Liverpool FC has flown the family of Colombian forward Luis Díaz to England by plane to spend Christmas, providing respite and recovery after their harrowing kidnapping experience in their home country.
Luis Manuel Díaz’s father was released last week after enduring 12 days in captivity under the control of the National Liberation Army (ELN) guerrilla group. Luis Díaz’s parents were kidnapped on October 28, with his mother, Cilenis Marulanda, being released hours later. A massive search operation, involving ground and air efforts, was launched to locate his father.
Following his return to Colombia during the international break, Luis Díaz reunited with his parents on Tuesday. The Liverpool forward went on to score a brace in Colombia’s 2-1 victory over Brazil in the World Cup 2026 qualifying matches.
In a supportive gesture, Liverpool arranged a private flight that arrived in England on Saturday with Díaz’s parents and other close relatives, allowing them to spend the year-end holidays in the English city.
Luis Díaz will join his family in England after representing Colombia in the away game against Paraguay on Tuesday. The ‘Reds’ face a packed schedule after the international break, with 11 matches scheduled between November 25 and January 1.