WATCH: Real Madrid Star Brahim Diaz Reacts as CAF Hands Morocco AFCON Title Over Senegal

Real Madrid star Brahim Diaz was spotted celebrating on the substitutes' bench during a Champions League match, seemingly reacting to the news that Morocco had been declared the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations champions.

The dramatic turn of events unfolded during Tuesday night's European fixtures, where Real Madrid secured their place in the quarter-finals with a 2-1 victory over Manchester City, winning the tie 5-1 on aggregate.

However, the on-pitch action was overshadowed by a stunning announcement from the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

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CAF revealed it had overturned the result of the AFCON final, stripping Senegal of the title and awarding it to Morocco.

Diaz, a key winger for the Moroccan national team, was on the bench at the Etihad Stadium as the news broke, and cameras captured his jubilant reaction.

The decision will come as a huge relief for Diaz, who had missed a crucial penalty in the final. In the 24th minute of stoppage time, his ‘Panenka’ attempt was saved, just moments before Pape Gueye scored what was thought to be Senegal's winning goal.

While it has not been officially confirmed that Diaz was reacting to the CAF ruling, his timing and celebratory gestures, laughing and raising his fists, strongly suggest he had just learned of the unexpected victory. The decision crowned Morocco as champions 58 days after their 1-0 loss in the final.

Although Morocco will now be recorded in history as the tournament winners, the images of Senegal lifting the trophy in January will remain a powerful memory for football fans.

The controversial ruling stemmed from an incident during the final. After Diaz was fouled by defender El Hadji Malick Diouf, Morocco was awarded a late penalty.

The Senegal team, led by coach Pape Thiaw, initially left the pitch in protest. After a delay of approximately 16 minutes, captain Sadio Mané persuaded his teammates to return, and goalkeeper Edouard Mendy subsequently saved Diaz's spot-kick.

Despite Senegal winning the match on the day, CAF's disciplinary committee ruled that the team had forfeited the final by leaving the field of play, leading to the unprecedented decision to award the title to Morocco.