Bayern Munich fans have a new hero. Luis Diaz scored on his very first competitive game for the German giants, helping them win the German Super Cup 2-1 against Stuttgart. The Colombian winger, who joined from Liverpool this summer in a deal worth up to β¬75 million ($87.8 million), made an instant impact.
The match was billed as the curtain raiser between last seasonβs Bundesliga champions and the cup winners. Bayern needed a strong performance to show they are ready for another title run, and they got exactly that. Harry Kane opened the scoring, before Diaz doubled the lead with a sharp finish. Stuttgart pulled one back, but it was not enough to stop Bayern from lifting the trophy.
Kane was quick to praise his new teammate. βI think you can see what he brings 1v1,β Kane said. He described Diaz as βreally sharp, really agile.β The England captain added, βI think itβs important, especially in this modern football, for the wingers to be scoring hopefully 15-20 goals a season. The goal was a great run, a great finish. Scoring your first competitive game for a new club is great and for it to be the winning goal is a perfect start for him.β
For Diaz, the night was about more than just football. After scoring, he ran to the corner flag and performed a video game celebration made famous by Diogo Jota, his former Liverpool teammate. Jota tragically passed away in July, leaving the football world in shock. Diaz wanted to honor him in the most public way possible.
βLuis obviously played with him and knew him well,β Kane explained. βI think the whole football world comes together in moments like that. It was a nice tribute to him and his family and his brother. That whole situation obviously is a sad situation. The more we can come together and show our love, I think the better.β
The tribute struck a chord with fans. Many supporters applauded Diaz not only for his performance on the pitch but also for the respect he showed to a lost friend.
For Bayern, Diazβs transfer was one of the biggest moves of the summer. Paying up to β¬75 million shows how much faith the club has in him. The pressure is huge, but Diaz could not have asked for a better way to begin his new journey. Scoring in your debut, in front of thousands of fans, and securing a trophy on the same night is the dream scenario for any footballer.
Coach Vincent Kompany, who took charge of Bayern this summer, will be pleased to see his big signing making such a fast impact. The combination of Kane and Diaz already looks dangerous, and rivals will be worried about facing Bayern this season.
The Bundesliga season starts this Friday, with Bayern playing at home against RB Leipzig. All eyes will be on Diaz again. Can he continue his hot start and deliver week after week in the league? For now, Bayern supporters will enjoy the excitement. They know they have a player who can change games, score goals, and lift spirits with his passion and energy.
Featured image via X screengrab