In a remarkable display of solidarity, Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe executed a daring Panenka penalty during his side's victory over Villarreal on Saturday, subsequently dedicating the audacious spot-kick to his crestfallen teammate, Brahim Diaz. The poignant gesture followed Diaz's devastating penalty miss in the Africa Cup of Nations final just a day earlier, which left the Moroccan international in tears and likely cost his nation the coveted continental title.
AFCON Final Drama Unfolds in Controversial Fashion
The preceding Sunday witnessed extraordinary scenes in the AFCON final, where Senegal's head coach Pape Thiaw controversially directed his players off the pitch in apparent protest over a late penalty awarded to Morocco during the dying moments of normal time. The decision stemmed from a tussle involving Diaz in the box, sparking heated disputes between players and coaching staff before Thiaw's dramatic intervention.
Upon the eventual resumption of play, Diaz stepped up to take the penalty in the 24th minute of stoppage time, opting for a high-risk Panenka chip against former Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. The experienced shot-stopper read the attempt perfectly, calmly collecting the ball to deny Morocco a last-gasp winner. The final whistle blew shortly after, triggering extra time where Senegal ultimately triumphed 1-0.
Emotional Aftermath and Managerial Frustration
Diaz was left utterly inconsolable on the pitch, having been the tournament's leading scorer with five goals prior to the final. Morocco head coach Walid Regragui displayed visible frustration during the interval before extra time, remonstrating with the distraught forward as others attempted to refocus him. The 26-year-old appeared during the first period of extra time but proved ineffective before being substituted in the 98th minute.
In an awkward post-match ceremony, Diaz received the Golden Boot award from FIFA president Gianni Infantino on the field during the trophy presentation, a bittersweet consolation for his tournament efforts. Meanwhile, cameras captured Diaz's glum reaction on the Real Madrid bench before Saturday's match as Villarreal celebrated Pape Gueye, who scored the AFCON final winner.
Mbappe's Thoughtful Tribute on the Pitch
Eyebrows were raised when Mbappe replicated the Panenka technique during Real Madrid's La Liga encounter against Villarreal, with Diaz watching from the sidelines after being introduced as a second-half substitute. According to renowned transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, Mbappe clarified after the game: '[My] Panenka penalty was for Brahim Diaz.'
The French forward's gesture demonstrated remarkable team spirit and empathy for his colleague's continental heartbreak. Diaz had been on the pitch when Mbappe converted the penalty, having replaced Arda Guler earlier in the second half.
Real Madrid's Resurgence Under New Management
The victory over Villarreal marks Real Madrid's third consecutive win under new manager Alvaro Arbeloa, who replaced Xabi Alonso earlier this month. After a concerning Copa Del Rey defeat to Segunda Division side Albacete Balompie in Arbeloa's debut match, Los Blancos have steadied the ship with triumphs against Levante, Monaco, and now Villarreal.
These results have propelled Real Madrid two points clear of arch-rivals Barcelona in the La Liga standings, despite having played an additional game. The team appears to be rediscovering their rhythm under the former defender's guidance, with Mbappe's penalty tribute highlighting the growing camaraderie within the squad during this transitional period.
