After his missed panenka... Brahim Diaz makes his first appearance

Europe 22 January 2026 at 09:06

Imed Ben Amara

News Editor

24.01.26 FT LaLiga Spain

Villarreal

0

:

Real Madrid

2

Moroccan international Brahim Diaz returned to training with his club Real Madrid on Thursday, January 22.

The Atlas Lion trained as usual alongside his teammates, after being granted a 72-hour rest period to recover following his participation in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025).

The Madridista is expected to be named by Álvaro Arbeloa for the match against Villarreal, counting for Matchday 21 of La Liga, scheduled for this Saturday, January 24.

He will thus have the chance to return to the pitch after the nightmare he endured on Sunday during the grand final of AFCON 2025 against Senegal.

Official: FIFA unveils its new rankings after AFCON 2025

Having failed to deliver the decisive goal, Brahim Diaz was completely devastated after his panenka was saved by Édouard Mendy. Now, he will look to rediscover the joy of playing and turn the page in a Real Madrid shirt.

Related teams and leagues

Villarreal

Real Madrid

LaLiga Spain