During a recent World Cup qualifier between Colombia and Brazil, Luis Diaz showcased a match-winning performance to ensure his team earned valuable three points for the quest of qualifying for the World Cup 2026. Diaz who scored a brace during this encounter, was watched by his father from the stands.
What made this moment more special is that Diaz’s father was recently released after he was kidnapped for 12 straight days by a unit of the National Liberation Army. Wearing a Colombia jersey and a silver rosary around his neck, he celebrated his son’s brace during the historic win against the five-time world champions. However, the 58-year-old couldn’t hold his emotion, as tears streamed down his face.
Luis Díaz scoring with his father in the stands 🥺
(via @Fanatiztv)pic.twitter.com/Stp1BlGTy4
— B/R Football (@brfootball) November 17, 2023
Social media pages captured the reactions of Luis Manuel Diaz, and fans started sharing heartwarming messages. some fans said, “Luis Diaz making his father proud.”, “The greatest sport in the world.” and a few others said, “What a moment to be alive as a Dad.”, “Luiz deserves my respect.”
Reflecting on the challenging days leading up to the match, Diaz, who plays for Liverpool at the club level, expressed gratitude and credited his faith for seeing them through. “I thank God. He makes it all possible. We have always lived tough moments, but life makes you strong and brave. So is soccer and so is life,” Diaz remarked after the game. The victory, according to him, was well-deserved.
Luis Diaz’s parents to join Liverpool star in Merseyside post international break
Liverpool’s star forward, Luis Diaz, is set to welcome his parents to Merseyside after the international break. The family reunion follows the recent kidnapping ordeal in Colombia, which saw Luis Diaz Sr. held captive for nearly two weeks by the ELN (Colombian National Liberation Army) guerrilla group.
Luis Diaz’s return to international duty marked a poignant moment as he was reunited with his father, Luis Manuel Diaz, in Colombia. According to reports from the Athletic, Luis Diaz’s parents are expected to travel to Merseyside after the international break, coinciding with the upcoming festive season and a busy schedule of fixtures for Liverpool.
#Liverpool forward #LuisDiaz will be joined on Merseyside by his parents following the international break, with the family only recently reunited after the kidnapping in Colombiahttps://t.co/cIYSIXRcAW
— Joseph Agbobli (@joseph_agbobli) November 16, 2023
As more details emerge about the kidnapping ordeal, it appears that the ELN guerrilla group might not have been the initial perpetrators. Luis Diaz’s cousin, Josher Jesus Brito Diaz, revealed to the Athletic that “common criminals” first took Diaz’s parents and later handed over Luis Diaz Sr. after three days.
While reports in Colombia suggested that the ELN planned the kidnapping months in advance, the Diaz family believes that the group intercepted him.