Brahim Diaz has been named in Real Madrid’s squad for Saturday’s La Liga match against Villarreal, marking his return to club action following an emotionally demanding Africa Cup of Nations campaign with Morocco.
The attacking midfielder rejoins Carlo Ancelotti’s side after a tournament that brought both personal success and deep disappointment.
Diaz finished AFCON 2025 as the competition’s top scorer but endured a painful conclusion after missing a decisive penalty in the final defeat to Senegal.
The contrasting moments defined a campaign that tested the player both physically and mentally.
Having turned the page on his international duties, Diaz reported back to Madrid this week with a clear focus on the remainder of the club season.
His inclusion in the squad for the Villarreal fixture signals the coaching staff’s confidence in his readiness to return to competitive football.
For the 24-year-old, the match represents an immediate opportunity to channel the emotions of the past weeks into performance on the domestic stage.
Despite the disappointment of the AFCON final, Diaz has shown no sign of diminished motivation.
Instead, his return has been marked by determination and a desire to contribute to Real Madrid’s ongoing momentum in La Liga.
Those close to the club believe the player is eager to respond on the pitch, using his experience with Morocco as fuel rather than a setback.
Diaz will be supported by a familiar environment at the Santiago Bernabéu, where the Madrid crowd has consistently backed him during key moments of the season.
Former club figure Álvaro Arbeloa has also expressed confidence in the midfielder’s character and ability to respond positively after adversity.
Real Madrid approach the Villarreal match aiming to maintain their winning rhythm, and Diaz’s presence adds another attacking option as the team balances domestic ambitions with a demanding schedule.
His return underscores the club’s depth and the importance of players who can quickly refocus after international tournaments.
As attention shifts fully back to La Liga, Diaz’s call-up highlights a fresh chapter in his season, one shaped by resilience, expectation and the determination to move forward after continental heartbreak.
