Noussair Mazraoui is to head back to Manchester United, having gone agonisingly close to winning the Africa Cup of Nations with Morocco.
In an eventful final in Rabat, Brahim Diaz passed up the opportunity to land the trophy from the penalty spot, with the final kick of injury time, before Senegal bagged the only goal during the additional 30 minutes, courtesy of a powerful drive by Pape Gueye.
Yet that does not begin to tell the whole story. Crystal Palace's Ismaila Sarr had a header harshly ruled out for a push by Abdoulaye Seck towards the end of normal time, moments before VAR intervened to declare Diaz has been fouled by Malick Diouf inside the box, following a corner.
It was a harsh call, particularly given the circumstances, and Senegal coach Pape Thiaw withdrew his players from the field in protest.
After a crazy 17-minute delay, the penalty was finally able to be taken and Diaz, the top scorer in the tournament, attempted a cheeky 'Panenka' that only floated the ball harmlessly into the grateful arms of keeper Edouard Mendy.
Mazraoui has performed with his usual composure and quality, at full-back, but was withdrawn for Hamza Igamane in the 98th minute.
For the winner, Gueye charged forward, bounced off Achraf Hakimi and unleashed a fierce shot beyond Yassine Bounou to stun the home fans and, although Nayef Aguerd hit the bar, there was no way back for Morocco.
Indeed, only a world-class double save by Bounou denied Cherif Ndiaye another goal as Senegal were crowned kings of the continent for the second time in their history.
Morocco, favourites to land the trophy since the outset, have still not triumphed in the competition since 1976.
The Atlas Lions will begin to look ahead to the World Cup finals this summer, after performing so well in Qatar four years ago.
Mazraoui can hold his head high and we hope to see him back at Carrington this week, with the Reds' next assignment under head coach Michael Carrick taking place on Sunday.
United travel to Premier League leaders Arsenal for a 16:30 GMT kick-off.