Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Luis Fernando Díaz Marulanda |
| Nickname | Lucho, Luchito |
| Profession | Footballer |
| Club | Bayern Munich |
Physical Stats & More | |
| Height (approx.) | 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) |
| Weight (approx.) | 73kg (161 pounds) |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Eye Colour | Dark Brown |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
Football Career | |
| Youth Career | Youth Clubs / Academies – Informal training at a small football school run by his father in Barrancas, La Guajira since age 6 – Joined Atlético Junior Youth Academy in Barranquilla in early 2015, after impressing at an open trial among 3,000 players – Progressed to Barranquilla FC (Junior’s affiliate) in 2016 to get professional experience and physical development support . When He Joined a Youth Academy – 2015: Entered Atlético Junior Youth Academy after standout performance at Barranquilla trials – 2016: Integrated into Barranquilla FC development side, receiving a weight‑gain nutrition and training programme. Early Coaches/Influences – Father (Luis Manuel Díaz): Operated the local training school and coached Lucho in his early years in Barrancas. – Octavio Rivera: Atlético Junior’s youth director who identified him from open trials, ranking him top of 450 prospects – Fernel Díaz (Atlético Junior / Barranquilla coaches): Led his early development plan, including tailored gym sessions and dietary support. [!] |
| Senior Club Debut | When & Where • 26 April 2016, at home for Barranquilla FC (Categoría Primera B), coming on as a second-half substitute in a 1–2 loss against Deportivo Pereira Opponent Club • Deportivo Pereira – a notable Colombian club competing in the second division at the time Age at Debut • 19 years, 3 months, 12 days old when making his senior debut |
Club Career Timeline | |
| Barranquilla FC (loan) | Years ➤ Apr 2016 – Jun 2017 Transfer Details Loan from Atlético Junior to gain senior experience in Categoría Primera B Apps & Goals ➤ 34 league apps, 3 goals (+8 cup apps) based on Italian Wikipedia stats Key Moments Professional debut on 26 April 2016 vs Deportivo Pereira, first goal: May 2016 |
| Atlético Junior | Years ➤ Atlético Junior Transfer Details ➤ Internal promotion from Barranquilla FC, no transfer fee disclosed Appearances & Goals (Total) ➤ 67 league apps, 15 goals; total 108 with cups and continental matches Key Moments Established as Colombia’s top young winger; key role in title run. |
| FC Porto | Years ➤ Jul 2019 – Jan 2022 Transfer Details ➤ Transferred for €7M (80% rights); first major European club Shirt No. ➤ Primarily 7 at Porto  Appearances & Goals (Total) ➤ 77 league apps, 26 goals; total 125 apps and 41 goals across competitions. Big Moments Scored Champions League goal vs Manchester City (Oct 2020); won Primeira Liga and domestic cup Manager Relationships Sérgio Conceição trusted him as starting winger and creative threat |
| Liverpool FC | Years ➤ Jan 2022 – Jul 2025 Transfer Details ➤ Signed for €45M + add-ons (approx. £37.5M), contract through 2027 Shirt No. ➤ 23 (switched to 7 in 2023–24)  Appearances & Goals (Total) ➤ 147 apps, 41 goals (103 league apps, 29 goals) Key Moments Key player in Premier League 2024–25, FA Cup, League Cups. Scored 17 goals + 8 assists last season. Manager Notes Highly rated by Klopp; under Slot remained top wing choice; recognized for being industrious and technically assured. |
| Bayern Munich | Years ➤ Jul 2025-Present Transfer Details ➤ Agreement reached: €70–75M fee; bonuses up to €75M; medical underway; four-year deal with annual salary €14M gross. [!] Shirt Number ➤ Díaz will wear the number 14 on his back for Bayern going forward. [!]  Appearances & Goals (Total) ➤ Diaz hasn’t made any appearances yet. (updating soon) Big Moments Arrived 28 July 2025 to Munich to undergo medical and finalise move. |
International Career | |
| Colombia U‑20 | Years Active • 2017 Caps • 5 caps, 0 goal Tournament Highlights Represented in the 2017 South American U‑20 Championship under coach Carlos Restrepo |
| Colombia Senior Team | Years Active • 2018-Present Total Caps & Goals • 64 caps, 19 goals for Colombia (2018–mid‑2025) [!] Major Tournaments • 2021 Copa América: Joint top-scorer with 4 goals; Colombia finished 3rd, including decisive brace vs Peru in third‑place match. [!] • 2024 Copa América: Featured in squad, including scored opener vs Costa Rica in opener and helped Colombia reach the final. [!] Notable Goals & Highlights • Brace vs Brazil in World Cup 2026 qualifying (Nov 2023), vital 2–1 win; emotional relevance with father’s presence in crowd. [!] • Leading goals vs Argentina away in June 2025 qualifying (world‑class solo run) [!] • Scored 39-second opener vs Paraguay in March 2025, plus assist; helped Colombia salvage 2–2 draw. [!] Debut Info Senior debut: 11 September 2018, vs Argentina (Friendly) – aged 21 years  |
Major Achievements at Club Level | |
| Trophies with Clubs | Atlético Junior / Barranquilla FC: • Copa Colombia: 2017 • Categoría Primera A (League): 2017‑II, 2018‑I • Superliga Colombiana: 2019 (aggregate of league winners) FC Porto: • Primeira Liga: 2019‑20, 2021‑22 • Taça de Portugal: 2019‑20, 2021‑22 • Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira: 2020, 2021 Liverpool FC: • Premier League: 2024–25 • FA Cup: 2022 • EFL League Cup: 2022, 2024 • FA Community Shield: 2022 All Clubs Combined Comprised 13 major titles across three countries: Colombia, Portugal, and England. [!] |
| Individual Awards | • Primeira Liga Forward of the Month – November 2020‑21 and October/November 2021‑22 seasons • Primeira Liga Player of the Month – November and December 2021 (Player & Forward categories) • Top Scorer of Primeira Liga – 2021‑22 (14 goals in 18 matches before transfer) • Liverpool FA Cup Final Man of the Match – 2022 final vs Chelsea • Became one of the few players to win every major domestic competition in three leagues within his career |
| Notable Milestones | • Became one of FC Porto’s most decorated players in early years, leading them to multiple titles (2 league, 2 cups, 2 super cups) • Contributed decisively to Liverpool’s 2022 FA and EFL Cup wins within first six months at the club. [!] |
Quotes from Coaches & Influences | |
| Jürgen Klopp | – “Unbelievable impact, that’s clear… Thank God we made that decision.” — ThisIsAnfield – “He’s so football smart… goal threat, speed, cheeky. Very, very special player… I love him.” — India Today |
| Andy Robertson | – “He’s a special, special player… There would be no quadruple charge without him.” |
| Jordan Henderson | – “He’s been brilliant since he came in… His work rate… quality… finishing… top drawer.” |
| Darwin Núñez | – “We spend almost every second together… I know just how good a player he is… his ability and quality offers us so much as a team.” — ThisIsAnfield |
Playing Style & Role | |
| Position & Primary Role | Primary Position – Left Winger (primary position) – Occasionally plays on the right wing but strongly favors the left side to cut in – Not a traditional striker or central playmaker, but heavily involved in goal creation and transitions. Tactical Role – Functions as an Inverted Winger: primarily right-footed, cuts inside from the left to shoot or create chances (Sky Sports) – Plays high and wide in Liverpool’s 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 system – Engages in pressing from the front Style of Play – Pacy and direct dribbler with quick feet and tight control – Loves taking on full-backs one-on-one – Excellent at initiating counters – Strong work rate in pressing – Often compared to Sadio Mané in terms of role and movement Defensive Contribution – Frequently engages in high pressing – Active in tracking runners and pressing fullbacks – Strong off-ball awareness in Klopp’s system |
| Technical Skills | Finishing Style – Primarily uses finesse shots when cutting in from the left to shoot with his stronger right foot. – Can score powerful long-range shots, especially from transitions. – Occasionally scores volleys, though not his typical finishing style. – Good composure in 1v1s; prefers accurate placement over power. First Touch & One-Touch Play – Known for an excellent first touch under pressure—can kill long balls instantly. – Sharp in one-touch combinations, especially when linking up with forwards like Darwin Núñez. – Maintains tight control when receiving passes on the run. [!] Set-Piece Technique (Penalty/Free-Kicks) • Penalty taker with solid composure notably scored a confident penalty vs Costa Rica in the 2024 Copa América, calmly placing it into the top corner. • Free-kick ability less established; not a primary set-piece specialist. Dribbling and Ball Control – Elite ball carrier: 2.4 successful dribbles per 90 in PL 2023/24. – Prefers using quick shifts in direction rather than flashy skills. – Uses body feints and acceleration bursts to beat markers. |
| Strengths | Clinical Finishing • Premier League shot conversion ~63% in 2024‑25 season (94 shots, 29 on target), converting every ~3.5 shots into a goal (0.48 goals per 90) • Finishing dramatically improved under Arne Slot—conversion rate soared from 12% (2023‑24) to 45.5% (2024‑25), big chance conversion 71.4%. [!] Intelligent Off‑ball Positioning • Frequently positions himself wide before exploiting half-space or making runs into the box; one of highest touch counts in final third (23.9 per 90) • Smart run selection—reducing unnecessary sprints but increasing quality (26 runs/90, 42% sprints into box) Elite Dribbling & Ball Carrying • Completed 52 dribbles in Premier League 2024‑25 season, most for a Liverpool player; averages 1.44 dribbles per game • Ball retention strong: only 2.1 unsuccessful touches and dispossessions per game in 2023‑24 Composed Under Pressure • Rarely loses the ball when tightly marked; commits just 1.29 dispossessions per 90 mins. Known for maintaining balance under defensive pressure in high-stakes matches. |
| Key Weaknesses | Limited Defensive Contribution – Ranked among the lowest-performing wingers in interceptions and clearances at Liverpool; often doesn’t challenge opponents aggressively in defensive phases. – Plays high up the pitch, leaving much work to teammates like Robertson. Decision-Making in Final Third – Despite strong dribbling ability, often hesitates under pressure—can overdribble or freeze in scoring positions. – Analysts note this reduces shot creation and effectiveness in key moments Limited use of his right foot – Primarily right-footed but plays on the left—many crosses and passes with his weaker side lack precision. This limits his crossing reliability, especially under pressure. |
Awards & Notable Records | |
| Individual Awards | • Copa América 2021 – Top Scorer (joint with Lionel Messi, 4 goals) and selected in Team of the Tournament. • Primeira Liga Player of the Month (Oct & Nov 2021), also selected as Forward of the Month in November. • Porto Player of the Season 2020–21 (recognised by club vote). • PFA Premier League Fans’ Player of the Month Nominee (September 2024). [!] |
| Club Titles | Junior de Barranquilla: • Copa Colombia 2017 • Categoría Primera A 2018, 2019 • Superliga Colombiana 2019 FC Porto: • Primeira Liga 2019–20, 2021–22 • Taça de Portugal 2019–20, 2021–22 • Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira 2020 Liverpool FC: • Premier League 2024–25 • FA Cup 2021–22 • EFL Cup 2021–22, 2023–24 • FA Community Shield 2022 |
| National Team Titles | Colombia: • Third place in Copa América 2021 • Runner-up in Copa América 2024. [!] |
| Records & Milestones | • Premier League title contributor in 2024–25 with 13 league goals and 7 assists in 36 games, among Liverpool’s most impactful seasons. • Ranked in The Guardian’s Top 100 Players (2021)—recognized globally at Porto breakout period. [!] • Part of Porto team that won Portuguese league while playing Premier League in same season (debuts overlap) — rare dual-country championship. [!] • Third most expensive sale in Liverpool history — €75M/£65.5M move to Bayern Munich (July 2025). [!] |
Injuries & Suspensions | |
| Knee injury (MCL/LCL) | Date / Season 10 Oct 2022 – Apr 2023 (189 days) Details & Impact Suffered a medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury against Arsenal (Thomas Partey challenge). Required surgery before LCL recurrence; sidelined 6 months. [!] |
| Muscle / Thigh Injury | Period (Approx.) Feb 27–Mar 16, 2020 Details & Impact Thigh muscle problem while at Porto; sidelined during part of league and cup action. [!] |
| Red Card (Colombia Copa América) | Date / Duration 18 Jun 2021 (1‑match ban) Details & Impact Sent off during Copa América 2021 in group game; served automatic suspension in subsequent match. [!] |
Personal Life | |
| Date of Birth | 13 January 1997 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 28 years |
| Zodiac sign | Capricorn |
| Nationality | Colombian |
| Place of Birth | Barrancas, Colombia |
| Religion | Christian |
| Ethnicity | Wayuu and Afro-Colombian |
| Social Media | — Instagram — X (formerly Twitter) |
Relationship & More | |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Wife | Geraldine “Gera” Ponce – Colombian model and social media influencer. They have been together since around 2016, got engaged in July 2023, and married in June 2025. [!] |
| Children | Two daughters: Roma, born 5 November 2021; Charlotte, born 25 January 2024. [!] |
| Father’s Kidnapping Incident | In October 2023, both parents were abducted by armed men in Barrancas; his mother was rescued within hours, and his father was released after 12 days. Liverpool flew in the family to Liverpool for safety and support. [!] |
| Reunion with father | Tearful reunion on 14 Nov 2023 in Barranquilla; witnessed by Colombian media and national football federation. [!] |
| Father’s public statement | Father described his ordeal — walking without sleep, climate hardship, trauma — yet expressed desire to remain in hometown. [!] |
Off‑Pitch Profile | |
| Philanthropy | Reimbursed fans for shirt number change ~ When Díaz switched squad number from #23 to #7 (June 2023), he and the club offered reimbursement for fans who had already bought #23 shirts. [!] |
| Endorsements | – Adidas long-term boot sponsor. – Rexona (brand ambassador at Copa América 2024 “Bring the Heat” campaign). – Reported negotiations for Gatorade (March 2025) and Nike (Aug 2024) partnerships. [!] |
| Media & Brand Appearances | Featured in Liverpool FC’s 2024 Christmas advert alongside club legends. Also actively engaged on social media with ~3.5 million followers; follows national brand Águila beer and promotes its campaigns. [!] |
Financial Profile & Career Contracts | |
| Market Value | €70 million as of May–July 2025 (down from peak €85 m in late 2024). |
| Peak Market Value | €85 million in late 2024 following strong Premier League form and a Champions League hat‑trick. |
| Recent Transfer Fee | €75 million (£65.5 m) transfer from Liverpool to Bayern Munich in July 2025. |
| Initial Signing Fee | Reported €45 million (£37.5 m) paid by Liverpool in Jan 2022 (plus add-ons). |
| Contract Duration | Current Bayern contract: Jul 30, 2025 to Jun 30, 2029 |
| Salary (Liverpool) | Approximately £55,000/week (£2.8 m/year); positioned around 16th highest earner at Liverpool. [!] |
| Proposed Wages (Bayern) | Estimated at €14 million/year gross at Bayern with a £233,000/week — places him between Michael Olise (€13M) and Alphonso Davies (€15M) |
| Net Worth | Approximately US $15 million as of mid‑2025 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did Bayern pay for Luis Díaz?
Bayern paid approximately €70–75 million (about £65.5 million) in a transfer fee that includes around €70 m fixed plus €5 m in potential add-ons. This deal makes him Bayern’s third most expensive signing ever.
Why did Luis Díaz leave Liverpool?
Díaz decided to leave Liverpool in summer 2025 seeking a new challenge in the Bundesliga. Bayern Munich made a record-level offer, and Liverpool agreed after he signaled his desire to move. The transfer aligns with Liverpool’s forward reshaping under manager Arne Slot.
What number will Luis Díaz wear at Bayern Munich?
He will wear shirt number 14 at Bayern Munich, as officially confirmed at contract signing.
How much will Luis Díaz earn at Bayern Munich?
He is expected to earn around €14 million gross per year, a significant increase compared to his approximately €2.7 million net annual salary at Liverpool.
How many goals does Luis Díaz have at Liverpool?
Díaz scored 41 goals in 148 appearances across all competitions for Liverpool (January 2022 – July 2025). In the 2024–25 season alone, he netted 13 Premier League goals from 36 appearances.