Morocco concern grows as Brahim Diaz starts 11th straight Real Madrid game on bench

Brahim Diaz’s lack of playing time at Real Madrid has prompted growing frustration among Moroccan football observers, who are also questioning the apparent passivity of one of Morocco’s key players.

The 27-year-old was named among the substitutes for Saturday’s La Liga match against Valencia and was introduced in the 84th minute, with Real Madrid already leading 0-2. The eventual 0-3 victory was effectively secured before the final goal arrived in the 75th minute.

Diaz’s brief appearance was his latest limited involvement in a run that has raised concern in Morocco. Across all competitions, he has now started 11 consecutive matches on the bench for Real Madrid.

The versatile attacker has been unable to establish himself on the right side, where he is competing with Arda Guler and summer signing Yan Diomande. The two players are six and seven years younger than Diaz respectively.

Youssef, an insider regarded as being close to the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), believes the player may need to consider leaving the club.

“It may be time to show a little pride and leave this club,” he said.

Despite recognising Diaz’s ability, Youssef fears the lack of regular football could affect the player’s fitness during a competition.

Diaz has also faced criticism over the impression that he places Real Madrid above all other considerations. Some observers have accused him of undervaluing Morocco’s national team compared with his club, believing that nothing means more to him than wearing Real Madrid’s white shirt.

The player joined Real Madrid from Manchester City in January 2019, before spending three seasons on loan at AC Milan. He returned permanently to Real Madrid in the summer of 2023, determined to secure a regular place in the team.

However, he had already been restricted to a substitute role under Carlo Ancelotti and Xabi Alonso before the Jose Mourinho era. Even so, Diaz made an important contribution to Real Madrid’s Champions League triumph two years ago, operating as an influential impact substitute.

His current situation has therefore renewed the debate in Morocco over whether remaining at Real Madrid is the best option for a player considered an established member of the national side.

Diaz has won 34 caps for Morocco and scored 15 goals. His supporters now want to see him playing more regularly, particularly with concerns that his limited minutes could affect his physical condition when he represents the national team.