Brahim Díaz #10

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The protagonist of January’s controversial Afcon final, winning the dubious late penalty that caused Senegal’s players to leave the pitch in protest and then failing miserably with his Panenka once they had returned. The next day Díaz expressed remorse, stating that his “soul ached” and took full responsibility for the defeat that was eventually overturned by Caf, pending Senegal’s appeal. The penalty miss came after a sensational first tournament for Díaz, who admitted the moment will be hard to overcome and vowed to keep fighting “not for me, but for everyone who believed in me”. The decision of Díaz, playing week in week out for Real Madrid, to switch to Morocco from Spain in 2024 was a significant breakthrough. Born in Malaga to a Moroccan father, Díaz never shies away when he’s asked about his allegiance. “I am 100% Moroccan and 100% Spanish. I love both countries,” he told Cadena Ser in 2024.

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