Brahim Diaz backed by Jose Mourinho to remain important at Real Madrid

A Spanish newspaper has praised Brahim Diaz’s resilience and revealed that Jose Mourinho does not want the Real Madrid forward to leave, despite continued speculation over his future.

The report by AS described Diaz as a player who repeatedly has to fight for his place, but said the competition has strengthened rather than drained him.

“He arrives, accepts, fights, then rises again. That is how it is every summer. It is Brahim Diaz’s routine, season after season,” the newspaper wrote. “That routine creates a situation in which the competition becomes increasingly intense. But this does not drain his energy; instead, it allows him to approach each new beginning calmly, one day at a time.”

Diaz is once again seeking to earn or regain a regular starting role. His latest challenge began with his return to Valdebebas, 25 days after Morocco’s 2-0 defeat by France in the World Cup semi-final.

The day also marked a significant occasion for the player, who celebrated his 27th birthday. AS described it as a day that included Vinicius Junior, the much-anticipated first appearance of Bernardo Silva and Diaz’s own return to training.

Diaz first underwent a medical examination at Blua Sanitas, only a few minutes from Real Madrid’s training complex, before heading on to the pitch.

According to the report, he joined the squad with confidence rather than arrogance – confidence built both by his own belief and by the support of those around him.

The club reportedly reached an agreement with Diaz last season, at the start of Xabi Alonso’s time in charge, to extend his contract until at least 2030. The deal has yet to be officially announced, but AS said only the formal confirmation remains.

That understanding has also prevented the latest transfer interest from progressing. Juventus have been linked with Diaz, along with other clubs, but the report said neither Real Madrid nor the player wanted to take negotiations further.

Mourinho’s arrival has not changed that position. In fact, AS said the Portuguese manager regards Diaz as a highly valuable addition who fits his footballing philosophy because of his versatility and willingness to make sacrifices for the team.

The competition for places remains fierce. Bernardo Silva is part of the contest, while Diomande is expected to join the squad soon. However, Mourinho is counting on Diaz because he can contribute in several positions, including as a playmaker in a central role or on the wing.

The report also said Mourinho compares Diaz with Bernardo Silva in terms of their positioning and the scope for both players to develop within the team. Diaz can also operate as a second striker, a role in which he enjoyed considerable success last season.

That improvement came under Alvaro Arbeloa after a period in which Diaz had been relatively marginalised on the substitutes’ bench. He eventually recovered a prominent role.

Diaz’s determination was underlined by his run of appearances last season. Although he started only four matches in a 194-day period, he then began six consecutive games in just 29 days between March and April.

During that spell, even without Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid produced their best period of the campaign before the season changed dramatically.

AS presented that sequence as the latest example of Diaz’s persistent effort and his habit of overcoming setbacks. He had previously convinced Carlo Ancelotti in the same way and now faces another demanding challenge: new signings have arrived, but Diaz remains determined to compete.