launched a fierce public attack on Morocco forward Brahim Diaz, accusing the Real Madrid player of arrogance and poor judgement after his failed penalty attempt against Senegal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Speaking on RMC, the former France international criticised Diaz’s decision to attempt a Panenka-style penalty in the closing moments of a decisive match played in front of more than 70,000 supporters largely backing Morocco.
For Rothen, the issue went far beyond a missed spot-kick and instead raised questions about attitude, responsibility and respect for the game.
“When you decide to take a penalty like that, at that moment, in front of 70,000 Moroccans, it’s scandalous,” Rothen said.
He argued that the context of the occasion demanded a straightforward and efficient approach, rather than a gesture he described as unnecessarily risky and self-indulgent.
The former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder went further, suggesting that the choice of penalty reflected a lack of respect towards Senegal.
In Rothen’s view, the attempt was intended to humiliate the opposition rather than simply score.
“He wanted to humiliate the Senegalese, but he didn’t respect football,” he said, portraying the action as evidence of an inflated ego overriding collective responsibility.
Rothen dismissed the idea that such a penalty could be improvised, insisting it was a calculated decision driven by a desire for personal recognition.
“A Panenka is premeditated. You want to humiliate them. You want to hog the spotlight,” he added, arguing that Diaz placed himself above the needs of the team at a crucial moment.
Even Diaz’s emotional reaction after the final whistle did little to soften Rothen’s stance. The pundit remained unmoved by the player’s tears, questioning their sincerity and relevance.
“He can cry all he wants,” Rothen said, maintaining that the emotional display did not undo the consequences of the original decision.
According to Rothen, the episode reflected a misplaced pursuit of individual glory rather than a genuine attempt to secure victory for Morocco.
He suggested that Diaz was more concerned with creating a defining personal moment than fulfilling his responsibility in a high-pressure situation. “He wanted to say, ‘I made Morocco win.’ That bothers me,” Rothen concluded.
The comments have sparked debate among supporters and analysts, highlighting how moments of flair at major tournaments can quickly become flashpoints when results are at stake.
