Diaz’s father was recently released to UN officials after being kidnapped, alongside his wife Cilenis Marulanda, by the ELN, a left-wing rebel group that’s been active in Colombia since 1964. After enduring a lengthy period in captivity, Diaz’s father attended a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier between Colombia and Brazil, marking the first time he witnessed his son play since his release. During this match, the forward scored two goals, contributing to a significant victory for his country. The viral reaction of Diaz’s father to his son’s brace captured attention post-game.
In an interview with Colombian television channel Win Sports, Luis Manuel, Diaz’s father, delved into his son’s aspirations in football, disclosing his strong desire to play for Barcelona someday. Luis expressed his limited knowledge about Barcelona presently but acknowledged Luis’s allegiance as a fervent fan. He expressed gratitude to both Porto and Liverpool for their warm reception of his son, acknowledging Luis’s exceptional qualities—his humility, dedication, and discipline. Luis sees no impediment if Luis were to join Barcelona, praising it as a top-tier team globally.
Since joining Liverpool from Porto in 2022, Diaz has been a pivotal player, tallying nine goals and two assists for the Anfield club. He currently holds a four-year contract with Liverpool, implying that Barcelona, facing financial constraints, would need significant funds if they pursued him.