Malaga-Born Diaz Now Morocco's Star at Africa Cup Final

A young footballer who grew up celebrating both Spanish and Moroccan traditions is now carrying a nation's dreams on his shoulders.

Brahim Diaz, 26, was born in Malaga to a Spanish mother and a father from a Moroccan family. This Sunday, he'll lead Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations final as the tournament's top scorer, chasing their second championship on home soil.

Growing up, Diaz traveled regularly to Nador to visit his grandmother and cousins. Family photos show him as a child wearing traditional Moroccan clothing, while he also thrived in Spanish youth academies. "I have always felt 100% Spanish and 100% Moroccan," he says simply.

His football journey took him from Manchester City's academy to Real Madrid, where he won a record transfer fee before a defining loan spell at AC Milan. There, wearing the iconic number 10 shirt, he helped deliver a Serie A title and proved he belonged among Europe's elite.

In 2023, Diaz faced a choice. Spain's national team wanted him, but Morocco's federation had shown him years of consistent support and affection. He chose Morocco, the country of his father's heritage.

His first appearance for Morocco created an unforgettable moment. After the national anthem, when the Crown Prince greeted each player, Diaz performed the traditional Moroccan gesture. The stadium erupted in celebration.

The goals came quickly after that. In 21 games, Diaz has scored 13 times for Morocco. He became the first Moroccan player ever to score in every round leading to the Africa Cup semifinals. One more goal will tie him as Morocco's all-time tournament top scorer.

Why This Inspires

Diaz's story shows how identity can expand rather than divide. He hasn't abandoned his Spanish roots by embracing his Moroccan heritage. Instead, he's built bridges between cultures, proving that belonging to two places makes you twice as connected, not half as committed.

His celebration gesture tells the story best. Since childhood, after winning matches or even board games, he'd lift his elbows and hands as if to say, "What looks difficult becomes easy if you work for it." That private family moment is now shared by millions watching him play for Morocco.

After matches, his family still picks him up and takes him home, just like when he was a boy in Malaga. He's studying Arabic now, finding it "very difficult" but staying committed. He crosses himself before games while deeply respecting his father's Muslim heritage.

Morocco is hosting this tournament in spectacular new stadiums with championship expectations. The pressure is immense, but Diaz has spent his entire career proving doubters wrong while staying grounded in family and hard work.

This Sunday, a kid who grew up between two worlds gets to shine for both.