Real Madrid superstar, Kylian Mbappé, has expressed support for Moroccan star, Brahim Díaz, after his penalty miss against Senegal in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Mbappé revealed his message to Díaz, who is his teammate at Real Madrid, after the 26-year-old cost his country a first continental title in 50 years.
The forward missed a last-gasp penalty in the closing moments of regulation time as the Atlas Lions lost the AFCON final to Senegal in extra time.
Mbappé spoke to reporters ahead of Real Madrid’s return to UEFA Champions League action this week.
The 27-year-old revealed that he had spoken with Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi but not directly with Brahim Díaz, while stating his commitment to helping the midfielder overcome his disappointment.
“I didn’t speak directly with Brahim. I talked with Achraf (Hakimi) and I can somewhat understand what happened. It’s a tough moment.
“It’s true that I’ve also experienced difficult times with the national team, anger, frustration. But you have to keep working. That’s the life of a footballer.
“I came to Madrid to win titles, but you also have to think about people, about feelings. Our goal is to help Brahim recover and support him,” he said (via Foot Africa).
Díaz was awarded a penalty in the eighth minute of stoppage time, a few minutes after Ismaïla Sarr had a goal chalked off for a foul.
The Senegalese players went off the pitch in protest, spending several minutes in the tunnel before re-emerging to conclude the game, which they eventually won.