Brahim Diaz makes a statement about missing Morocco’s penalty after being criticized by Walid Regragui
Real Madrid star Brahim Diaz has gone on social media to apologize to Moroccan fans following his penalty miss on Sunday night in the African Cup of Nations final against Senegal. With seconds remaining, Brahim stepped up to score the winner from the spot, but Edouard Mendy read his effort from Panenka, collecting the ball easily.
Soon after, Brahim was withdrawn from the action in the first half of extra time by manager Walid Regragui. The 26-year-old has been heavily criticized, not for missing the penalty, but for trying to take Mendy out with Panenka. Mendy denied that he agreed to do that with Brahim during the decision dispute.
The result shocked the whole world – including his Real Madrid teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold. He was live streaming with his brother Marcel while watching the final, and after Brahim missed, Alexander-Arnold left the shot.
Trent Alexander-Arnold responding to Brahim Diaz’s penalty live on radio with his brother. He didn’t believe it. His brother said it was “lowkey black magic” that caused him to lose the penalty. π
pic.twitter.com/R6kPsEh6Gbβ ππ¬π€π²πππ (@AsakyGRN) January 19, 2026
Brahim Diaz posted a sad statement on social media
Less than 24 hours later, after leaving the stadium in tears, Brahim posted a statement on his Instagram account apologizing for the miss.
My heart hurts. I dreamed of this article because of all the love you gave me, all the messages, all the shows of support that made me feel alone. I fought with everything I had, with my heart above all else.
Yesterday I failed, and I take full responsibility and apologize from the bottom of my heart.
It will be difficult to recover, because this wound does not heal easily, but I will try. Not because of me, but everyone who believes in me and all who suffer with me.
I will continue until one day I can return all this love and be a source of pride for my Moroccan people.
‘Stopping doesn’t excuse you’ – Morocco manager Walid Regragui
After the match, Morocco’s manager, Walid Regragui, was asked about Brahim’s penalty. The Senegalese players left the field complaining about the decision to award a penalty, and returned after 10 minutes. Regragui told Sport that he did not deserve his decision to take the goal in that way.
“He is the first choice penalty taker in the team; the long break made him unable to settle down. That does not excuse the way he took the penalty. But we will not back down. We will answer for ourselves. It is very difficult. We were one minute away from becoming African champions. Football is cruel sometimes.”
Brahim apologized to the Moroccan players
According to Indykaila, Brahim has also apologized to the Moroccan team. When she got dressed afterwards, she did so, before breaking down in tears again, and apparently fearing the reaction of the Moroccan public.
Brahim was a popular player for the Atlas Lions, and finished the tournament with five goals, making him the top scorer. Changing nationality in 2024, Brahim has 13 goals in 22 matches for Morocco, who have lodged complaints with CAF and FIFA over Senegal’s conduct.
