Colombia star Luis Diaz had a great FIFA World Cup debut against Uzbekistan, scoring once and providing an assist, paving the way for his side’s magnificent 3-1 win.
But the most emotional moment for him came after the match when he walked into the stands to embrace his father, Luis Manuel “Mane” Diaz. The family had gone through the lot previously, and it was a dream come true for them to see Luis lead his team to a win.
“A lot of things came to me from the past,” Diaz said after the match. “I worked for this. I fought to be here at this moment.”
The dream to play the World Cup was in the making for years, but it was delayed after Colombia failed to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Then came the darkest phase for the Luis family when the footballer’s parents, Mane Diaz and Cilenis Marulanda, were kidnapped near the Colombia-Venezuela border. Luis’ mother was rescued soon, but his father remained in captivity for nearly two weeks.
The then Liverpool forward skipped matches to support his family and campaign for his father’s release. When he returned to play for his club, he scored and displayed the shirt that read “Freedom for Papa” in Spanish, a gesture that caught the eyes of football fans across the globe and increased pressure on the Colombian authorities.
From ‘Freedom For Papa’ To World Cup Glory: A Dream Finally Comes True
Ahead of Colombia’s opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026, his father shared a video of him praying over his son’s jersey, hoping to see him do well at the mega event, and his prayers were answered.
Diaz, who now plays for Bayern Munich, scored a goal to put Colombia into the lead, soon after Uzbekistan scored to make the score even. This was Colombia’s first World Cup win since 2018, and what a moment it was for the Luis family.
“I think there was always something that kept us from being at ease,” Diaz said. “I think that today, I am at my best.”
Meanwhile, Colombia also defeated Congo and played out a goalless draw against Portugal to top the group and qualify for the Round of 32.