Senegals Sadio Mane was named the Most Valuable Player of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, while Moroccos Brahim Diaz won the Golden Boot in an emotional finale in Rabat. Diaz, who had been Moroccos standout performer throughout the tournament, experienced a heartbreaking end to his AFCON campaign on Sunday at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah. After scoring five goals in his first five matches, the forward was awarded a penalty following a VAR review deep into stoppage time. The chance could have sealed Moroccos first-ever AFCON title, but Diaz mishit his Panenka attempt, sending the ball softly into the hands of Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy in the 90+24 minute. Substituted in the 98th minute, Diaz was visibly distraught and ended the match in tears.
Diaz later collected the Golden Boot award, still emotional as he accepted the accolade. Even words of encouragement from FIFA president Gianni Infantino and Moroccan Football Federation president Fouzi Lekjaa could not lift his spirits. A few minutes later, Senegals match-winner Sadio Mane was announced as Player of the Tournament. The award capped what Mane confirmed to be his final AFCON appearance, as he told Canal+ after the match. Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou was named Goalkeeper of the Tournament, while Morocco also received the Fair Play award. Brahim Diaz in tears while getting booed as he receives the Golden boot award #AFCONFINALS https://t.co/K1j8WRYSpX pic.twitter.com/J7ZoGoWHJ7 (@YanitedBruno) January 18, 2026 The post AFCON 2025: Sadio Mane named MVP as Brahim Diaz wins Golden Boot in tears (video) appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.
