Brahim Diaz: How Spain-born Real Madrid forward became Morocco icon at Afcon

Brahim Diaz was born in Malaga but has become a national icon for Morocco as they chase their second Africa Cup of Nations title on Sunday.

The 26-year-old Real Madrid striker, who played one senior match for Spain, was transferred to Morocco in 2023 and became the top scorer of Afcon this year.

Diaz’s mother, Patricia, comes from Malaga, which, like many cities by the sea, was shaped by intercultural movements. His father, Sufiel, was born to Moroccan parents in Melilla, a Spanish city on the North African coast. From an early age, Brahim grew up understanding that identity did not have to be singular.

As a child, he went to Nador several times to visit his grandmother and cousins. There he was dressed like any other Moroccan boy. In family photos, she appears next to her grandmother wearing a traditional Moroccan veil. Brahim often summed it up simply: “I always felt 100% Spanish and 100% Moroccan.”

Before 11-a-side football, Brahim was shaped by futsal. When he was four or five years old, he was learning to survive in tight spaces. This influence is still visible today: close control, dribbling in crowded areas, explosive acceleration, and toe-tapping ability when there is no time to adapt.

He then moved to the seven-man team, playing for modest Malaga-based teams such as Tiro Pichon and Mortadelo. Malaga wanted to sign him when he was five or six years old, but his father chose patience: small teams, futsal, learning without rushing.

When he eventually joined Malaga and began to stand out before the age of 16, Europe took notice. In 2010, Brahim was selected as the MVP of the tournament organized by Spanish radio legend Jose Ramon de la Morena. The Malaga team was eliminated by Real Madrid in the semi-finals, but they left their mark with the goal they scored against Luca Zidane.

Manchester City then came up with a clear long-term project. Brahim moved to England in 2015. He spoke no English, but education had always played a central role in the family. A year later he signed his first professional contract. City were no longer just a big club; It had ambition, structure and a world-respected academy. Today, Brahim speaks English fluently and feels that he has been offered a very strong foundation in Manchester.

While many young talents accepted early loans, Brahim rejected shortcuts. At the age of 17, modest Spanish clubs wanted him on loan. He said no. In his mind there was only one path: consistency and an elite environment. His whole family moved to Manchester with him.

The next step seemed inevitable. He joined Real Madrid in a £21m deal in 2019; this was a record fee at the time for a City academy product. The opportunity was irresistible. However, his first spell at Madrid was disrupted by a series of injuries that prevented him from settling in and gaining continuity at the Bernabeu.

This was followed by a three-season loan spell at AC Milan. Here his career reached a defining moment: he wore the iconic number 10 jersey and played a decisive role in Milan’s Serie A title. He achieved important goals, stood out on big European nights and showed leadership beyond his age and frail frame.

Then came his return to Madrid.