The emotional storyline surrounding Real Madrid and Morocco star Brahim Díaz continued on Saturday night, well beyond the pre-match tribute to Senegal’s AFCON hero Pape Gueye, during Real Madrid’s La Liga clash with Villarreal in round 21.
Deep into stoppage time, Kylian Mbappé won a penalty before confidently stepping up to take it himself in the 94th minute. The French forward calmly chipped the ball down the middle in classic Panenka fashion, sealing a 2-0 away victory for Real Madrid after having opened the scoring earlier in the 47th minute.
Kylian Mbappé attempting and scoring a panenka penalty with Brahim in attendance is jokes omg 😭 pic.twitter.com/1y6qtE0JA3
— 10 (@Kylian) January 24, 2026
The moment carried heavy symbolism. Just days earlier, Díaz had attempted a similar Panenka penalty in the dying moments of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final against Senegal. His effort was comfortably saved by goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, a miss that ultimately proved costly for Morocco.
In extra time of that final, Díaz’s nightmare deepened when Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye struck a powerful goal that handed Senegal their second AFCON title in history.
Back in Spain, Mbappé’s successful Panenka appeared to be a direct response to his teammate’s recent heartbreak.
After converting the penalty and at the final whistle, the French superstar immediately sought out Díaz, embracing him in a clear gesture of support.
The scene underlined both the contrast between the two moments and the strong bond within the Real Madrid dressing room, turning Mbappé’s cheeky finish into a message of solidarity rather than simple showmanship.
