Brahim Díaz is the big star of the last Madrid derby between Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid (1-1) in Primera. He scored a goal in the 20th minute and was very useful during the rest of the time on the field: he made two shots on goal, 53 touches on the ball, three tackles, five actions prior to the shot, 82.5% accuracy in the pass , six forward passes and four successful dribble attempts. And before the 71st-minute substitution, Brahim almost produced a masterpiece, twisting Atlético’s defenders and firing near the post. Díaz was named the best player of the match. Interestingly, the footballer was not supposed to go on the field at all: Vinicius’ injury “helped”, so Brahim was urgently put in the starting position. How did the Spaniard go from being Ancelotti’s least favorite player to being Madrid’s wild card?
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Díaz is a product of his native Málaga and Manchester City. Brahim played for the Spanish youth team from 2010 to 2013 and then moved to the Premier League. City bought Díaz from Málaga for just over 200,000 euros and at that time City’s Academy had become one of the best in the world and was gathering talent. It is symbolic that Brahim is similar to City legend David Silva, both in position and general type. So it is likely that the Club was preparing Díaz as a replacement for the star.
However, Brahim only made 15 appearances for Manchester City and scored two goals on 1 November 2018 in a League Cup match with Fulham. But the footballer’s ambitions were much higher than rare appearances on the field in the most important matches. Therefore, in the winter of 2019 he decided to move to Real Madrid.
City manager Pep Guardiola said he needs Brahim, but no one will keep him. “It’s simple: the city needs it. We want Brahim to extend his contract for four or five years. We will do everything we can to make sure he stays. But everything is in his hands. If Díaz doesn’t want to stay, he has to leave. There are not many players in Europe who are between 18 and 19 years old and play on all tours. Nothing depends on us anymore. Maybe he thought it was time to move to another club,” Pep said.
Brahim Díaz at Manchester City
Photo: Matthew Lewis/Getty Images
In January, Real paid City 17 million euros for the transfer of Brahim. A special event was held to welcome the midfielder in which the president of Madrid, Florentino Pérez, spoke.
Florentino Perez
President of Real Madrid
“We have a player who has the talent and values that can make him very important for Real Madrid. We are pleased to welcome Díaz. “He is a quality player who can produce magic on the field and a great personality who dreams of winning with this club.”
However, at Real Madrid Díaz suffered the same consequences as at City. In a year and a half he played only 21 games. The solution was not full-time care, but rent. Milan acquired Díaz for the 2020/2021 season. And already in Italy, the attacking midfielder felt what it was like to be a first team player. He made 39 appearances during the season, scoring seven goals and helping Milan finish second. The Rossoneri liked Díaz so much that the Italians agreed with Real on a new two-year lease. Brahim helped Milan win its first Serie A gold in 11 years and reach the Champions League semi-finals the following season.
Pioli greatly appreciated Díaz’s talent and versatility. The Spaniard could play on the flanks of the attack and in the center, as well as change positions with his teammates, opening free zones for them (he worked very well with Rafael Leau). At the end of Brahima’s loan, Pioli praised the player: “Everyone can see how much Díaz has progressed. He is becoming a top player and has a very strong character. “Of course I would like to continue working with him after the season.”
Brahim Diaz
Photo: LightRocket via Getty Images
Milan had the option to buy Díaz, but Real wanted to return the player to Madrid. Brahim also dreamed of being in Spain again. Therefore, in the summer of 2023 he ended his three-year history with the Milanese.
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Díaz’s return to Real was celebrated with a special presentation, in which Pérez spoke again, like three and a half years ago. “We welcome the return of a player who will make us even stronger. Our goal is to continue improving the team. From the first day, Brahim made it clear that his dream was and continues to be to be part of the history of Real Madrid. He returns home, leaving his mark on one of the most legendary clubs: Milan. Today, Brahim opens another chapter full of amazing emotions. We know how hard he fought to wear that jersey again. Brahim, you are part of a club where the word “give up” does not exist. We Madrid fans will enjoy your football and your magic. “We are very happy to have him back,” said the president of Real Madrid.
Brahim Díaz at Real Madrid
Photo: LightRocket via Getty Images
But at the beginning of the season, Díaz again received only a cameo in the club. By early December, Brahim had logged more than 60 minutes on the field in just three games.
“I spoke with Díaz and it is true that he did not have much playing time,” explained Carlo Ancelotti. “I know that he is a player who can contribute. The competition in the team is very serious, but he is a player I like. He is a professional and he will continue to play the role of him. I read that I have something against him and that he was sentenced to Real Madrid. It isn’t true! I’m not a judge. You use the word “prayer” a lot, but I don’t like the sound of it. I don’t condemn anyone. I have special feelings for Brahim, because he played for Milan. And the footballer himself stated that he was willing to help Real Madrid in the minutes assigned to him.
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And since the beginning of December, Díaz began to be trusted much more. Yes, this was affected by injuries to the main players of the attack, but you still have to take advantage of the opportunity. In five games in all competitions in December, Brahim scored two goals and provided one assist. Curiously, for the first time in his career, Díaz achieved a three-game scoring streak in the championship. He scored against Granada and Villarreal, and also assisted Bellingham in the match against Betis. The midfielder’s performance was valued by the fans, who voted him the best Real Madrid player in December.
Brahim Diaz
Real Madrid midfielder
“I am going through a wonderful moment that must continue. I know that as a player I can still give the club much more than I can now. I’m happy with what I’m doing now, but I’ll be even happier with what I’m about to do. Now I have more experience and determination. Hungry to win titles. “I already have them and now I want to have even more and I am ready to give my best for the best club in the world.”
In January, Brahim’s good form continued. He played in all three matches of the Example, scoring 1+1 in the Cup match against Arandina (3-1) and also scoring a goal in the epic Super Cup semi-final against Atlético (5-3). After scoring against the “colchoneros,” Díaz took off his shirt in a fit of emotion. There were special bandages on Braim’s shoulders that looked pretty creepy. In September 2023, the Spaniard dislocated his shoulder, but he refused surgery and continued playing with the injury. This is self-sacrifice!
Although Díaz’s decision is also influenced by the upcoming Euro 2024. Braim probably has an invitation to the Spanish team. Furthermore, he ended up abandoning the idea of playing for Morocco (his parents have Moroccan roots) and participating in the 2024 African Cup. At 24 years old, Díaz only has one match for Spain: in 2021, he played in a friendly match with Lithuania (4:0) and scored a goal.
Brahim Diaz
Photo: Quality Sports Images/Getty Images
After the match against Atlético, Opta presented some interesting statistics: in 11 games of the season, when he started for Real, Díaz scored six goals and gave three assists. Braim, with his hard work, perseverance and correct attitude in business, deserved to become an important part of the Madrid system. There is a generational change at the Club and the Spaniard has excellent chances of finding a place in the main team.
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