Brahim Diaz has emerged as the central figure in Morocco’s quest for African glory at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with huge expectations resting on his shoulders to help end a 50-year wait for a continental title.
Widely regarded as the linchpin of the Atlas Lions, the winger has carried his group-stage brilliance into the spotlight, reinforcing the belief that Morocco can finally lift the trophy on home soil.
The Malaga-born attacker brings with him a wealth of top-level experience, having worn the colours of three European giants in Manchester City, AC Milan and current club Real Madrid.
His club pedigree is matched by an impressive collection of honours, making him one of the most decorated players in the Moroccan squad. Diaz’s trophy cabinet includes league titles in England, Spain and Italy, as well as Champions League, European Super Cup and Intercontinental Cup success, all achieved during his time at Real Madrid.
Diaz has so far represented Morocco in 18 matches, scoring 11 goals, and his influence continues to grow during the finals of the 35th edition of the tournament being staged in the Kingdom.
He arrived at the competition in fine form after finishing as the top scorer in the qualifiers with seven goals, and he maintained that momentum by finding the net in three consecutive group-stage matches. In doing so, he achieved a feat last recorded by the late Ahmed Faras during the 1976 edition, when Morocco claimed their only AFCON title to date.
Moroccan supporters have embraced Diaz wholeheartedly, chanting “Si Ibrahim, Si Ibrahim” as he responded with performances that have fuelled dreams of another historic triumph.
Fans are hopeful that this connection will prove symbolic, guiding the Atlas Lions towards the final scheduled for January 18 in Rabat, exactly half a century after their sole continental success in Ethiopia.
In the absence of Hakim Ziyech, who has been sidelined after terminating his contract with Qatari side Al-Duhail before signing with Wydad Casablanca last month, Diaz has taken on added responsibility. Operating on the right wing and in midfield, he has established himself as a key attacking outlet under head coach Walid Regragui.
His energy, movement and creativity have made him the most influential player in the team, consistently troubling defenders with his dribbling and penetrative runs.
Diaz’s impact has been clear in decisive moments. He completed five successful dribbles during the group stage and won two penalties, the first missed by Soufiane Rahimi in the opening match, before Diaz confidently converted the second in the 1-1 draw against Mali.
Joint top scorer alongside compatriot Ayoub El Kaabi and Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez, Diaz also earned individual recognition by being named man of the match in the opening victory over Comoros.
Speaking after that game, Diaz did not hide his emotional attachment to the Moroccan shirt.
“I feel at home. I feel very comfortable, and I know that people love me. I always want to give my best for Morocco, because without them I wouldn’t be here. I am very happy to represent my country,” he said.
The tournament marks Diaz’s first AFCON appearance since announcing in March 2024 his decision to represent Morocco instead of Spain, whose youth teams he previously featured for.
His choice came shortly after Morocco’s early exit from the previous edition in Ivory Coast and followed several earlier invitations he had declined under former coaches Hervé Renard and Vahid Halilhodžić, as he continued to harbour hopes of establishing himself with Spain’s senior national team.
Eligible to play for Morocco through his paternal grandparents, Diaz eventually earned a senior call-up for Spain during the Covid-19 pandemic in June 2021, scoring in a friendly win over Lithuania. However, he later opted to change his sporting nationality, a decision that was publicly backed by then Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti, who said: “Morocco is a good choice, they are a great team, I know their coach well, they had a fantastic World Cup and I think Ibrahim will be a great addition to them.”
Explaining his decision, Diaz made his feelings clear in his first media appearance afterwards.
“Who wouldn’t love to be part of a national team like Morocco? I always decide with my heart, and that was the case this time as well. I’m a young man with dreams, it’s simple. The affection and the project that was offered to me in Morocco seemed very good to me. The decision has been made. Now there’s no point in thinking about what would have happened if… nothing will change,” he said.
Despite his success at international level, Diaz has found opportunities limited at club level. After excelling during a loan spell at AC Milan, where he played a key role in their 2022 Serie A title triumph, he has struggled for regular starts since returning to Real Madrid.
Under both Carlo Ancelotti and current coach Xabi Alonso, he has largely been used as a substitute, a situation reminiscent of his early years at Manchester City.
This season, Diaz has featured in 18 matches across all competitions for Real Madrid, starting only seven of them. Yet rather than hindering him, this reality appears to have fuelled his determination.
Each appearance in a Moroccan shirt has showcased a player eager to express himself, channelling his motivation into performances that underline why so much hope now rests on him as Morocco chases long-awaited continental glory.
