Hervé Renard hints at a deeper failure behind Diaz’s missed penalty

18.01.26 FT AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations

Senegal

0

:

Morocco

3

Hervé Renard sharply criticised Brahim Diaz after the missed penalty in the AFCON 2025 final calling it serious failure of responsibility.

Hervé Renard did not soften his words after the decisive moment involving Brahim Diaz in the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 final. Speaking to Le Parisien the Saudi Arabia head coach questioned the Real Madrid midfielder’s judgment.

Renard insisted that missing penalty is part of football but context changes everything. He explained that in final of such magnitude ,, there is no room for casual choices or unnecessary risks from players.

According to the French coach the miss went beyond simple technical error. He described it as a lack of respect toward entire nation that has waited decades to relive continental success on the biggest stage.

His comments placed Diaz among several figures criticised after the chaotic final which was already surrounded by refereeing controversies and intense emotional pressure on both teams.

Renard’s stance comes with weight. He previously coached Morocco between 2016 & 2019 and lifted the AFCON trophy twice,, first with Zambia in 2012 and later with Ivory Coast in 2015.

The former Morocco coach also referred to personal experience to underline his philosophy. During Arab Cup against Morocco, Saudi forward Abdullah Al Hamdan failed badly with Panenka penalty attempt.

Renard revealed that he immediately held the player accountable. He asked Al Hamdan to join him at the post match press conference and publicly apologise for his decision on the pitch.

Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

Related teams and leagues

Senegal

Morocco

AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations