Marca: Brahim Diaz is Morocco's Football Icon On and Off the Pitch
Rabat – Spanish sports daily Marca has spotlighted Brahim Diaz as a rising symbol of Moroccan pride for both his footballing talent and his growing influence as a public figure and cultural icon.
Describing Diaz as an 'absolute icon' of Moroccan football, Marca said that despite not playing in Morocco's recent international friendlies, his presence remains deeply felt throughout the country.
His popularity has soared since he joined the national team, and according to the article, his image is now seen 'everywhere' in Morocco, from billboards to social media, from television commercials to the streets of major cities.
The 24-year-old Real Madrid midfielder was called up for Morocco's June international window but will not appear in either friendly, against Tunisia in Fez or against Benin in Agadir.
This absence is not due to injury, as the Moroccan Football Federation has opted to rest him, aware that Real Madrid is counting on him for the FIFA Club World Cup later this month.
Still, Diaz is fully involved with the national squad. He trained with his teammates during the international camp and will be watching the Tunisia match from the stands.
'A social and media icon'
What makes Brahim Díaz unique, and what Marca emphasizes, is how his influence extends far beyond football. Since committing to Morocco in 2023 after previously representing Spain at youth levels, Diaz has experienced a meteoric rise in fame and cultural relevance.
'Off the pitch, Brahim has become a social and media icon among Moroccans. Since becoming a Real Madrid player and choosing to represent Morocco internationally, he has reached an unmatched level of visibility,' reads the article.
Marca notes that he is the only footballer in the world to appear on the cover of Forbes while also starring in major Hollywood productions. In addition, he has launched his own bottled water brand and is the face of a nationwide advertising campaign with one of Morocco's top telecom companies.
In addition, his youth football camp, called Mentalidad Brahim, already operates in Malaga and will soon expand into Morocco.
The article concluded that Diaz represents something new for Moroccan football: a player who is not only gifted on the pitch but also culturally fluent and globally connected. Tags: Brahim DiazFootballsports
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