The Liverpool winger Luis Diaz is under fire for missing Diogo Jota’s funeral over the weekend. Jota, 28, and his 26-year-old brother, Andre Silva, perished in a traffic accident in Zamora, Spain, last week. After his teammate passed away, Diaz was one of many people who posted heartfelt tributes on the internet.
The two Reds forwards had a strong bond; their final performance together was winning the team’s record-tying 20th English league title at Anfield two months ago. In support of the Colombian when his father was abducted by the rebel group ELN in 2023, the Colombian international’s father also honored Jota, who had celebrated a goal by waving a shirt with Luis Diaz’s name. Check out the sincere celebration below:
However, according to beIN Sports and Marca, Diaz’s participation in the “Copa Creadores de Contenido,” a friendly football competition with digital influencers from all across Latin America, in Barranquilla has caused controversy.
At the same location where the Nations League winner had married his childhood sweetheart just two weeks earlier, current and former Liverpool captains Virgil van Dijk and Jordan Henderson were in Portugal to commemorate Jota’s life.
Diaz Faces Criticism Following Absence From Jota’s Funeral
A Colombian journalist has also weighed in on the controversy
The majority of the Liverpool team as well as a number of Portuguese football figures attended the funeral for Jota and his brother Andre Silva on Saturday in Gondomar, Portugal. Mohamed Salah, Alisson Becker, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Luis Diaz himself were among the prominent people who did not attend. The great distance from South America was mentioned as a potential factor in the situations of Diaz and Alisson.
When the winger was spotted interacting with supporters and influencers at an event in support of his brother, however, social media was flooded with words of disappointment (see one of the events below). Colombian ESPN host Andres La Couture posted on X in response to Diaz’s alleged lack of empathy:
“Lucho made a mistake. He doesn’t need to be reminded; we already know it, and he knows it better than anyone. And he must be deeply regretting it. I’m not sure how dedicated he was to the event, but if he was, his loved ones ought to have watched out for him there to keep him from participating in those posts.”
He went on: “As everyone here knows, Lucho Díaz is quiet and restrained, wise, and even innocent in the best meaning of the word, in contrast to some of his contemporaries. I’m sure he didn’t do it maliciously, and I assume his teammates feel the same way, but given the circumstances, that doesn’t seem like much.
“It was a careless and unacceptable behavior. It cannot and should not be denied, of course. He’s the first to know it, as I mentioned. Furthermore, there is no questioning the sincerity of his grief and distress at Diogo Jota’s death. This will teach Lucho a lesson.
Fresh Rumours Over Diaz’s Future Emerge
Bayern Munich and Barcelona are interested in signing him
The fact that there have been new speculations about his wish to leave the club after no progress on a new deal has also not lessened the backlash. “Let Luis Diaz leave if that is his desire. One X user commented, “I can’t be bothered anymore with this drama queen,” and another added:
“How is he allowing all this stuff to come out only days after you’re teammate has just lost his life?”
According to fresh sources, the 28-year-old was also on the verge of joining Barcelona last summer, and there are indications that he has reached a personal agreement with Bayern Munich.
As a fourth X user remarked, “Luis Diaz is so insensitive,” another added, “Shame on him.” Jota helped you when his father was abducted, but now you’re out having fun with Colombian influencers rather than going to your friend’s burial.”
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