Kylian Mbappé stole the headlines once again this Saturday, not just for his scoring prowess, but for a profound gesture of solidarity toward his Real Madrid teammate, Brahim Díaz.
During Los Blancos’ 2-0 victory, Mbappé stepped up to the penalty spot and executed a daring “Panenka” chip—a high-risk technique that resonated deeply with the crowd. Immediately after scoring, the Frenchman pointed directly at Brahim Díaz, vocally dedicating the goal to him in a public display of brotherly support.
Redemption for Brahim
The tribute was a direct reference to the drama that unfolded just six days ago in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Final. Playing on home soil in Rabat, Morocco faced Senegal in a bid for continental glory.
In the dying moments of regulation time, with the score tied at 0-0, Morocco was awarded a penalty. Brahim Díaz, the nation’s talisman, attempted a similar chip to win the title, but the effort failed, and Morocco eventually lost 1-0 in extra time to a Pape Gueye goal.
Remember Brahim Díaz never wanted to play for Morocco, talk less of AFCON.
Serves him right for disrespecting our tournament and thinking corruption would carry them to the title. 😂
pic.twitter.com/wM9Bdp7dSN— Kara (@UTDKara) January 18, 2026
A Leader’s Gesture at the Bernabéu
By choosing to score with the exact same technique that caused Brahim such professional agony, Mbappé sent a clear message: “We win together, and we fail together.” * The Context: Senegal’s victory marked their second consecutive AFCON title, leaving the Moroccan hosts in tears at the Mohammed V Stadium.
The Impact: Within the Real Madrid dressing room, Mbappé’s leadership is being hailed for helping Brahim navigate the intense criticism following the national team’s defeat.
Flick’s Take on Team Unity
While Hansi Flick (Barcelona) prepares his side for their clash with Oviedo, the atmosphere in Madrid seems unbreakable. Mbappé’s brace not only secured the three points for Real but also solidified the bond between a squad that is currently hunting for domestic and European trophies.
Gabriel Lucio is a football analyst covering La Liga, focusing on match analysis, tactical trends, and the race for domestic and European positions.
