This guest post was written by Zach Lowy, Chief Editor and Social Media Manager of BreakingTheLines.com. Zach is a successful journalist and can be followed at @ZachLowy on X and @zachlowy.bsky.social on Bluesky. Zach’s work can also be found on FotMob, BetUS and others.
It’s fair to say that there are quite a few contenders. After spearheading Napoli to their first Scudetto in three decades, Khvicha Kvaratshkelia has excelled for Paris Saint-Germain and led them to their first two UEFA Champions
League titles. Vinícius Júnior has already steered Real Madrid to domestic and international glory, and he’s finally carrying over that same quality to Brazil in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Raphinha has dropped off somewhat since his supersonic 2024/25 season for Barcelona, but he nevertheless remains a fearsome figure in attack for club and country.
However, one man who has certainly made a case for himself as one of the best in the game is Luis Díaz. It’s been four years since Díaz broke onto the scene for Porto, emerging as the best player in Portugal and earning a midseason transfer to Liverpool. He immediately provided a spark of quality for the Reds, emerging as a key figure on the left side of attack under Jürgen Klopp and earning praise from the likes of Rodney Marsh. And when many expected Liverpool to fall off under Arne Slot, Díaz helped them take home the Premier League title and ending Manchester City’s run of four consecutive championships.
After such a stellar year, Díaz would have expected a salary jump in line with his performances. But Liverpool were never in the mood to give a long-term extension to a 28-year-old winger. Their loss proved to be Bayern Munich’s gain, signing him for €75 million, including add-ons, and tying him down to a contract through 2029. Liverpool would suffer a title defense that would live on in infamy, partly brought on by the individual decline of key players like Mohamed Salah, partly by the emotional trauma of Diogo Jota’s tragic passing. But it is undeniable that Díaz’s departure also played a role in their worsened performances in 2025/26, with big-money arrivals Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz failing to fill his void.
Meanwhile, in Germany, Díaz proved excellent value, forming a sensational attacking trio alongside Harry Kane and Michael Olise and helping Bayern win the domestic treble as well as reach the UEFA Champions League semifinal. He also showcased a newfound efficiency in attack: having racked up 3 goals and 1 assist in 42 appearances for Barranquilla as well as 20 goals and 9 assists in 106 appearances for Junior FC, Díaz then scored 41 goals and 19 assists in 125 Porto matches before scoring 41 goals and 23 assists in 149 appearances for Liverpool. But at Bayern, he’s gone up another level, racking up an astonishing 26 goals and 23 assists in 51 appearances, nearly a goal contribution every single game.
After such a demanding club season, Díaz would be forgiven for showing signs of fatigue. Instead, he’s taken his performances up a level in his maiden World Cup, assisting Daniel Muñoz’s opening goal before halftime vs. Uzbekistan. And when the White Wolves responded with an equalizer, Díaz immediately restored Colombia’s advantage with a goal en route to a 2-1 win in Mexico City. He wasn’t able to hit the score sheet after having two goals disallowed vs. the Democratic Republic of the Congo, but he nevertheless proved essential in them coming away with a 1-0 win and securing their place in the Round of 32.
During Colombia’s run to the 2024 Copa América Final, Díaz took a backseat role to James Rodríguez, who continued to show why he is Los Cafeteros’ poster boy. But that’s started to change in recent years, with only Lionel Messi (8) scoring more goals than him (7) in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying. He’s continued that sensational form in recent weeks, proving why he is one of the dark horses for the Golden Ball per Sportaza online sportsbook, and prompting ex-Bayern and Colombia forward Adolfo Valencia to back him for the Ballon d’Or.
“Lucho deserves to be among the leading Ballon d’Or contenders. His numbers show he is one of the best players in the world right now,” stated Valencia to Sport Bild. “If Colombia go deep at the World Cup and Lucho maintains his current form, he will be among the favourites. “Lucho is performing particularly well at Bayern because his teammates, the club’s management and the fans are giving him the love he felt was lacking towards the end of his time at Liverpool. When Lucho feels comfortable and appreciated, he’s even more motivated to repay the club on the pitch because he’s a very grateful and down-to-earth person.”
Can Díaz lead Colombia to unprecedented heights in the World Cup? Stay tuned for what promises to be an electrifying end to the season for the Bayern winger.
This guest post was written by Zach Lowy, Chief Editor and Social Media Manager of BreakingTheLines.com. Zach is a successful journalist and can be followed at @ZachLowy on X and @zachlowy.bsky.social on Bluesky. Zach’s work can also be found on FotMob, BetUS and others.
- You can also read some of Zach’s other work below:
- Ricardo Faty Reflects on Transition from Playing Career to Coaching
- Michael-John Tate Building Youth Soccer Legacy in Pacific Northwest
- D.C. United Show Progress Under René Weiler in 1-1 Draw
- “Difficult Times Made me Stronger”: Bertozzi Opens up on Turbulent 2025
- Is Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise running on fumes?
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