-
Ed Dove
Morocco’s standout player, Brahim Díaz, “has the potential to be the best player in the world,” as stated by head coach Walid Regragui. This comes after the Real Madrid forward scored his fifth goal in five consecutive matches during the Africa Cup of Nations, helping Morocco eliminate Cameroon in the quarterfinals.
The Atlas Lions advanced to their first semifinal in 22 years after defeating the Indomitable Lions 2-0. Díaz opened the scoring in the 26th minute, followed by a second goal from Ismael Saibari 16 minutes later.
Díaz is currently the standout performer at the Nations Cup, becoming the first player in history to score in five straight AFCON matches, having netted in every game for the North African side thus far.
“His scoring and changed mentality are significant,” Regragui remarked to ESPN. “He’s working hard, keeping possession, and sending a strong message about his importance to the team’s spirit.”
“Seeing your best player putting in this effort, coupled with crucial goals, is vital,” he added. “He understands my vision and has embraced a new mindset. I have emphasized that he can reach the pinnacle of the game with dedication.”
Díaz has opened the scoring for Morocco in four of their five Nations Cup matches, including their initial 2-0 victory against Comoros, a 1-1 draw with Mali, and a 1-0 win over Tanzania in the Round of 16, where his second-half goal was pivotal for the Atlas Lions’ advancement.
His impressive performances at the Nations Cup starkly contrast his difficulties at Real Madrid this season, where he’s started only three league matches and netted just once in 17 total appearances across La Liga and the Champions League.
Díaz arrived at the Nations Cup lacking match fitness after playing only 125 minutes for Real since late October.
“We’ve been mindful of Brahim’s development, substituting him during various matches, to help build his strength,” Regragui noted. “He has faced some challenges with game time at his club, and this has been a part of our strategic focus.”
“He’s gaining strength here, and we’re pleased with his progress.”
Díaz, born in Malaga to a Spanish mother and Moroccan father, earned his first senior cap for Spain in 2021 before switching allegiance to the Atlas Lions following their World Cup semifinal journey in 2022.
He registered his first goal for Morocco in September 2024 against Gabon during AFCON qualifiers but has since become one of Morocco’s key attacking players as they strive to claim their first Nations Cup title in 50 years.
“He’s started this competition incredibly, scoring in every game, and I couldn’t be more pleased with Brahim,” Regragui remarked. “At this moment, he is the defining factor in my team, and I applaud his efforts.”
“Now, he truly comprehends the essence of having Moroccan heritage; it symbolizes resilience, determination, and giving everything you have.”
Standing at five goals, Díaz leads the scoring charts but trails behind Ndaye Mulamba’s record of nine goals for Zaire in the 1974 tournament, when they claimed the championship.
Morocco is set to stay in Rabat for Wednesday’s semifinal, their first appearance at this stage since 2004. A goal from Díaz would tie him with Ghana‘s Kofi Osei, who scored in six consecutive matches during the 1963 and 1965 Nations Cups.