Morocco forward Brahim Diaz has emerged as the top scorer at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), clinching the Golden Boot with five goals despite a heartbreaking end to the tournament for the hosts, Bold Sports reports.
The 26-year-old Real Madrid attacker was one of the standout performers of the competition, enjoying a remarkable debut AFCON campaign. Diaz made history by becoming the first Moroccan player to score in five consecutive AFCON matches, finding the net in every game from the group stage through to the quarterfinals.
Diaz opened his account in Morocco’s 2-0 victory over Comoros in their tournament opener and continued his fine form with goals against Mali, Zambia, Tanzania and Cameroon. His contributions were instrumental in driving the Atlas Lions to the semifinals, where they edged past Nigeria’s Super Eagles to book a place in the final.
However, the tournament ended in disappointment for Diaz and Morocco as they fell 1-0 to Senegal after extra time in the final. The forward had a golden opportunity to win the game in the final minute of normal time when Morocco were awarded a penalty. His attempted panenka, however, was comfortably saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, a moment that proved costly as the Teranga Lions went on to claim their second continental title.
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Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen finished as the joint second-highest goalscorer with Egypt captain Mohammed Salah, both registering four goals. Ademola Lookman ended the tournament with three goals, alongside Amad Diallo, Youssef El Kaabi, Riyad Mahrez, Lassine Sinayoko and Senegal’s Pape Gueye, whose strike in extra time sealed the title.
While the final will linger painfully for Diaz, his individual brilliance throughout the tournament remains a major positive. The Real Madrid forward will take confidence from his historic goal-scoring run and will be determined to make amends for his decisive miss when future continental opportunities arise.
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