Luis Enrique came to the defense of Brahim Díaz on Tuesday after being asked about the forward’s missed penalty in the Africa Cup of Nations final, offering perspective on the scrutiny players face in decisive
moments.
Speaking at a press conference, the Paris Saint-Germain coach urged restraint in the criticism directed toward Díaz, stressing that penalty misses are an inherent part of the sport.
“We talked about it today on the bus,” Luis Enrique said. “Everyone is talking about Brahim, but I remember Zinedine Zidane, who is a god of football, and he did a panenka in a World Cup final.”
The Spanish coach highlighted the fine margins that define public perception in football.
“If you score, everyone applauds,” he said. “If you miss, the negative comments come.”
Luis Enrique went on to emphasize Díaz’s character, separating the sporting moment from the person involved.
“Brahim Díaz is a magnificent player and a very good person,” he said. “I understand how difficult it is to accept, but it’s sport—nothing more.”
He concluded his remarks with a firm reminder about the tone of the discourse surrounding players.
“He is not a murderer or a bad person,” Luis Enrique said. “It’s important to say that.”
