Brahim Diaz: The Undisputed Star of AFCON 2025
Moroccan forward Brahim Diaz has emerged as the standout player of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025, hosted in Morocco. According to the American magazine The Athletic, the sporting arm of the New York Times, he is the “undisputed star” of the tournament, thanks to his exceptional performances on the field.
Impressive Statistics
At 26, Diaz has scored in every match played up to the quarter-finals, including the opening goal in the Lions of the Atlas’s 2-0 victory over Cameroon. The Athletic highlights that scoring in five different matches is a rare achievement, accomplished by only three other players in the history of the AFCON.
Renewed Hope for Supporters
The American publication notes that Diaz’s talent “gives hope to Moroccan supporters” who are yearning for a new African title after the historic win in 1976. The forward has successfully “captured the hearts of Moroccans” with his consistency and influence in crucial matches.
Outstanding Offensive Record
Brahim Diaz has opened the scoring four times during the competition and has shone against defensively organized teams like Comoros and Tanzania. During the qualifiers, he also made headlines with a hat-trick against Lesotho in a resounding 7-0 victory, finishing as the tournament’s top scorer with 7 goals, ahead of Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy (6 goals).
Recognition from the Coaching Staff
National coach Walid Regragui emphasized that Diaz is “undoubtedly the main asset” of his team and has the potential to become “the best player in the world.” “I want to congratulate him because he now understands what it means to have Moroccan blood: to run, to fight, and to give it all,” added the coach following the victory against Cameroon.
A Meteoric Rise
The Athletic reminds us that Diaz’s rise within the Lions of the Atlas has been swift: he debuted in February 2024, just a month after the last AFCON. This tournament has come at an opportune time for him, as he has been going through a challenging period at Real Madrid under Xabi Alonso, where he has only started three times in La Liga during the 2025-2026 season.
