By Angu Lesley
In a historic TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations, Real Madrid’s Brahim Díaz emerged not only as Morocco’s attacking heartbeat but also as the tournament’s top marksman, finishing with 5 goals and the PUMA Golden Boot. His clinical finishing, vision, and composure under pressure lit up stadiums across the continent and made him a standout performer of AFCON 2025.
Díaz’s scoring run was nothing short of spectacular, becoming the first player in AFCON history to score in each of his first five matches in the final phase. He began the tournament with a decisive goal in Morocco’s 2–0 opening win against Comoros, setting the tone for a campaign defined by poise and precision. In the second group match against Mali, he again found the net, helping Morocco secure a vital result and maintaining the team’s momentum at the top of their group. Against Zambia, Díaz continued his rich vein of form, scoring in a 3–0 victory, which cemented Morocco’s dominance in the group stage and highlighted his growing influence.
The knockout rounds saw Díaz elevate his game even further. In the Round of 16 clash with Tanzania, he scored the only goal of the match, sending Morocco into the quarter-finals and demonstrating his ability to deliver when it mattered most. Perhaps the highlight of his campaign came in the quarter-final against Cameroon, where he opened the scoring in a 2–0 win, becoming just the second player in AFCON history to score in five consecutive matches in a single tournament. That goal not only secured Morocco’s semi-final spot but also confirmed Díaz as the team’s indispensable match-winner.
Beyond the goals, Díaz’s impact was felt in every aspect of Morocco’s play. His leadership on the field inspired teammates, while his consistent scoring opened games and silenced opposition momentum. By scoring against five different opponents—Comoros, Mali, Zambia, Tanzania, and Cameroon—he etched his name into AFCON history as one of the competition’s elite performers.
While Morocco ultimately fell just short in the dramatic AFCON final, losing 1–0 to Senegal, Díaz’s influence throughout the tournament was undeniable. He earned a late penalty in the final, which was saved, denying him a fairytale ending, but his Golden Boot success remains a testament to one of the most consistent and thrilling attacking displays in recent AFCON history.
Brahim Díaz didn’t just win the Golden Boot—he electrified a nation, delivered in key moments, and left a legacy that Moroccan fans will remember for years to come. His AFCON 2025 journey was a masterclass in determination, skill, and attacking brilliance.
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