The dramatic loss of the Africa Cup of Nations title to Senegal in the dying seconds of the final has left a deep emotional scar on Morocco star Brahim Diaz.
According to people close to him, the Real Madrid playmaker has entered a severe psychological crisis and has gone as far as seriously considering early “retirement” and walking away from football altogether, in a shocking twist to his career.
Reports indicate that Diaz has withdrawn into almost complete isolation since the final. He has cut off contact with those around him and stopped answering phone calls and messages, confiding to a few trusted individuals that he “no longer wants to play football anymore”.
This fragile mental state is rooted in an overwhelming sense of guilt. Diaz is said to hold himself fully responsible for shattering Morocco’s dream after missing the decisive penalty against Senegal in stoppage time, a spot-kick widely described as having been taken in a “naive” manner given the pressure and context.
That failed attempt, in what should have been the crowning moment of his international career, has become a “black mark” in his professional journey in his own eyes.
Those around the national team now fear that unless he receives proper psychological support and emotional reassurance, the aftermath of that one kick could derail the future of one of Morocco’s brightest talents.
