Luis Enrique and Sergio Ramos Support Diaz After AFCON Penalty Miss

The aftermath of Sunday’s tumultuous AFCON final in Rabat continues to resonate within the football community, particularly concerning Diaz, who faces backlash for his decision to attempt a chip penalty during stoppage time.

The miss proved detrimental to Morocco’s aspirations of securing the trophy on home soil, as Senegal capitalized on the opportunity, emerging victorious with a 1-0 win in extra time through a goal by Pape Gueye.

In light of the extensive criticism directed at the 25-year-old, former national team manager Luis Enrique has stepped forward to provide a necessary perspective. During a press conference on Monday, the PSG boss addressed the incident directly, acknowledging that the execution of the spot-kick was “bizarre” and “hard to accept” for Moroccan supporters. However, he urged the public to remember the human element involved, noting the significant delay Diaz experienced while waiting to take the penalty due to Senegal’s protests and a temporary walk-off, which undoubtedly intensified the psychological pressure.

“Everyone can see that. But this is a sport, nothing else. Winning or losing does not define you,” Luis Enrique stated philosophically. “What truly matters is the lesson we can convey to young people, without overstating it. He is neither a villain nor a bad person. It’s crucial to respect the difficulties young players face, especially in high-pressure situations.”

Enrique further contextualized Diaz’s attempt at the Panenka penalty by referencing the illustrious history of the technique within the sport. He emphasized that Diaz is not the first player to try this audacious method on a grand stage, pointing out that public perception of such attempts hinges on the outcome. When successful, it is celebrated as genius; when unsuccessful, it is often labeled as arrogance.

“I remember Zinedine Zidane, a football legend, attempting a Panenka during a World Cup,” Enrique recalled, referring to Zidane’s goal in the 2006 final against Italy. “Sergio Ramos has also executed a Panenka in crucial matches. Many players have taken such risks.”

The former Barcelona manager highlighted the double standards often present in football commentary. “When you score that type of penalty, applause is abundant; yet when you miss, criticism floods in, despite the player’s remarkable talent,” he asserted.

Support for Diaz extended beyond his former national coach. Sergio Ramos, a player well-acquainted with pressure at Real Madrid, publicly reached out to comfort his former teammate. Known for his own penalty miss against Bayern Munich in the Champions League, which he later redeemed with a Panenka against Portugal at Euro 2012, Ramos shared words of wisdom about resilience on social media, stating: “Keep your head held high, brother. Football always offers a chance for revenge, and you’ve given us so much more than what slipped away today…”

Ramos’s endorsement carries considerable significance. As one of the most decorated players in football history, his support for Diaz counters the narrative that the forward “disrespected” the game. His message underscores the belief that longevity and overall contributions to the team outweigh a single moment of failure, encouraging Diaz to harness the pain of Rabat as motivation for future success.

Luis Enrique’s defense of Diaz is rooted in a personal relationship that predates the player’s decision to represent Morocco. It was Enrique who awarded Diaz his senior international debut for Spain in a friendly against Lithuania in 2021 and closely monitored his progress through the youth ranks. Despite Diaz’s eventual choice to play for the Atlas Lions, the PSG manager clearly maintains a profound respect for his abilities and character.

“He is an exceptional player and a very good person,” Luis Enrique reiterated, reaffirming his assessment of Diaz’s character. “It is profoundly unfair to judge him based on that single moment.”