Brahim returns to Madrid with a point to prove after AFCON heartbreak
The Moroccan international rejoins Real Madrid training today with renewed determination following his stellar - if ultimately painful - African Cup of Nations campaign.
A revitalized Brahim Díaz returns to Real Madrid training today, carrying both the glory of being AFCON’s top scorer and the burden of that penalty miss that’s been splashed across every sports page.
AFCON aftermath
Despite the gutting conclusion to Morocco’s campaign against Senegal, Brahim returns to the Spanish capital with his reputation enhanced. The support he’s received has been nothing short of remarkable:
- His Instagram apology post garnered over 500,000 comments, mostly positive
- That’s four times more engagement than Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi’s post (124,000)
- Support has poured in from teammates and fellow professionals, including Luis Enrique, Sergio Ramos, and the Madrid squad
The penalty miss might sting, but the lad’s shown proper bottle throughout the tournament.
Battle for minutes
The 26-year-old now faces the familiar challenge of fighting for minutes in a stacked Madrid squad. With Mastantuono impressing and Rodrygo set to return from injury, competition for that right-wing slot is proper tasty.
New gaffer Álvaro Arbeloa seems well chuffed with what he’s seen, though: “If Morocco reached the final, it’s largely down to Brahim’s exceptional tournament.”
Arbeloa’s already highlighted Brahim’s versatility as a massive asset for his tactical setup. The Spanish-born Moroccan international has notched five goals during AFCON, giving him some serious Adam and Eve (believe) when pushing for more game time.
Contract talks brewing
Behind the scenes, Madrid have been working for months on extending Brahim’s stay at the Bernabéu. While his current deal runs until 2027, the club views him as an essential piece of their future puzzle.
At 26, Brahim is entering his prime years, and Madrid are keen to secure his services for at least another five seasons. The negotiations appear to be progressing nicely, with both parties nearing agreement.
Morocco redemption arc
Looking ahead, Brahim has unfinished business with Morocco. The 2026 World Cup (where they’ll face Brazil, Scotland and Haiti) offers his first shot at redemption.
Beyond that, Morocco is rumored to be hosting the 2028 AFCON after CAF announced they’re switching to four-year cycles rather than biennial tournaments. Could there be a more perfect stage for Brahim to complete his redemption story than lifting the trophy on home soil?