RABAT, Morocco (AP) — Real Madrid could be looking forward to getting a rejuvenated Brahim Diaz something like a new contract when he returns from the African Cup of Nations.
Brahim has emerged as the star of the tournament, with Morocco’s No. 10 leading scorer with five goals so far.
Brahim, 26, could still lead the hosts to victory Sunday’s final against Senegalwhen the Atlas Lions hope to end their 50-year wait to win their second Africa Cup title.
Given his lack of attention, few could have predicted his impact on Morocco. real madrid this season.
Brahim started just four games in La Liga and the Champions League under former Madrid manager Xabi Alonso, but only made 14 substitute appearances.
He started all six matches for Morocco and scored a goal in almost every match. Brahim achieved the remarkable feat of scoring in all of Morocco’s first five matches. It was only the semi-final against Nigeria – then No one scored before the penalty shootout –Brahim’s scoring streak has come to an end.
Morocco coach Walid Reglagui suggested that Brahim’s mentality has changed since he joined the team.
“A lot has changed since he came. Of course he came with great motivation and a lot of people were waiting for him to make a big change,” Regulaghi said on Saturday. “Now he understands that he’s another (player) on the team. Of course he’s an X-factor for us, a player who can score on every play, but what’s more important for us is how he runs for the team and how he drives this attacking style that we want.”
Brahim had eight shots on target, more than any other Moroccan player in this tournament. If he scores again on Sunday, he will join Ahmed Faras as Morocco’s all-time leading scorer at the African Cup with six players. Fallas, Africa’s best soccer player in 1975, is his country’s all-time leading scorer with 36 goals.
“Even though he didn’t score in his last game, he was one of the happiest,” said Regulagi. “He is proud to play for Morocco.”
Regulagui recalled that in January 2023, Moroccan Football Federation president Fawzi Lekujar approached Brahim and persuaded the young forward to play in Morocco. Born in Spain, Brahim is the son of a Moroccan father and a Spanish mother. Brahim played for Spain’s youth teams and once for the first team.
“The truth is, I wasn’t lying when I told him that there are people here who will love him for the rest of his life and that even if he died for the team and the fans, they would never forget him, and that he could win titles and play in the World Cup,” Legulagi said. “That’s what’s happening for him now and I’m very happy.”
The manager said he was pleased with Brahim’s attitude and was delighted to be returning to Madrid with far more playing time than he would have received in the Spanish capital.
Brahim will then return to a different environment. Madrid sack Alonsohe was replaced by former teammate Alvaro Arbeloa.
“I’m sure he will compete for the position,” Coach Legulagui said of Brahim. “But now he has to finish the job tomorrow, because that’s what’s important to him and to us.”
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Associated Press on Africa Cup: https://apnews.com/hub/africa-cup-of-nations
