Luis Diaz found relief a few days after Colombian guerrillas freed his father. The Liverpool striker helped Colombia beаt Brazil 2-1 after falling behind.
Luis Diaz joined the Colombian national squad in his hometown on November 15. The Liverpool player’s main goal on this journey is to reconcile with his father Luis Manuel Diaz, who was recently released by Colombian guerrilla forces.
After being kidnapped for days, Mr. Luis Manuel Diaz was emotional when he saw his family in a social media video. After landing at the airport, Luis Diaz went to the hotel to meet his father. They hugged and cried.
Best wishes to Diaz and his family on their reunion. The Colombian national team’s fanpage congratulated the Liverpool star.
On October 28, Colombian rebels kidnapped Luis Diaz’s parents in their hometown. Only Luis Manuel Diaz was arrested; the striker’s 1997-born mother was released.
Given the gravity of the crime, local authorities immediately started a massive search, promising over 50,000 USԀ for information about Mr. Manuel Diaz’s detention location.
After more than a week of negotiations, the ELN released Luis Diaz’s father on November 10 morning. He returned home with government assistance.
Luis Diaz explоded, “Selecao” tasted bitter fruit
After seeing his father again, Luis Diaz spent a few days with his family before joining the Colombian national squad. Nestor Gabriel Lorenzo named Luis Diaz in the starting lineup for the 5th match of the 2026 World Cup qualification round in South America a few hours ago after he found comfort.
Brazil fared better despite losing Neymar, Jesus, and Casemiro due to injuries. Gabriel Martinelli scored for Colombia in the 4th minute.
Brazilians were boosted by the early goal, but Colombia stayed patient and didn’t rush to find an equalizer. The host team has shown they can challenge the Selecao even when down early. The first half concluded 1-0 for Brazil.
Colombia accelerated in the second half and made risky stops. Home team efforts paid off… Luis Diaz scored twice in 4 minutes (75–79) to put Colombia up 2-1. The match’s final score helped coach Nestor Gabriel Lorenzo’s team get to 3rd in the rankings. In contrast, Brazil slid to 5th with 7 points after 5 matches. They rank behind Venezuela.
The match against Brazil brought a festival to Colombian football fans. The ideal scenario happened, when Colombia won the day Diaz scored, bringing joy to his father and tens of thousands of fans.
Emotional moments of father Manuel Diaz
Besides the match, those interested in the kidnapping of Diaz’s father also received good news when the four people who carried out the crime were caught by the law. They just appeared at Thursday’s hearing in the city of Riohacha. Next week, the judge will decide whether they will remain in jail or be released on conditional bail.