Diaz: "My Soul Aches... I Failed Yesterday and Apologize from the Bottom of My Heart"

Morocco international Brahim Diaz posted an emotional message on his personal Instagram account following the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 final, where the Moroccan national team suffered a 1-0 defeat to Senegal. Diaz expressed his profound sadness after missing a decisive penalty kick.

"My soul aches," Brahim Diaz wrote in his post. "I dreamed of this title thanks to all the love you have given me, for every message, for every show of support that made me feel I was not alone. I fought with everything I had, with my heart first."

He added: "I failed yesterday, and I take full responsibility. I apologize from the bottom of my heart. It will be difficult for me to get back up because this wound does not heal easily, but I will try."

He continued: "Not for myself, but for everyone who believed in me, and for everyone who suffered with me. I will continue to move forward until one day I can repay all this love and be a source of pride for my Moroccan people. Dima Maghrib."

Brahim Diaz had missed a penalty kick in the final seconds of regular time, which ultimately allowed the Senegalese national team to score the only goal of the match through Pape Gueye in the 94th minute of the first half of extra time, thus securing the final victory for Senegal.