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Luis Diaz

Luis Diaz - Foot Baller

Born: 13th Jan 1997 | category: Football | Hits: 979

Luis Díaz is a Colombian professional footballer renowned for his exceptional dribbling, speed, and ball control. Currently playing for Premier League club Liverpool and the Colombian national team, Díaz has become one of the most dynamic players in modern football.

Luis Diaz Early Life and Background
Luis Diaz Luis Diaz

Luis Díaz was born on 13 January 1997 in Barrancas, La Guajira, Colombia. Of Wayuu origin, he became the first indigenous Colombian to represent the national team. Nicknamed "Luchito", Díaz began playing football at the age of six under the guidance of his father at a local football school.

In 2014, at 17 years old, Díaz impressed at an open trial hosted by Atlético Junior and joined their youth academy. He gained national attention in 2015 as part of Colombia's squad for the Copa Americana de Pueblos Indígenas, where his performances showcased his talent.

Following the tournament, he joined Atlético Junior’s senior team and was assigned to their farm club, Barranquilla. Recognising his slender build, the team provided him with a tailored dietary plan to help him gain 10 kilograms.

Luis Diaz Club Career
Diaz with his coach at Polideportivo in 2016 Diaz with his coach at Polideportivo in 2016

Díaz made his professional debut for Barranquilla on 26 April 2016 in a Categoría Primera B match. He scored his first goal on 14 May 2016, netting the winner against Cúcuta Deportivo.

In 2017, Díaz was promoted to Atlético Junior's main squad. He debuted in Categoría Primera A on 27 August 2017 and scored his first goal on 20 September in a Copa Sudamericana match against Cerro Porteño. By 2018, Díaz was a regular starter, ending the season with 16 goals, including standout performances with multiple braces.

During his time with Atlético Junior, Díaz won several domestic trophies, including the Categoría Primera A, Copa Colombia, and Superliga Colombiana.

In 2019, Díaz joined Portuguese giants Porto for a reported fee of €7 million. During his tenure, he won two Primeira Liga titles, a Taça de Portugal, and a Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira. His standout performances in the first half of the 2021–22 season, where he scored 14 goals in 18 league matches, attracted attention from top European clubs.

Luis Diaz at Liverpool

Luis Diaz playing at Liverpool Luis Diaz playing at Liverpool

In January 2022, Díaz signed with Liverpool in a transfer worth €45 million (£37.5 million). He made an immediate impact, winning the EFL Cup and FA Cup in his debut season.

Díaz was named Man of the Match in the FA Cup final, further solidifying his reputation as a key player for the Reds.

Luis Díaz debuted for the Colombian national team in 2018. He has since earned over 50 caps, becoming a central figure in the squad.

Díaz's standout international achievement came during the 2021 Copa América, where he won the Golden Boot and helped Colombia secure third place. In 2024, he contributed to Colombia's runner-up finish in the tournament.

Luis Diaz Personal Life

Luis Díaz is engaged to Gera Ponce, his longtime partner and together have two daughters. Díaz frequently speaks about the importance of family in his life, often crediting their support for his success on and off the pitch. The couple shares a close bond and often posts about their family life on social media.

Luis Diaz with his wife Gera and children Luis Diaz with his wife Gera and children

In October 2023, Díaz faced personal tragedy when his parents were kidnapped in Barrancas. His mother was rescued within 24 hours, while his father was released after an intense 11-day military search.

The incident garnered widespread attention, with Colombian President Gustavo Petro deploying all available resources to aid the rescue efforts.

Diaz's parents, Luis Manuel Diaz and Cilenis Marulanda Diaz's parents, Luis Manuel Diaz and Cilenis Marulanda
Luis Diaz Off the Pitch

Beyond football, Díaz has ventured into music. In June 2024, he appeared on Colombian singer Ryan Castro's track "El Ritmo Que Nos Une" alongside national teammates James Rodríguez and Juan Fernando Quintero. Díaz also featured in the song's music video, further showcasing his connection to his Colombian heritage.

Diaz proudly embraces his Wayuu heritage, often highlighting the importance of his cultural roots.

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