Luis Diaz is facing heavy criticism after the Liverpool winger did not attend Diogo Jota’s funeral over the weekend. Jota, 28, tragically died last week alongside his brother, Andre Silva, 26, in a road traffic accident in Zamora, Spain. Diaz is among the many who have shared poignant tributes online following his teammate’s passing.
The two Reds forwards, whose last act together was lifting the club’s record-equalling 20th English league title at Anfield just two months ago, shared a close bond. The Colombian international’s father also paid tribute to Jota, who had celebrated a goal by holding up a shirt with Luis Diaz’s name, in solidarity with the Colombian after his father was kidnapped by guerrilla group ELN back in 2023. See the heartfelt celebration below:
However, Diaz’s appearance at a sports event in Barranquilla - the "Copa Creadores de Contenido," a friendly football tournament featuring digital influencers from across Latin America - has sparked controversy, as per reports from beIN Sports and Marca.
Meanwhile, the likes of current and former Liverpool captains Virgil van Dijk and Jordan Henderson were in Portugal to honour Jota’s life at the same venue where the Nations League winner had married his childhood sweetheart just two weeks prior.
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Diaz Faces Criticism Following Absence From Jota's Funeral
A Colombian journalist has also weighed in on the controversy
Luis Diaz
The funeral for Jota and his brother Andre Silva took place on Saturday in Gondomar, Portugal, with most of the Liverpool squad and several figures from Portuguese football in attendance. Among the notable absentees were Mohamed Salah, Alisson Becker, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Luis Diaz himself. In the cases of Diaz and Alisson, the long distance from South America was cited as a possible reason.
Nevertheless, social media was filled with messages of disappointment directed at the winger, who was instead seen mingling with supporters and influencers while attending an event in support of his brother (watch one of the incidents below). Commenting on the perceived lack of empathy shown by Diaz, Colombian ESPN presenter Andres La Couture wrote on X:
"Lucho messed up. We know it, and he knows it, more than anyone; he doesn’t need to be told. And he must be regretting it to no end. I don’t know the level of commitment he had to that event, but if there was any, those close to him should have looked out for him there to avoid being part of those posts."
He continued: "We all know here that if anything characterizes Lucho Díaz, it’s his calmness and reserved, prudent, and even naive personality in the best sense of the word, unlike some in his circle. He didn’t do it with bad intentions, I’m sure, and I suppose his teammates feel the same, but that seems like little considering the context.
"The act was reckless and inexcusable. Of course, it can’t and shouldn’t be denied. And, as I said, he’s the first to know it. Nor can there be any doubt about the genuineness of his sadness and anguish over Diogo Jota’s passing. Lucho will learn from this."
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Luis Diaz
Backlash has not been softened either by the fact there have been fresh rumours regarding his desire to leave the club following no progress on a new contract. "If Luis Diaz wants to go, let him go. I can't be bothered anymore with this drama queen," one X user said, while a second added:
"How is he allowing all this stuff to come out only days after you’re teammate has just lost his life?"
There are suggestions that the 28-year-old has agreed personal terms with Bayern Munich, while he was reportedly close to joining Barcelona last summer, too, as new reports emerge.
Another X user continued: "Shame on him", as a fourth concluded: "Luis Diaz is so insensitive. When his father was kidnapped, Jota supported you, now, instead of attending your friend’s funeral, you’re out there partying with Colombian influencers."