Brahim Díaz and His Journey to Prove Himself at Real Madrid

After an injury that sidelined him for over a month at the start of the season, Moroccan star Brahim Díaz has returned to fight for a starting spot in the squad of European champions Real Madrid. With his recent goal against his former club, Manchester City, the attacking midfielder continues his journey of proving himself in Spain.

His goal at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday, in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 playoff, came just two minutes after he entered the pitch. It secured a draw for Real Madrid and paved the way for a 3-2 victory over the English champions of the past four seasons.

This goal was only his fourth across all competitions this season, along with six assists in 14 starts out of 30 appearances.

The 25-year-old, who chose to represent Morocco instead of Spain last year, remains humble and grateful to the club that loaned him to AC Milan between 2020 and 2023.

After the victory over City, he said, “We took advantage of their mistakes and created a lot of chances from them. We worked very well and competed strongly. This is Real Madrid.”

The player, who refrained from celebrating against the club where he began his professional career, added: “I am at the best club in the world. I am very happy to be here, where I have always dreamed of playing.”

However, Díaz’s journey to proving himself has been filled with struggles under various managers. Although he started his professional career at City in 2016 and stayed there for three years, he played only 15 matches in all competitions—six in the Premier League—scoring two goals in three League Cup matches.

Díaz, who played in multiple positions at City, including mainly as a left winger, left Manchester two years after Pep Guardiola’s arrival, as the Spanish coach did not grant him enough opportunities.

At the time, Guardiola relied on German winger Leroy Sané and English forward Raheem Sterling on the left, as well as Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva, and Ilkay Gündogan in attacking midfield roles.

Despite his limited chances at the Etihad, Real Madrid placed its trust in him, signing him in January 2019 on a six-year contract.

But his dreams were delayed when French coach Zinedine Zidane loaned him to Milan.

Before the move, Zidane had reassured the young player arriving from England, saying, “Calm down, kid. I count on you, and you’ll see the pitch next season,” according to the Spanish newspaper AS. However, that never truly materialized.

In his first season with Milan, Díaz played 27 league matches, scoring four goals and providing four assists, in addition to three goals in the Europa League.

He said at the time: “I don’t regret joining Real Madrid. I wanted an opportunity to play regularly and feel the minutes. Nothing has changed—I want to be myself and showcase my footballing abilities.”

When Milan qualified for the Champions League the following season, Díaz made his mark in his debut season in the prestigious tournament by scoring his first European goal in England against Liverpool.

Under Stefano Pioli, Díaz found more playing time, scoring 18 goals and providing 15 assists in 124 appearances over three seasons across all competitions.

His strong performances convinced Real Madrid to keep him under Carlo Ancelotti, who had praised him after his loan extension in 2021: “There is no fierce competition at Real Madrid. He is an important player for us, and we are happy to see him doing well at Milan.”

Ancelotti added: “He needs to play; he didn’t go to Milan by accident.”

Díaz’s success in Milan prompted Real Madrid to bring him back, where he started a new chapter—one marked by his decision to play for Morocco instead of Spain.

Since donning the Atlas Lions jersey, he has scored seven goals in eight matches, quickly establishing himself in Walid Regragui’s squad.

After returning from an injury that kept him out from mid-September to late October, Díaz has struggled to secure a consistent starting spot at Real Madrid.

Nevertheless, he remains determined to prove himself among the team’s stars. “In 2025, I hope to win many titles, have good health, happiness, and love,” he said.

“With my team, Real Madrid, I want to win as many trophies as possible. I hope to deliver a great level of play. That is what a lot of people expect from me here.”