'My soul is aching,' says Diaz after AFCON penalty miss

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RABAT — The day after Brahim Diaz's penalty miss cost Morocco the Africa Cup of Nations final against Senegal, the Real Madrid player promised on Monday to repay his country's fans.

"My soul is aching," Diaz posted on Instagram. "I dreamt of this title because of all the love you have given me, for every message, for every show of support that made me feel like I'm not alone. I fought with everything I had, with my heart above all."

Morocco's forward #10 Brahim Diaz kicks the ball to miss a penalty in the nets of Senegal's goalkeeper #16 Edouard Mendy during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) final football match between Senegal and Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on January 18, 2026. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP)

Diaz won an added time penalty when he went down challenging for a corner. After a long pause for a video review and after some Senegal players walked off in protest, Diaz attempted to bluff Edouard Mendy with a chipped spot kick. The goalkeeper was not fooled and caught the ball. Senegal then won in extra time.

"I failed and I take full responsibility, and apologise with all my heart," wrote Diaz.

"It's going to be hard for me to get up, because this wound doesn't heal easily, but I'll try. Not for me, but for all those who believed in me, and for all who suffer with me.

"I will keep going forward until one day I can return all this love to you and be the pride of my Moroccan people."