PSG boss backs Morocco forward Brahim Díaz amid criticism after AFCON penalty miss against Senegal
Paris Saint-Germain head coach Luis Enrique has come to the defence of Brahim Díaz following the Real Madrid forward’s penalty miss in Morocco’s Africa Cup of Nations final defeat to Senegal, insisting the player deserves respect and support rather than condemnation.
Díaz audaciously tried a Panenka deep into stoppage time that would’ve brought Morocco’s first AFCON title in 50 years, but Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy stayed in the middle and comfortably gathered the ball.
It ultimately proved decisive as Senegal went on to win 1-0 in extra time. The dramatic ending to the tournament sparked intense debate, with some critics questioning Díaz’s decision to attempt the chipped spot-kick under enormous pressure.
Speaking in a PSG press conference on Monday, Enrique acknowledged the difficulty of the incident but urged a measured response to the situation.
“I can understand it’s hard to accept and it was a bizarre thing to do. Everyone can see that. But this is a sport, nothing else,” he said.
“Nothing happens whether you win or lose. The important thing is the value that you can give to young people, without exaggerating. He is neither an assassin nor a bad person. You have to respect how difficult it is to be a young player. It’s a difficult time. There’s a lot of pressure.”
Luis Enrique references Zinedine Zidane and Sergio Ramos examples
Enrique’s empathy stemmed partly from his own experience as a coach and player, emphasising the thin line between genius and misjudgement in football moments.
“I remember [Zinedine] Zidane, who is a football God, did a Panenka during a World Cup [2006 final against Italy]. I also remember Sergio Ramos who took a Panenka during a very important game [Euro 2012 game against Portugal].
“Lots of players have done it. When you score that type of penalty, nobody says anything and everybody applauds. But when you miss, there are lots of negative opinions about that player, and he is a magnificent player.”
❌ Brahim Díaz‘s failed Panenka penalty in injury time of Sunday’s #AFCON final against Senegal may have been Morocco’s most high-profile penalty miss in their history.
🇲🇦 But it was not their only recent failed spot-kick in a critical AFCON moment, by a pivotal player. pic.twitter.com/xgTiSWcNxB
— BB Sport News (@BBSportNews24) January 19, 2026
Enrique, who knows Díaz personally from his time as Spain coach – having handed the winger his senior debut – emphasised the player’s character as much as his ability. “He is an exceptional player and a very good person. It’s very unfair to see that,” he said, urging critics to separate one moment from Díaz’s broader contributions.
The 24-year-old winger had been a standout performer throughout the AFCON tournament, finishing as the competition’s top scorer with five goals and earning the Golden Boot.
Despite that overall excellent tournament display, the nature of the missed penalty has dominated narratives – naturally, it is difficult for the Moroccan faithful to let down such a spurned opportunity after 50 years of awaiting AFCON glory, but Luis Enrique’s comments bring some rationale to a heated current debate.