Diego Luna: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Resilience

omidbasir- From the outset of his public career, Diego Luna has remained unapologetically true to himself. His body is adorned with tattoos, each representing a significant moment in his life, a practice he began in his youth, as he shared in an interview with GOAL.

For Luna, these tattoos symbolize a commitment to both his personal journey and his passion for soccer. The sport has propelled him beyond his expectations, allowing him to discover a version of himself that he had not fully realized before.

In his early years, Luna struggled with shyness and worked part-time in a coffee shop to enhance his interpersonal skills and build confidence. His demeanor on the field often masked the more reserved individual he was off it. However, the two facets of his identity have now converged, and the recognition he receives reflects the hard work he has put into merging these aspects of his life.

“This year has been about individual mental health,” Luna states. “It’s not just about being vulnerable in public; it’s about acknowledging struggles, seeking help, feeling better, and now sharing my journey. I take pride in reflecting on my progress.”

While it may be easy to discuss the high points of his career, Luna emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the lows as well. Despite enjoying a standout year professionally, he recognizes that challenges persist.

The highlights are indeed impressive: a broken nose sustained during a January camp that solidified his status as a favorite for the US Men’s National Team (USMNT), a Gold Cup run that saw him score three pivotal goals, and a standout performance against Uruguay that showcased his caliber against top international competition.

However, nestled between these triumphant moments are the quieter, more challenging experiences that Luna finds difficult to articulate. “There are many downs to consider, such as family relationships, my son, my parents, and the dynamics within the team. Talking about my ups may take five minutes, but discussing my downs could take an hour,” he reflects.

A recent example of this came when he led Real Salt Lake (RSL) to the MLS Playoffs with an impressive tally of nine goals and seven assists. Unfortunately, their season ended abruptly with a 3-1 loss to the Portland Timbers in the Wild Card round, a moment filled with emotional turmoil as Luna yearned for more opportunities to compete.

In the weeks that followed, Luna engaged in solitary training sessions at the RSL facility, demonstrating his dedication despite the lack of external recognition. “It’s a low when I show up every day to train alone, preparing in silence for weeks, while everyone assumes my accomplishments reflect my hard work. The real effort often goes unnoticed,” he admits.

Indeed, those days of solitary dedication ultimately yielded results. Early in the year, Luna gained visibility within the USMNT, catching the attention of head coach Mauricio Pochettino, who commended him for playing through adversity. His performances not only earned him a larger role within the team, but he also became a key contributor, leading in goal involvement among his teammates.

“Each time I earn an international cap, it feels more rewarding than the last,” he shares. “That feeling is among the top three happiest moments in life.”

For Luna, scoring is more than just a personal achievement; it embodies a deeper significance. “It’s not just about the thrill of scoring; it symbolizes progress in my career. Goals lead to better opportunities, financial stability, and the ability to support my family. For an attacking player, scoring is a feeling that never grows old.”

As his offseason began following the match against Uruguay, Luna carried with him the motivation to achieve even more. Reflecting on the past season, he acknowledged that despite accolades such as an All-Star nod and the MLS Young Player of the Year award, he felt unsatisfied. “I know I can do more. I consider this just the baseline, and I strive for improvement.”

Luna is determined to elevate his performance in the coming year, viewing it as an opportunity to enhance his skills, mental health, and overall well-being. “Next year could be another remarkable year for me. My goal is to continually improve, both in stats and personal growth.”

The stakes are high as the World Cup approaches, a significant milestone Luna is keenly aware of. However, he also recognizes the importance of nurturing his personal life during the offseason.

“This offseason feels exciting and crucial. I see it as my preseason to my preseason. I plan to balance relaxation with hard work, ensuring I come back stronger. This is not just an offseason for me; it’s a time to combine family time with the work ethic required for such a pivotal year.”

Luna’s dedication and mindset propelled him to new heights in 2025, allowing him to embrace his authentic self. As he prepares for the challenges of 2026, he remains committed to facing every obstacle head-on, confident in his ability to grow and share his journey with the world.