Houston – The Luna family always comes together when fútbol is on the line, especially during pivotal matches. Once a year, relatives converge, as my youngest son puts it, “in my blood.” The U.S. and Mexican men’s national teams clash in cities like Ohio, Mexico City, Chicago, or Pasadena. Then it’s back to Sunnyvale, California, where Luna prepares burgers and enchiladas like countless other Mexican-American families, donning their favorite jerseys and experiencing a rollercoaster of emotions during this storied rivalry.
They’ll face off again this Sunday at 7 p.m. (on Fox/Univision), and barring any major setbacks, Diego Luna, their youngest son, is set to make his mark in the eighth Gold Cup final featuring the two North American neighbors.
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At just 21, Diego is carving out his place on the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT). With his trademark style—sometimes sporting a broken nose or bleached blonde hair, and always with a humble demeanor—he’s reshaping the team’s image. Skyrocketing to fame after netting two goals in the semi-finals against Guatemala, he’s excitedly stepping onto the field at NRG Stadium to fulfill a childhood dream.
And he’s feeling it all.
“That’s just part of being human, right?” he remarked Saturday. “You have those emotions. It’s how you grow up. It’s intertwined with your family. It’s in your blood.”
But Diego insists he doesn’t experience a conflict of loyalties, unlike many immigrant families who feel torn between their home and adopted nations during soccer matches. Diego has never faced that dilemma.
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His parents, who immigrated from Michoacán, Mexico, will undoubtedly celebrate if he scores. He remembers it being split down the middle: “Half the family supports Mexico, while the other half roots for the U.S.” This rivalry even sparked some playful tension at home.
As he matured, he embraced his heritage. “I take pride in being Mexican,” he expressed in 2022. “However, I was raised in the United States.” He acknowledges that he could’ve chosen to represent any country, yet felt it was right to play for the nation that shaped him.
His dedication has remained steadfast, even when bypassed by the U.S. Olympic coach last summer. After suffering a broken nose just 15 minutes into his first start under USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino, Luna pushed through to stay in the game, later assisting a goal.
“He showed remarkable character,” Pochettino commented afterward, praising his “big ball” attitude. It was more than just a memorable moment; Pochettino remarked that it highlighted the “attitude, hunger, and desire” Luna brings to the field, qualities he felt some higher-profile players lacked. “He’s hungry to wear this jersey for his national team,” Luna affirmed.
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Luna Rising
This is what being a professional footballer means for Diego Luna. Raised in the Bay Area by a family not affluent in resources, he often ventured outside his comfort zone. Under the guidance of his father and brother, he spent hours honing his skills, running drills, and mastering ball control.
At age 15, he left home for a new opportunity.
Feeling stagnant at the San Jose Earthquakes Academy, he transferred to Casa Grande, Arizona’s Balsa Residency Academy—a sprawling campus with dorms, classrooms, and training fields. Initially, homesickness plagued him, but his commitment to hard work began to pay off, and his creativity on the field soon earned him respect.
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Despite his talent, some scouts were doubtful, noting his stocky physique and unorthodox playstyle. “Diego faced numerous questions,” said Ged Quinn, one of his youth coaches. A serious meniscus injury further delayed his progress, leaving many wondering if he could compete with adult players.
Determined, Diego signed with El Paso Locomotive in the USL Championship at 17, choosing a path that led to more competition. “Playing in the MLS Next Pro meant facing mostly academy players or younger kids,” he noted.
El Paso believed he required time to adjust, but he quickly proved himself, becoming a starter within months. A year later, he joined Real Salt Lake in MLS, where he committed to being a versatile player and blossomed into a potential candidate for the senior national team. Most importantly, he became a more rounded individual.
Diego Luna has quickly made a name for himself with the national team. (Photo: Bill Barrett/ISI Photos/ussf/getty Images)
(via Bill Barrett/ISI Photos/ussf Getty Images)
From “Moonboy” to “Big Ball”
After moving to Utah, Luna crafted an old-fashioned resume, applied at a local coffee shop, and interviewed for a barista position. He used his off-field time to enhance his interpersonal skills while continuing to earn money. A significant part of his teenage years was devoted to mastering football, yet he learned the importance of human connection through conversation and eye contact.
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As a young professional, he faced mental challenges leading him to seek therapy in 2024. His life was busy and demanding, including the arrival of fatherhood in September 2023. Working with his therapist, he aimed to clear his mind and tackle his struggles. “I had a lot going on,” he shared with Apple TV. He began documenting his thoughts and lessons in a notebook.
Just days into his therapy, he scored his first goal of the 2024 season. Seven months later, he was named MLS Young Player of the Year. Shortly thereafter, he was called up to the USMNT.
Despite a seemingly meaningless B-team friendly against Costa Rica, he faced a challenge—sustaining an injury that could have sidetracked him.
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Pochettino had encouraged him, saying, “Don’t rush it, it’s pre-season.” But Luna was eager to make the most of any opportunities.
After playing one half, he ended up in the hospital for surgery. While recovering, he learned that his coaches and family dubbed him “big ball,” a phrase that initially startled him. Later, he understood the significance of pushing through adversity, realizing that playing through his injury “might have been the best decision of my life.”
Diego Luna celebrates an assist during a friendly match with Costa Rica in January 2025. (Photo by Miguel J. Rodriguez Carrillo/AFP By Getty Images)
(Miguel J. Rodriguez Carrillo via Getty Images)
Unique Experience
Last month, Luna reflected, “It was life-changing,” helping him earn a call-up for the A-Team in March. When the USMNT faced two losses, Luna stood out as a player Pochettino highlighted positively. “His desire and hunger were what we needed,” Pochettino noted after a tough match against Canada. “When I told him he’d play today, he was fired up. That’s the kind of attitude we need.”
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Later, Luna made it onto the Gold Cup roster. Looking back at earlier experiences, he said, “I believe I had the opportunity to attend more camps and demonstrate the grit and determination I’ve developed to represent my country.
Regardless of how well the message was received, Luna is relentless in his pursuit.
Playing as a left-wing midfielder with “confidence,” “comfort,” and “the freedom to express himself,” he scored in the quarter-finals against Costa Rica and again in the semi-finals against Guatemala. Pochettino commended him, stating, “That’s what we expect from our players.”
Luna emphasized the “grit” and “determination” his team needed, committing to fight until the end. He voiced the “honor” and “privilege” it is to represent the USMNT, emphasizing the importance of mental clarity and freedom.
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While some teammates found it challenging to cope with the crowd dynamics and intensity against Guatemala, Luna embraced it, stating, “I loved it. That’s what every game should feel like.”
He anticipates an even more intense atmosphere for the upcoming final on Sunday, fully aware it could evoke unique emotions, especially being the only Mexican-American on the current U.S. roster.
He felt the emotions arise on Saturday and expects them to intensify on Sunday. Nevertheless, he remained focused, stating, “It’s about locking in.” This could be a defining moment in his young career. However, come game time on Sunday at 6:06 p.m., with 70,000 fans roaring, he plans to give everything he has—“I’ll put 100% into the jersey I wear.”
In soccer, Diego Luna represents a bridge between cultures, embodying the spirit of duality in a sport that often unites or divides families. His personal journey and performances not only inspire fans but also demonstrate the evolving identity of soccer in the U.S., hinting at a bright future for the sport in America.
