Who is Diego Luna? The United States Breakout star talks about Mexico, tattoos and motivation

Seven months ago, American football fans knew Diego Luna as the guy who broke his nose.

Now he is the star in small groups of the United States national male team, and he is on the verge of a Gold Cup trophy against his Mexico rival.

Diego Luna went from a broken nose to a star in small groups for the American male team this year. (Getty Images)

Even before this injury in a match against the Costa Rica in January, it was an eventful driving for the 21 -year -old, recognizable by his platinum hair and his tattoos. Last summer, he was cut off from the American Olympic team before the Paris Games. He became the father of a little boy. He was recently elected an MLS All-Star for his club Real Salt Lake.

Now, he scores goals and impress the fans of the USMNT, who hope that the 5 -foot 8 -inch playmaker will stand out once again against Mexico in the grand finale of Sunday in Houston (the cover starts at 6 p.m. on Fox).

USA against Mexico 2025 Gold Cup Final: full match overview and expectations

Be that as it may, Luna’s big summer put it in a privileged position to play his way on the USMNT list for the 2026 World Cup.

I caught up with the electric playmaker to encourage the United States on Mexico when I was a child, his motivation, and if he plans to get another tattoo if he lifts the Gold Cup.

What is your first memory of football? When do you remember having become aware of the game for the first time?

I think to be in a field with my older brother, and my father trained. I think I was about four years old.

What is your first memory of American-mexican rivalry?

I know there is a story that turns, but I remember having been, like a family gathering. Half of my family was rooted for Mexico. I cunched the United States, I remember going crazy whenever Mexico would mark. It was like a little beef between me and the members of my family, there would be little comments. But it was cool. Everything was fun. I don’t remember the game. I think it was the one where Giovani Dos Santos scored on a chip [for Mexico in the 2011 Gold Cup final].

You come from California, but you could have represented Mexico instead of the United States, what was it to have both options?

Yeah, they contacted me to play for them when I was with the [U.S.] under 20. But it was a long time ago.

Were you a fan of a special team growing up?

I always liked Real Madrid. And my brother was a big fanpool fan, so I also liked to watch them.

Who was your favorite player?

Marco Reus. I just liked the way he played, the way he controlled the game. It is a shame that I have not yet had the chance to play against him in MLS.

Two of a kind? The star of Germany Marco Reus is a favorite of Diego Luna. (Getty Images)

Are you a fan of other sports teams?

Not really. I like golf and boxing. I’m a bit like Dallas’ cowboys. It was very cool that we were able to use their locker room a few weeks ago [for the win over Haiti in the Gold Cup group stage].

Favorite athletes outside football?

Tiger Woods. Cannelo [Álvarez, the Mexican boxer]; Serena Williams.

Have you practiced other sports in addition to football when I was a child?

You might be surprised, but I played volleyball and basketball.

Diego Luna may not be held on some of his USMNT teammates, but he was a player off this Gold Cup. (Photo by Erin Chang / ISI Photos / USSF / Getty Images)

You ride the defender of Mexico Julian Araujo when you were at Barcelona Residency Academy in Arizona. What would it be to face in the final?

It would be cool. He is two years older than me, so we haven’t really played together. But it’s always good to see people you know how to succeed.

What would you do if you weren’t a football player?

Guy, it’s difficult. Perhaps a firefighter.

OK, I must obviously ask questions about your tattoos. How much do you have?

Honestly, I don’t even know. … It’s really difficult to say. Do I have to count all those on my fingers separately?

I know the first you got to commemorate the birthday of your niece. How old is she now? Does she know?

Yeah, she knows. She is seven years old now. She thinks it’s cool.

Does she know that you kiss this wrist when you mark?

I guess she will do it now. The name of my son is also on this same wrist, so this is also one of them.

Diego Luna’s signature celebration to embrace his tattoos to honor his family after scoring a goal. (Photo of Jeremy Olson / ISI Photos / ISI photos via Getty Images)

Are you going to get a new tattoo if you win the Gold Cup?

Yeah, definitely. I don’t know exactly but yes.

Who was the most influential person in your life?

My father. He has always been there for me, and he made a lot of sacrifices for me.

What was the most difficult time in your career so far?

Not doing the Olympic team last year. It really hurt. I had to refocus and make sure that I was positive and I simply doubled to install the work. It was a great disappointment in the moment but it somehow helped me at the end, do you know? This setback helped me to walk where I am today.

What is your ultimate goal in football?

I want to take care of my family, to make sure they are safe, to be able to secure their future financially. Right now, everything is about my son. He motivates me to continue to push. Having a son really put everything in perspective for me.

Doug McIntyre is a football journalist for Fox Sports who covered UNITED STATES The national and female teams of FIFA World Cups on five continents. Follow it @Byougmcinty.

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