How Malaga-born Diaz became Morocco’s national icon

Although Brahim Diaz was born in Malaga, Morocco’s quest for a second Africa Cup of Nations title on Sunday has grown to become a national hero.

The 26-year-old Real Madrid forward, who made one senior appearance for Spain, switched to Morocco in 2023 and has the highest Afcon scorer this year.

Patricia, Diaz’s mother, was born in Malaga, a city like most cities by the sea and influenced by cross-cultural migration. Sufiel, the son of a Moroccan family, was born in Melilla, a Spanish city on the coast of North Africa. Brahim came to terms with the idea that identity doesn’t need to be singular from birth.

He frequently traveled to Nador as a child to see his grandmother and cousins. He was dressed like any other boy from Morocco there. He appears next to his grandmother in family photos while wearing a traditional Moroccan veil. “I have always felt 100% Spanish and 100% Moroccan,” Brahim frequently said.

Before 11-a-side football, futsal was used to shape Brahim. He was already able to survive in tight spaces at the age of four or five. The ability to strike with the toe when there is no other time to adjust are still present in today’s environment, along with tight control, dribbling in densely populated areas, explosive acceleration, and explosive acceleration.

Later, he made a seven-a-side debut, playing for modest Malaga-based teams like Mortadelo and Tiro Pichon. When he was just five or six, Malaga wanted to sign him, but his father chose patience: playing futsal, learning without hurried.

Before the age of 16, Europe took notice when he eventually joined Malaga and started standing out. Brahim won the 2010 MVP award at a competition co-hosted by Spanish radio legend Jose Ramon de la Morena. His Malaga side was knocked out by Real Madrid in the semi-finals, but he made a statement by scoring against Luca Zidane.

Manchester City then delivered a long-term, unambiguous project. In 2015, Brahim relocated to England. Although he did not speak English, his family’s education had always been important. He signed his first professional contract a year later. Cities no longer were just a big club; they had ambition, structure, and a highly regarded academic program. Brahim feels a strong foundation in Manchester and is now able to communicate fluently in English.

Brahim refused to take shortcuts despite the fact that many young talents accept early loans. He was 17 when modest Spanish top-flight clubs requested him on loan. He replied “no.” Consistentity and elite surroundings ruled his mind and provided only one option. His entire family relocated to Manchester with him.

The next step appeared to be inevitable. He signed for Real Madrid in a $ 21 million deal in 2019, which was a record for a City academy product at the time. The opportunity was ripe for it. However, a number of injuries prevented him from settling down and maintaining continuity at the Bernabeu, which slowed him down in Madrid.

Following that, AC Milan offered a three-season loan. His career had a defining moment there, when he won the prestigious number 10 shirt and won Milan’s Serie A title there. He accomplished significant goals, won awards at major European events, and demonstrated leadership beyond his years and what his flimsy frame might suggest.

He accepts it as part of the process even though he rarely plays as much as he would like because hardly anyone ever does. He promises to “everything will come” to those who are close to him.

He maintains the same behavior. His family, who still reside nearby, picks him up and brings him home after matches. The anchor is normalism.

His celebration of the goal has a different narrative. As if to say, “See?,” Brahim raises his elbows and hands. If you put in the effort, what seems challenging turns into something. It represents a personal triumph.

Sufiel, Patricia, and his four sisters are able to identify him as a boy who had won a game or even a board game. What started out as a private triumphant expression has evolved into a message of perseverance.

Before playing games, he crosses himself, but he also respects his father’s history very much. He studies it, closely observes Moroccan life, and is currently trying to learn Arabic. He acknowledges that it is “very difficult,” but he is serious.

A powerful image was created by his first Morocco appearance at Afcon. Each player received a greeting from the Crown Prince, the King’s son, after the national anthem. Brahim shook his hands and leaped a little closer as the traditional Moroccan gesture came into his hands when it was his turn. The stadium burst out. Morocco had already long-awaited his love interest.

Morocco’s interest dates back to the days before the 2018 Russia World Cup. Brahim waited for Spain’s under-21s. Later, Spanish coach Luis de la Fuente confirmed that Brahim had been added to the preliminary list of Spaniards and that he had not been discarded. He had a choice. Morocco’s federation never wavered in affection, explaining its customs, culture, and vision. Brahim made his choice.

He is now the center of the team. Although Morocco only won one Afcon, there are high hopes.

Wining is the minimum requirement, just like at Real Madrid. The pressure is great because they are hosting the tournament in lavish stadiums and are investing a lot. Influence, power, and a national statement are the heretics. Even whistles were blaring when Mali was held to a draw.

It is reportedly written by fans. Nothing is, however. They require Brahim’s best performance and a cohesive teamwork. His form and experience in high-pressure situations, such as decisive goals for Milan and significant Real contributions, strikes against elite opposition like Atletico Madrid, are both beneficial.

Brahim has come to be a national icon in Morocco, a nation deeply immersed in Real Madrid and Barcelona’s football culture.

The reactions he receives on social media surpass those of stars like Achraf Hakimi, Mohamed Salah, and Victor Osimhen. He is the company’s face since 5G was introduced in Morocco. His name appears on shirts, billboards, and gas stations that read “My Number 10.” He is also attempting to establish a football foundation, with the goal of leaving a long-lasting legacy.

He is not a member of the Moroccan press. He is a bunker dweller. Both Real Madrid and the Moroccan Federation don’t want to distract. At the federation president’s request, he only gave one interview the week he made his decision to represent Morocco. Since then, nothing.

The dance began then. Even those closest to him were surprised when he celebrated his group-stage goal against Mali. He said, “I’ve seen this dance in Morocco, so I’m trying.” Nobody was aware that it had been prepared. It became popular. The crowd continues to celebrate victories today.