Brahim Diaz, next African Ballon d’Or?

Brahim Diaz gave Morocco victory over Lesotho on Monday, during the second day of the qualifiers for CAN Morocco 2025. The Madrid striker scored the only goal of the match in the final minutes of play (90+3), a performance that led many supporters to see him as the next African Ballon d’Or.

“Brahim, Ballon d’Or!” Moroccan supporters chanted in unison after Brahim Díaz’s saving goal against Lesotho on Monday in Agadir (1-0). The Malaga native had scored a goal against Gabon (4-1) on September 6, during the first day of qualifying for the next African Cup of Nations (CAN) which will take place in Morocco from December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026, recalls Brand.