Ibrahim Diaz: Morocco’s AFCON breakout and the Real Madrid dilemma

Ibrahim Diaz stamped his mark on the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, scoring three Moroccan goals in just 211 minutes across matches against Comoros, Mali, and Zambia. That haul outpaced his club form, where he has one goal in 484 minutes this season, including a Champions League strike against Kazakh side Kairat Almaty.

Diaz's numbers at home tell a different story: he leads for Morocco on the pitch but not at Real Madrid, and Mundo Deportivo notes the gap.

Since joining Real Madrid in 2019, Diaz has mostly been a squad player. A 2020 Milan loan for three seasons, wearing number 10, helped shape his Morocco identity.

Return to Real Madrid

Back at the Bernabeu, he returned in a better position, but a lack of trust from coach Xabi Alonso meant fewer chances, even as Rodrygo Goes regained form.

Diaz has become a true leader for Morocco on and off the pitch since obtaining citizenship in March 2024. His image is now widely seen across the country, under the 'Ibrahim’s Mindset' banner.

Choosing the Atlas Lions over Spain looks justified, Mundo Deportivo says, as his star keeps rising and his public appeal deepens.

Punchline: If Diaz heads a ball with that swagger, the net files for a restraining order.

Punchline: With him on the pitch, defenses need a passport and a visa just to reach him.