Diego Luna is quickly becoming one of the most compelling voices in American football, redefining what expression can be both on and off the pitch. With his rise gathering momentum and a World Cup on home soil approaching, we sat down with him at Nike HQ to talk all things creativity, confidence, and the future he’s determined to help shape for the U.S. game.
In an era where footballers are as much cultural catalysts as they are athletes, Diego Luna stands right at the front of the new American wave. Bold, expressive, and never afraid to carve his own lane. At just 20, the Real Salt Lake and USMNT star has already become one of the game’s most exciting young mavericks, a player whose creativity on the pitch is matched by a refreshing honesty and individuality off it.
Luna belongs to a generation that doesn’t separate football from culture. His low-slung socks, his flair heavy touch, his openness about mental health, his refusal to fit into a mould. He’s a player who moves to his own rhythm. And in a landscape where conformity still lingers at every level, he represents something rawer and more human. A reminder that the beautiful game still belongs to the dreamers. He plays with freedom, speaks with intention, and carries himself with the kind of grounded confidence that only comes from understanding both where you come from and where you want to go.
And with a World Cup on home soil on the horizon, Luna’s rise comes with a different kind of electricity. He’s part of a generation ready to flip the script on what American football can look and feel like. Not just in performance, but in personality.
We linked up with Deigo at Nike HQ to dig into that world. The mindset behind the magic, the culture that shaped him, and the vision he carries into a defining chapter for both him and the U.S. game. But beyond the external expectations lies a young man who’s just as focused on personal growth.
You’ve carved out a visual identity that feels completely your own. How important is that to you, and when did you start seeing the world a bit differently?
I think it started when I moved away from home at 14, away from my family and friends. Growing up on my own, I had to figure out what I liked, what I didn’t, and what felt like my vibe. It was a lot of trial and error, building little life lessons that helped shape my style.
People see you as part of this next generation of creative players. How would you describe your headspace going into games? What helps you get into a flow?
It was tough for a while when the pressure started building. That’s when I turned to mental health support and therapy. It helped me get out of that slump and learn how to handle pressure a bit better. I learned how to put it aside so I can perform.
Your style of play feels free. What inspires that freedom?
I grew up in a soccer family—two older brothers, an older sister, and my dad coaching. There was always a ball at my feet. It was about expressing myself, creating chances, having fun and things will work out. It wasn't about tactics at a young age. Later, as I learned the tactical side, blending the two really helped my game and got me to where I am now.
You carry yourself with a quiet confidence. How do you protect that in such a loud environment, especially with social media?
My family keeps me grounded. They’re Latino, so they tell it like it is. They know what to say to make sure I stay who I am and don’t get caught up in fame or social media. And naturally, chill is just my vibe, I don't like to be dressing up all bougie and stuff. Like yeah, just keep it chill, have fun and play football. That's me.
Football is now more blended with culture than ever. Can you tell us how you try to navigate that space while staying true to yourself?
I try not to overthink it. If I like a trend, I try it. If it fits me, great. If not, I leave it. I kind of zone out to what people say, some fans always comment about me wearing my socks so low, but it’s comfortable for me and kind of symbolises me, so I do it. I like it, so i'm going to keep playing like that.
You’re stepping into a moment where young players are beginning to look up to you. Is that a big responsibility?
It’s cool because it gives me something meaningful outside of football, like speaking about mental health. It’s not just the game anymore; I get to put my energy into something else that can help the next generation. It keeps me grounded and lets me use my platform for something good. So, that's been pretty cool.
We’ve got to talk about the World Cup next year. What does that tournament mean to you personally?
Words can’t describe it. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Especially to possibly play a World Cup in your home country. It's super special for me, you know, it’s the biggest tournament in the world. Being part of it at any level is incredible, and it’s going to be super awesome for the U.S., Mexico, and Canada to host and bring that much attention to the sport.
You’ve talked about expressing yourself through style. But what does wearing a club or nation's jersey mean to you?
“Look good, feel good, play good”—that’s the motto and that's what I live by. Comfort, fit, lightness, breathability—all those things matter more than you'd think. You want to feel fresh throughout the match for as long as possible.
And as a Nike athlete, what does it mean to you, being part of that world?
It’s so exciting, being part of something that big, culturally. It’s what you always dream of as a kid. So to see it come true is incredible.
Was there any players who inspired you growing up? Anyone whose style or aesthetic influenced you?
Marco Reus was my guy. I loved his style of play, that freedom, he played with. I've got the blonde hair now, I've done that a couple of times and maybe that's because of him. He was smooth, had swagger. But yeah, I just loved watching him.
And if you look on ten years from now, if someone says your name, what do you hope they feel you’ve left behind?
I want to make a name for myself at the international level, that’s the biggest thing for me. And then off the field, I’d love to be known for opening up conversations around mental health. Even if that’s not the main thing I’m remembered for, maybe it can be the second thing. Having it be that I helped younger players grow and develop beyond the field. I think that would be pretty cool.
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