Diego Luna has quickly become one of the most exciting young players in American soccer. A standout for Real Salt Lake and a rising name in the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT), Luna’s creativity, confidence, and bold playing style have turned heads.
Parents and early life
Born on September 7, 2003, in Sunnyvale, California, Diego Ángel Luna comes from a family rooted in the game. His father, Alberto “Beto” Luna, played professional indoor soccer in San Jose Shocker, prior to the creation of the MLS during the 1980s. According to the Washington Post, his mother’s name is not widely publicized, but Suzanna Luna (his mother) and his father are both of Mexican descent, and family is a major part of Luna’s story.
He grew up surrounded by the sport, often playing for hours on end in the backyard or local fields with his older siblings. One of his sisters, Kristal, is also involved in soccer as an Assistant Coach at Sonoma State University, in California.
Education and Youth Career
Luna played for Palo Alto SC before joining the San Jose Earthquakes Academy. At age 15, he made the tough decision to leave home and attend the Barça Residency Academy in Arizona.
He’s since spoken publicly about going through therapy to help navigate loneliness, as well as picking up a part-time job at a coffee shop to learn how to connect more socially.
Professional Career
Luna’s first pro contract came in 2021 with El Paso Locomotive in the USL. He scored 13 goals and 7 assists in 42 appearances, quickly drawing attention for his play making and scoring skills.
In June 2022, Real Salt Lake made a USL-record deal (reportedly worth $250,000) to bring him to MLS. In 2025, Luna had his breakout season with 8 goals and 8 assists, earning an MLS All-Star spot and the MLS Young Player of the Year award.
USMNT Rise
Luna represented the U.S. at the U-20 and U-23 levels before getting his senior call-up in January 2024.
One of his biggest moments came in a friendly match vs. Costa Rica in January 2025, where he stayed in the game after suffering a broken nose — and still delivered an assist.
USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino praised Luna’s mentality, saying, “He’s got big balls. That’s the kind of player I want in my squad.”
In the quarter-finals of the 2025 Gold Cup, Luna scored his first international goal against Costa Rica – months after had a broken nose against the same team.
Girlfriend and Son
Luna is currently in a relationship, though his girlfriend’s name has not been made public. The couple welcomed a son named Manolo in early 2024. Luna has said that becoming a father gave him “more clarity” and “more purpose” — both on and off the pitch.
Tattoos and Personality
One of Luna’s trademarks is his tattoos, which reflect personal growth and past struggles. A well-known piece on his arm reads, “Why so serious?” — a nod to the Joker and a symbol of embracing who he is.
He’s also been open about mental health, using both therapy and creative outlets like art and soccer to stay grounded.
Net Worth and Future Outlook
According to Spotrac and based on Luna’s career earnings, his estimated net worth ranges between $1–2 million, though that number is expected to rise significantly.
With more USMNT appearances and a potential move to Europe in the future, he’s well on track to increase his value — both in market terms and as a key part of the U.S. soccer setup heading into the 2026 World Cup.
