AFCON of Stars: Brahim Díaz, the moment of truth

When he decides in 2024 to turn his back on Spain to join Morocco, Brahim Díaz surprises, intrigues, then convinces the African public.

From his first appearances, his technical touch, his grazing ball handling, his ability to play with tight spaces as well as shine between the lines make him a unique piece in the squad of Walid Regragui. The numbers confirm it: 7 goals in 4 matches during the qualifiers for AFCON 2025, top scorer of the phase and most influential finisher on the continent at that moment. His hat-trick against Lesotho (7-0) perfectly symbolizes his integration: fast, natural, decisive. At 26 years old, Brahim is no longer a promise, he becomes a guarantee.


Game-changing internal praise

The impact of Brahim Díaz was immediate, perceptible on the field but also in the locker room. Achraf Hakimi, key executive and relay of Regragui since 2022, perfectly summed up the group’s enthusiasm. « Brahim brings us a lot, his creativity and vision of the game are a real plus for our team. We immediately integrated him as a brother." Walid Regragui, he sees in him more than just a reinforcement. “Brahim’s arrival enriched our offensive potential. He was well received by the group and quickly adapted to our way of playing.”

In a team where balance remains a complex science, between rapid transitions, possession play and management of weak times, Brahim appears as the architect sought for a long time.

A continental talent, a demanding context

In this new season at Real Madrid, the competition and the choices of the new coach have limited his continuity.
But paradoxically, these difficulties seem to fuel his sports revolt.
Morocco, on the other hand, sees the situation differently. The important thing is not the number of minutes in La Liga but the real impact in the national team. Because in selection, Brahim is tenured, creative, liberated.


An AFCON at home with immense expectations

In a Group A composed of Mali, Zambia and the Comoros, Morocco will not have the right to make mistakes. History holds that the pressure of a home tournament can serve as propulsion... or crush ambitions. The country dreams of a trophy that it has not touched since 1976. And the keys to the attacking game are now between the feet of the native of Malaga. At 26 years old, Brahim Díaz finds himself at one of these crossroads where the quarry is toppling. This edition could well be the competition of consecration: the one where Brahim will no longer carry only the ball, but the ambitions of a people.