Kylian Mbappé revealed that the Panenka-style penalty he scored for Real Madrid against Villarreal was a gesture of support for his teammate Brahim Díaz.
Real Madrid secured a 2–0 victory over Villarreal at La Cerámica in La Liga action, a result that temporarily lifted Carlo Ancelotti’s side to the top of the standings, two points clear of Barcelona, who still have a game in hand.
Mbappé was the star of the night, scoring both goals for Los Blancos. His second came deep into stoppage time from the penalty spot, where the French forward calmly chipped the ball down the middle in classic Panenka fashion.
The moment carried special significance, coming just six days after Brahim Díaz missed a decisive penalty in the same manner during Morocco’s 1–0 defeat to Senegal in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
That miss denied Morocco the title and ultimately paved the way for Senegal to score the winning goal in extra time.
Spanish broadcaster Movistar captured Mbappé speaking to Díaz during the goal celebration, telling him, “This is for you, for you,” before embracing and kissing his teammate.
Mbappé later confirmed the gesture in an interview with DAZN, saying: “Yes, the penalty was for Brahim. I dedicated it to him.”
Díaz had been visibly affected by the AFCON final miss, as converting the penalty in stoppage time would have secured the championship for Morocco.
Mbappé’s brace against Villarreal took his tally to 34 goals this season, putting him 10 goals clear of his total from the previous campaign.
He now leads the La Liga scoring chart and sits joint-top in the European Golden Shoe race alongside Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane.
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