Kingdom
CAN-2025: Brahim Diaz, the Atlas Lions’ Secret Weapon
Decisive with three goals in as many matches at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON-2025), Brahim Diaz is establishing himself as a key player in Morocco’s attack, alongside Ayoub El Kaabi.
Skillful with both his left and right foot, the former Citizen, who passed through AC Milan before landing at Real Madrid, is becoming the fans’ “favorite” match after match thanks to his technique and surgical finishing in front of goal. His palpable *grinta*, especially in his goal celebrations, embodies all the love he has for Morocco, which he chose in 2024.
Criticized by the Spanish press after letting such a gem slip away, Spain’s coach, Luis de la Fuente, mentioned “a personal decision that must be respected.” “We must respect players’ choices. There’s no need to dramatize the issue,” the European champion clarified to the Iberian press.
Within the Moroccan national team, his integration was not easy at first, but as the matches went on, he adapted to African football and brought what was sometimes missing from Morocco’s game: the ability to break lines, create in tight spaces, and turn a match with a single move.
“Brahim Diaz is effective. He needed time to adapt to African football, which is totally different from Europe,” explained Walid Regragui.
The numbers confirm this impact. In less than a dozen caps in his first international year, Brahim Díaz has been directly involved in several decisive goals (goals and assists combined), with a ratio close to one offensive contribution every two matches.
He is also among Morocco’s most active players in the final third: high average of key passes per game, a high successful dribble rate, and constant involvement in both settled and transitional attacking phases.
Beyond the raw statistics, his influence is evident in the tempo of the game. With Diaz, Morocco gains unpredictability: more shots following build-up play, more chances created.
At just 25 years old, Brahim Diaz now embodies a link between the experience of the senior players and the new technical wave of the Atlas Lions.
His high-level European career, combined with his growing effectiveness for the national team, makes him one of Morocco’s major assets for the challenges in this AFCON… and beyond! He has already scored 3 goals, and the best is certainly yet to come.
