Senegal's Ndiaye Criticizes Brahim Diaz's Panenka Attempt: 'He Wanted to Show Himself as a Star'

Iliman Ndiaye, the Senegal national team and Everton forward, has criticized Brahim Diaz following the latter's failed Panenka penalty attempt during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final against eventual champions Senegal. Ndiaye suggested that Diaz's decision to try a "Panenka" was an attempt to "show off as a star" at the expense of the opposing team.

In a newspaper interview with "The Times," Ndiaye stated: "I felt like there was a kind of disrespect. I'm not saying he wanted to offend us, but it was either that or he wanted to show himself as a star. I don't understand why he did that."

He further added: "I was praying to myself, saying: I hope he fails."

The Senegalese national team secured their second Africa Cup of Nations title in 2025, defeating Morocco one goal to nil. The decisive goal was scored by Pape Gueye in the 94th minute of the first half of extra time, after the regulation ninety minutes ended in a goalless draw.