Luis Diaz is more to the Wayuu tribe than just a football player.
Born and nurtured in the centre of the largest indigenous village in Colombia, Liverpool’s Quad-chasing hero represents hope, pride, and resistance for his people.
Luis Diaz and his family grew up in one of the world’s most challenging environments
Liverpool hero Luis Diaz, who has unveiled a new haircut, is a hero to his Wayuu tribe
Colombia superstar Luis Diaz grew up in the small village of Barrancas
After six years of dating, Luis Diaz and fellow Colombian Gera Ponce are now contentedly established in England.
According to Wayuu spokesman Javier Rojas Uriana, “Luis is the living example of the resilience and strength of us as an ancestral people,” SunSport reported.
Our hearts are filled with pride when we witness one of us rise to such great heights with hard work and merit and get above the obstacles life has placed in our way.
“We are incredibly proud.”
The Guajira Peninsula, which spans northern Colombia and northwest Venezuela, is home to the Wayuu people.
Although they are not bound by the rules of either nation, their independence has not been unhindered.
Raised in the municipality of Barrancas, behind the massive open-pit coal mine of Cerrejon, the largest in Latin America, Diaz witnessed firsthand the brutal exploitation of the abundant natural resources in their area.
When asked where he obtained his sense of self-worth, Diaz said, “La Guajira.” It has roots in me. In my hometown, in my town, I have always played football.
“Those are my traits; they have given me many of the qualities I possess now, and I have developed considerably since then. That’s how I play.
“Every game is a form of retaliation for my constant pursuit of greater things; I am aware of the costs involved and must make the most of every second I have.”
“The remaining material is crucial for the future.”
Many Wayuu people do not have access to clean water, enough food, or even the most basic healthcare and education, while others gain from these enterprises.
“Our community has the highest rates of poverty, malnourishment, abuse, discrimination, and inequality that can exist,” Rojas stated. Everywhere you turn, the image is grim.
It’s difficult to grow up when there is hunger and thirst. Few of us are able to overcome this circumstance without “selling our souls to the devil.”
“Luis is crucial to bringing attention to the issues facing the Wayuu because he and his family have personally experienced the hardships of discrimination, inequality, and abandonment.”
Luis Diaz’s partner Gera Ponce has seen him rise to the very top
Former Porto wideman Luis Diaz had an upbringing a million miles away from the high life of Premier League stars
An integral part of Colombia’s indigenous communities was Luis Diaz’s family.
When he was younger, Diaz was the skinny guy in the hamlet, earning the moniker Fideo, or “Noodle.”
A “clumsy, malnourished” teenager showed up for a trial for a youth squad comprised of athletes from Colombia’s indigenous villages, according to coach John Diaz (no relation).
However, scouts, including Colombian star Carlos Valderrama, were pleased by the young player’s abilities.
When he reached his teenage years, Luis Diaz’s finishing abilities made him look like a true professional.
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Diaz’s career took off after he scored seven goals at the 2015 Copa Sudamericana de Pueblos Indigenas.
He was loaned by Atletico Junior to Barranquilla, where he was placed on a special diet in order to put on ten kilogrammes.
In 2019, Diaz moved across the Atlantic to join Porto, then in January, he moved to Liverpool.
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Luis Diaz’s indigenous roots remain a large part of his life despite the glamour of his Prem career
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The youthful Luis Diaz wowed World Cup legend Carlos Valderrama, to the point where Atletico Junior of Colombia’s first division offered him a tryout.
According to Rojas, during our trips around the Media and Alta Guajira Reservation, this “tawala” (our brother) is perhaps the best example we have and the one we discuss the most.
“His perseverance, discipline, and humility combined with his hard work has inspired and motivated our youth in particular.
“That spirit and vigour that were being destroyed are being restored by Luis Diaz. He gives us the opportunity to respond to the charges levelled against us.
“We don’t live in these deplorable circumstances for fun, indolence, or self-interest. There are plenty of “Luis Diaz’s” in the area who are in need of assistance and opportunity.
The Wayuu, who worship “Maleiwa,” their creator god, will be watching Diaz attempt to lead Liverpool to an unprecedented quadruple and praying that he can reach even greater heights.
“We will be full of pride and drenching with sweat the shirt of the best team in the world,” Rojas declared, wherever the television signal may reach.
“We keep asking Maleiwa and our ancestors to lead him and to give him the will to be the greatest person alive.”