Diego Luna, the 21-year-old midfielder for Real Salt Lake, is rapidly emerging as a key figure for the U.S. Men's National Team (USMNT), particularly shining during the 2025 Gold Cup. His journey, marked by resilience and determination, has captured the attention of fans and coaches alike.
Luna's recent performances in the Gold Cup have solidified his place as a rising star. He scored his first international goal in a quarterfinal match against Costa Rica and followed it up with a brace against Guatemala in the semi-final. His two goals against Guatemala propelled the USMNT to a 2-1 victory and secured their spot in the Gold Cup final. Luna's contributions have not gone unnoticed, with praise coming from all corners. Landon Donovan, during a FOX Sports broadcast, lauded Luna's "fantastic quality and work rate," declaring him an "absolute star".
USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino has highlighted Luna's "attitude, hunger, desire" as key factors in his success. Pochettino noted Luna's desperation to play for the national team, which has driven him to perform at a high level. Luna's commitment was evident in a January friendly against Costa Rica when he continued to play despite suffering a broken nose. His willingness to persevere, even with cotton rolls stuffed in his nostrils to stop the bleeding, became a symbol of his grit and determination.
Luna's journey to the USMNT spotlight has had its challenges. He was cut from the U.S. Olympic team last summer, a setback that fueled his determination. Luna channeled his disappointment into hard work, finishing the 2024 MLS season with eight goals and 12 assists for Real Salt Lake. His perseverance paid off when he earned a spot in the Concacaf Nations League roster in March 2025, followed by a starting role in the Gold Cup.
Born in Sunnyvale, California, Luna's early career included time with the San Jose Earthquakes academy and the Barcelona Residency Academy in Arizona. He has represented the United States at various youth levels, including the U-14, U-17, and U-20 teams. In 2022, he played a significant role in the U.S. U-20 team's CONCACAF U-20 Championship win, which secured spots for the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup and the 2024 Olympics. Luna received his first call-up to the senior national team in January 2024.
Looking ahead, Luna has the opportunity to further cement his place in the USMNT. With a Gold Cup final against Mexico on the horizon, Luna's performance could significantly boost his chances of making the 2026 World Cup roster. Luna's journey from a young player with potential to a key contributor for the USMNT is a testament to his hard work, resilience, and unwavering desire to represent his country.
