Brahim Diaz World Cup Golden Ball Morocco Redemption

The recent history of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations has been full of twists and turns. During a heated final played in January 2026 against Senegal, Brahim Diaz misses a panenka in the 24th minute of extra time. This is followed by a winning goal from the Senegalese in extra time, transforming the striker into the real culprit for the defeat. It took a decision from the African Football Confederation (CAF) appeals commission issued on March 17 for the national team to be officially declared champions.

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This unexpected redemption was celebrated by the player during a Champions League match with Real Madrid against Manchester City. "The love of supporters returned after the CAF decision," explains journalist Ahmed Talal, who doesn’t hesitate to compare this episode to the penalty missed by Roberto Baggio in 1994. With thirteen goals in twenty-four selections, the player establishes himself as a cornerstone of a team whose fans now demand a place in the final, or even the supreme title.

The first major test for this generation will take place on June 13 in New Jersey against Brazil. Placed in Group C with Scotland and Haiti, Diaz’s teammates have proven they can rival South American giants, notably by beating them 2-1 in a friendly in March 2023. For many observers, this squad is no less impressive than the Brazilian national team, which has been chasing a world title since 2002.

To guide this armada, the federation appointed Mohammed Ouahbi following Walid Regragui’s resignation last March. Armed with his U20 World Cup victory against Argentina, the coach relies on historic leaders such as Achraf Hakimi, who returned from a month-long injury to win the Champions League final with PSG against Arsenal. He also counts on Yassine Bounou, brilliant with Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, and Premier League players such as Issa Diop and Chemsidine Talbi.

The midfield will remain built around reliable players such as Sofyan Amrabat and Azzedine Ounahi, who completed 69 successful dribbles in La Liga last season despite Girona’s relegation. However, the list of players called up for this North American tournament includes strong choices. Othmane Maamma, despite winning the Golden Ball at the U20 World Cup and shining with Watford, remains on the sidelines, as does his club teammate Imran Louza.

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Optimism reigns undeniably around this group capable of breaking the ultimate barriers of African football. In an analysis relayed by Mirror, Ahmed Talal confidently predicts a final victory for his team at this World Cup. He goes even further by predicting that Brahim Diaz, who went from pariah status to hero, will win the prestigious Golden Ball of the tournament.