Who is Luis Diaz?
Luis Fernando Díaz Marulanda, commonly known as Luis Díaz or Lucho Díaz, is a highly skilled Colombian footballer born on 13 January 1997.
He currently plays as a left winger for Premier League club Liverpool and represents his country in the Colombian national team. Díaz has been recognised for his outstanding pace, excellent dribbling skills and incredible goalscoring ability.
Luis Díaz began his professional career in the Colombian Second Division at Barranquilla FC in 2016. He moved to Primera A club Atlético Junior in 2017, where he won the league, Copa Colombia and Superliga Colombiana. In 2019, he joined Portuguese club FC Porto for a reported fee of €7 million.
Who is Luis Díaz’s father, Luis Manuel Díaz?
Luis Díaz’s father, Luis Manuel Díaz, is of Mexican descent, born in the bustling city of Mexico City on May 17, 1965. During his illustrious professional career, from 1984 to 2002, he devoted his talents to Club Deportivo Guadalajara.
Known primarily as a formidable defender, Díaz proudly contributed to Chivas’ success in winning two Liga MX titles in 1997 and 1998.
After hanging up his boots as a player, Luis Manuel Díaz moved seamlessly into the world of coaching. His passion for the game led him to important roles, such as assistant coach at Chivas, where he continued to hone his skills.
Who is Luis Díaz’s mother, Cilenis Marulanda?
Luis Díaz’s mother, Cilenis Marulanda, has always been a source of strength and resilience in his life. From the beginning, she was there to support and nurture her son’s dreams.
Her constant love and encouragement have played a pivotal role in shaping Luis’ success. He is deeply grateful for her constant presence and guidance, which has motivated him to achieve his goals.
What happened to Luis Diaz’s parents?
In October 2023, a tragic incident occurred in Colombia when gunmen kidnapped Luis Diaz’s parents, Luis Manuel Diaz and Cilenis Marulanda. Although there was a glimmer of hope when the police successfully rescued Diaz’s mother, the whereabouts of his father remain unknown.
The National Liberation Army (ELN) has claimed responsibility for the atrocity, but vital information regarding Diaz’s missing father remains unknown. The heartbreaking situation continues to weigh heavily on Diaz and his family, who cling to every shred of hope for his father’s safe return.
Colombian authorities have announced a $200,000,000 (£40,600) reward for any information leading to the whereabouts of Luis Manuel Diaz. Cilenis Marulanda, mother of Liverpool star Luis Diaz, has made an emotional appeal for her husband to be released. Wearing a T-shirt bearing his image and a heartfelt message, she pleaded with those responsible to release him and reunite their broken family.
Following his crucial equaliser against Luton, Luis Díaz has spoken out publicly about his father’s kidnapping. In a poignant message, he made it clear that he was not speaking as a footballer but as Lucho Diaz, the son of Luis Manuel Diaz. He painted a vivid picture of his father as a dedicated and hard-working individual who was the rock of their family, underlining the gravity of the situation.
Luis Diaz pleaded with the ELN to release his father immediately, urging international organizations to intervene to secure his release. Every second, every minute that passes only adds to their suffering. Diaz, along with his mother and siblings, expressed the despair and indescribable emotions they are grappling with. He stressed that the suffering will only end when his father returns home.
In a heartfelt appeal, Diaz begged his captors to release his father immediately, urging them to respect his dignity and end this painful wait. With love and compassion, he begged them to reconsider their decision and allow his family to bring him home.
Expressing gratitude to the Colombian people and the global community, Luis Diaz acknowledged the overwhelming support they have received. He thanked everyone for their acts of love and solidarity during this challenging time, noting the shared hardships of countless families in his nation.
How was Luis Diaz’s mother rescued?
In Barrancas, La Guajira, Colombia, Colombian authorities successfully carried out a rescue mission, ensuring the safety of Luis Díaz’s mother.
Although details of the operation have not been released, Colombian President Gustavo Petro has personally confirmed the rescue of Diaz’s mother, who was unharmed. Despite this positive development, the search for Diaz’s father continues, with authorities continuing to work to locate him and ensure his safety.
