For Diego Luna, the US men's national team attacking midfielder, representing the United States was never in doubt, even if his path seemed unorthodox to outsiders. The 22-year-old, who has appeared in 13 of 14 US games in 2025, grew up in a Mexican American family where matches between Mexico and the US were a source of intergenerational tension. While many relatives cheered for Mexico, Luna always rooted for the US.
Luna's soccer journey began early, shaped by his father Beto and older brother Armando. Beto Luna, who married into the family, had his own unlikely rise in professional soccer after being scouted for the San Diego Sockers in 1985 despite no pro experience. He later played for the Milwaukee Wave and San Jose Earthquakes, becoming a respected coach in the Bay Area. Armando, a former player whose career ended due to a back injury, says their father's passion inspired them.
Diego was constantly on the field from infancy, thanks to his family's involvement in the sport. Armando recalls that Diego would arrive early for his own training sessions and stay late, practicing with older players. 'He loved being around the game,' Armando says. At age five, Diego joined Palo Alto Soccer Club, playing with kids nearly twice his age, which forced him to develop his skills quickly.
Luna's career bypassed the NCAA and MLS systems, instead going through the Barcelona residency academy in Arizona and the USL with El Paso Locomotive FC. Now a key player under coach Mauricio Pochettino, Luna has become a fan favorite despite playing with a broken nose. His rapid ascendance has surprised pundits, but his family never doubted his allegiance to the US.
