Diego Luna’s USMNT breakout journey has captured attention across American soccer, beginning with a bloodied nose in January and leading to a defining Gold Cup campaign under coach Mauricio Pochettino. As the 21-year-old continues his rapid ascent, his performances are fueling hopes for a spot on next year’s World Cup roster and marking him as a rare new star within the United States men’s national team.
Unforgettable Introduction in a Modest Setting
Luna’s latest tenure with the USMNT began not with a spectacular goal, but after taking an elbow to the face in a 3-0 win against Costa Rica in an otherwise low-profile January friendly. Amid the annual January camp, often deemed inconsequential, Luna’s nose was broken and blood streamed from both nostrils—a dramatic entry into national team lore. Mauricio Pochettino, recently appointed as head coach, responded with understated humor but recognized the significance of Luna’s reaction on and off the pitch. The episode quickly became the foundation of Luna’s swift transition from a little-known prospect to a crucial part of the team’s core.
“I was very surprised, because it was broke, you know?”
—Mauricio Pochettino, Head Coach
“But I didn’t want to say nothing [with] too much drama, because [it might] scare him. I said, ‘How do you feel?’ He said, ‘Please coach, let me keep playing, because at least after the half, I go out.’ The doctor said, ‘Yeah, yeah, okay, you go in.’ And the first action, assist, and we score. I said, big balls.”
—Mauricio Pochettino, Head Coach
That “big balls” moment—a blend of fearlessness and resolve—instantly endeared Luna to his manager, who had been searching for evidence of competitive grit within the squad. In the months since that game, Luna has matched his audacious mentality with consistent results: in just 11 appearances for the national team, he has delivered three goals and four assists. His standout highlight came during the Concacaf Gold Cup semifinal, when he scored both goals in the U.S. win over Guatemala, securing a place in the final and accelerating the push for a spot in the upcoming World Cup lineup.
Carving a Unique Professional Path
Unlike many of his USMNT colleagues—who have advanced through European or elite American academies such as those attended by Christian Pulisic or Tyler Adams—Luna’s path has taken unusual twists. His formative years included time with the San Jose Earthquakes academy and Barcelona’s residency program in Arizona, but he launched his professional career in 2021 with the USL Championship’s El Paso Locomotive. After proving himself at that level, he joined <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/soccer/mls/”>MLS side Real Salt Lake and has continued to develop among top competition.
“Not having my name be out there and not playing in Europe yet, stuff like that,”
—Diego Luna, USMNT Midfielder
Luna himself has long recognized the differences in his experience, highlighting that unlike many players, his route progressed from academy to USL, then MLS, and only recently earned him a consistent spot in the USMNT starting eleven. The winding journey has instilled in him a persistent drive and a personal “chip on his shoulder.” His motivations stem from his family and a deep desire to represent his country with pride.
“I think for me, it’s coming from a difficult background and having to fight for everything I’ve earned. I think it’s easy for me to say that I’m looking for more, working for more and to provide for my family, for my son, for my mom, dad, all these types of things so I think it’s just that and to be able to play for the crest. I don’t know what other motivation you need, right? I think it’s the biggest step in soccer to play for your country.”
—Diego Luna, USMNT Midfielder
During Gregg Berhalter’s reign as manager, Luna seldom featured for the senior side and was omitted from the U-23 Olympic squad. The decision—surprising even Utah governor Spencer Cox—might have kept Luna on the periphery. Not only did Luna pass on a role as an alternate for the Paris Olympics, but he also entertained the idea of representing Mexico. However, after gaining Pochettino’s trust, Luna has firmly settled his international allegiance. Pochettino has taken a clear stance on player commitment, especially when considering those eligible for multiple nations.
“If we really believe that a player can help us and can improve us, of course we are going to be 100 percent involved in that situation,”
—Mauricio Pochettino, Head Coach
“We don’t need to convince [players]. A player needs to want to play for the national team. I am Argentinian. I wanted to play for Argentina … it’s not because of a contract. It’s not because the possibility to play in Europe. No, I was desperate to defend my badge, my flag. We need to be careful. [There is] no need to convince a player. One player cannot be more important than the team or 300 million people. The player, if he’s an American player, needs to be desperate, needs to show that we need him. Because, if not, we are a weak federation.”
—Mauricio Pochettino, Head Coach
A Standout Year for a Rising Talent
Luna, a native of California, steadily progressed through the ranks, representing the U.S. at various youth levels before earning his senior debut in January 2024. Despite this early appearance, he only gained national attention following his nose injury and the subsequent assist, which served as a springboard for his breakout season.
The real tests came in March, when the full senior squad—including European-based stars like Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Gio Reyna—assembled in Los Angeles for the Concacaf Nations League finals. Key injuries opened the door for Luna and newcomers like Patrick Agyemang to join the lineup. While established regulars faltered in losses to Panama and Canada, Luna made his mark by assisting on the USMNT’s sole goal during the week. This strong showing, in contrast to the overall team’s disappointment, underscored his value and earned kudos from Pochettino and teammates.
“The desire and the [hunger] that he showed is what we want and that is not to say nothing against the rest of the people. It’s only one example. When I told [him] today, ‘You are going to play,’ he was ready.”
—Mauricio Pochettino, Head Coach
“He’s an awesome kid, man, He’s got a really bright future. You can see it today. He brings a little something different. He’s got heart and I love the way he plays and like I said, he’s got a big future ahead.”
—Christian Pulisic, USMNT Player
The 2024 Gold Cup offered Luna a stage to prove whether he was a temporary sensation or a legitimate emerging star. Across two friendly matches before the tournament and six more in the USMNT’s run to the final, Luna’s maturity and ability to deliver in crucial moments became clear. With two goals and an assist during knockout rounds, he expanded his reputation as a player who excels under pressure. Most notably, Luna’s two-goal performance in the semifinal against Guatemala offset the team’s defensive challenges and showcased an unflappable attitude in front of goal.
What Luna’s Breakout Means for the Future
With the Gold Cup final looming in Houston and less than a year remaining until the USMNT hosts the opening game of the 2026 World Cup, Luna’s emergence could redefine the team’s prospects. The focus will undoubtedly be on capturing the continental trophy, but Luna’s rapid progression is already being hailed as one of Mauricio Pochettino’s biggest recent successes. At a time when the USMNT has faced criticism for lacking a competitive spark, his journey adds a layer of unpredictability and competition that the national program has sorely missed.
As roster decisions and positional battles intensify over the coming months, Diego Luna’s USMNT breakout journey demonstrates how perseverance, distinct experience, and at times sheer courage can change a national team narrative and inspire the next wave of American soccer talent.