Mariano Díaz’s Football Comeback

After nearly a year away from competitive football, Mariano Díaz has made a triumphant return to the pitch. The 31-year-old striker, currently without a club, donned the colors of the Dominican Republic national team and immediately made an impact. In a match against Puerto Rico, Díaz opened the scoring in a 2-0 victory, with Junior Firpo adding the second goal.

This appearance marked Díaz’s first competitive action since May 2024, and his goal was his first since May 2022 when he was still with Real Madrid. The match served as a reminder of Díaz’s scoring abilities and his potential value to clubs looking for a proven goalscorer.

Díaz’s career has been hampered by injuries in recent years, most notably issues with his patellar tendon that forced him to miss the Olympics with the Dominican Republic. These setbacks contributed to the end of his contract with Sevilla in June and have made it challenging for him to secure a new club.

Despite being without a team, Díaz’s call-up to the national side has provided him with a platform to showcase his skills. Dominican Republic coach Marcelo Neveleff emphasized the positive impact of Díaz’s presence, stating, “Mariano’s arrival contributes to the emotional, technical, and tactical growth of the team.”

This international appearance, Díaz’s first since 2023, could potentially reignite his club career. As he continues to regain match fitness and form with the national team, Díaz will be hoping to attract interest from clubs and secure a return to regular club football.