Conspiracy theorists were left pointing the finger at Brahim Díaz after the Real Madrid star missed a penalty with the final kick of a chaotic and controversial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final between host nation Morocco and Senegal.
Senegal’s late goal ruled out
After a goalless 90 minutes, Senegal thought they had scored a dramatic winner in the second minute of stoppage time when Ismaila Sarr headed into the net from close range. However, the referee had already blown for a soft foul in the buildup, a decision that left the Senegalese players and bench furious.
Morocco penalty, VAR and total chaos
Their anger only intensified minutes later when Morocco were awarded a penalty for a foul on Díaz, who claimed he had been pulled back inside the box. After a VAR check, the spot kick was confirmed, and chaos followed. Both benches poured toward the touchline, arguing and jostling as tempers flared.
Senegal walk off in protest
Enraged by being on the wrong end of two major decisions in quick succession, Senegal manager Pape Thiaw instructed his players to leave the field. Some headed straight for the locker room, while others remained on the pitch, seemingly unsure whether the match would actually be completed.
After a delay of roughly 15 minutes, Senegal’s players eventually returned for what remained of extra time, which consisted solely of the penalty itself.
The Panenka that Brahim will never forget
One kick separated Morocco from the AFCON trophy for the first time in 50 years, but the Madrid attacker’s dreadful Panenka attempt drifted embarrassingly into the waiting hands of Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
The woeful execution immediately sparked conspiracy theories across social media. Even the UK broadcast team openly debated whether Díaz had missed on purpose, given everything that had unfolded beforehand.
Given that he had actively appealed for the penalty after being hauled down in the box, that theory seems unlikely. Still, after the events of this particular AFCON final, very little would have felt truly surprising.
dennisachafu
110
Conspiracy theory or no conspiracy theory, no player in his right senses would purposely miss a penalty that will guarantee his team a long awaited trophy which may not come again in his lifetime. Brahim Diaz had already made up his mind to go on penanka thinking that Mendy will move but he didn't apply the right force and technique. It wasn't intentional for Diaz to miss the penalty but rather it was God of Justice that played a big part so that people can learn lesson that God can revive the hope of the hopeless.
irfanspengku
59
Afcon 2025 ❌ The story of Brahim Diaz from a hero to villian in moroccan football ✅
Charlesugwu
40
It would have been a shame to the host nation if Diaz had scored that penalty. The drama would have swallowed everything Morocco did well as the tournament host. I am with Diaz's supposed decision not to score
sasbcdkluy
25
it was intentional he was told to miss the ball... thats the only reason Senegal players came back to the pitch...
neheipsuyz
18
I think they agreed on him to miss the sport kick so that the tournament won't end in disgrace because the referee gets it wrong when Senegal score and he cancelled it
seaacdlnpu
18
but Diaz still remains my player of the tournament
vucbekouy
15
We miss Brahmin but I was not with Morocco today Hala Senegal from Gambia one love 💕