Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi has publicly consoled Morocco’s Brahim Diaz following the Real Madrid star’s pivotal penalty miss in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final. During the high-stakes championship clash against Senegal on Sunday, Diaz failed to convert from the spot, a moment that proved decisive in the Teranga Lions’ victory. Despite the agonizing conclusion to his tournament, Diaz finished the competition as the leading marksman, officially claiming the AFCON Golden Boot for his prolific scoring record in Morocco.
In the latest installment of his popular AFCON Diaries series, Iwobi urged fans and critics to show empathy toward the winger, noting that the fine margins of football often separate a hero from a scapegoat. The Nigerian international emphasized that one unfortunate moment should not overshadow the exceptional performance Diaz delivered throughout the month-long event. Iwobi encouraged his peer to move past the disappointment and shift his focus back to his domestic campaign with Real Madrid, where he remains a key figure.
The Super Eagles playmaker highlighted the psychological toll such high-pressure moments exert on elite athletes. By sharing his perspective, Iwobi joined a growing number of professional voices advocating for player welfare in the face of social media scrutiny. As the football world reflects on a dramatic final, the recognition of Diaz as the tournament’s top scorer serves as a reminder of his significant contribution to Morocco’s historic run on home soil.
Alex Iwobi expressed his solidarity through his digital series: “A shoutout to Brahim Diaz. He will be going through a lot. I mean, to take the penalty the way he did, if he scored, he would have been a hero; it is just the fact that he did not. Please, it is football, allow him, but my message to Diaz is what is done is done. He had a good tournament. Do your thing in your club.”
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