Heavily criticized after missing a Panenka in the AFCON final against Senegal, Brahim Diaz received high-profile support. He could have given Morocco the win on Sunday (a 1–0 loss after extra time), but his failed attempt spread across social media and triggered a wave of negative reactions.
Speaking at a press conference with PSG, Luis Enrique, the former Spain coach who knows the player well, stepped in to defend him. Although Diaz plays for Real Madrid and is not his player, the Parisian coach is familiar with this kind of situation. He recalled that even Zidane, “a god in football,” did it in a World Cup final, and that Sergio Ramos has done it too. “If you score a Panenka, everyone applauds. If you miss, there are a lot of bad comments,” he said.
Luis Enrique Defends Brahim Diaz
The Spaniard then emphasized the player’s human and sporting qualities. “Brahim Diaz is a magnificent player. I know him, I called him up to the Spanish national team for a match. He is an exceptional player and a very good person,” he insisted.
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Finally, Luis Enrique urged everyone to put the painful episode into perspective. “I can understand that it’s hard to accept, it was strange, but it’s a sport, nothing more. In sport you have to show that you can win and that you can lose. Whether you win or lose, nothing serious happens. The most important thing is the values you show people. Brahim is not an assassin or a bad person, and it’s important to say that. He’s a young player, and it’s a difficult moment,” he concluded, sending a clear message of support and calm.
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