Brahim Diaz Learns He’s AFCON Champion Mid-UCL Game, Celebrates On Bench | WATCH

Last Updated:March 18, 2026, 16:53 IST

Brahim Diaz discovered Morocco had been awarded the AFCON title while on the Real Madrid bench, sparking a stunned and joyful reaction mid-Champions League clash.

It was already a big night for Real Madrid, who ran Manchester City out of their own stadium. But for Brahim Diaz, it turned into something far more surreal.

During Madrid’s 2-1 win over Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League, the winger appeared to discover he had just become an Africa Cup of Nations champion.

AFCON Final Turned Upside Down

In a stunning twist, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) reportedly overturned the AFCON final result, stripping Senegal of the title and awarding it to Morocco.

CAF’s ruling reportedly cited Senegal’s actions during the final, including leaving the pitch during the controversy, as grounds for overturning the result.

The decision came after controversy surrounding a late penalty in the final, one involving Diaz himself.

The Moroccan had seen his audacious panenka saved deep into stoppage time, moments before Senegal scored what looked like the winning goal.

A Reaction That Said It All

Back on the bench at the Etihad, Diaz was seen laughing, raising his arms, and celebrating after being told the news.

While it wasn’t officially confirmed what he had heard, the timing and his reaction told their own story.

The twist is particularly dramatic for Diaz. His missed penalty had initially been seen as a decisive moment in Morocco’s defeat.

Now, with the result overturned, that moment is effectively erased from history.

News sports football Brahim Diaz Learns He’s AFCON Champion Mid-UCL Game, Celebrates On Bench | WATCH

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