Diego Luna: The broken nose that changed his career in the US national team.

Diego Luna: The Injury That Transformed His Trajectory with the United States National Team

Real Salt Lake and US Men’s National Team midfielder Diego Luna has shared how a nose injury during a friendly against Costa Rica in January proved to be a turning point in his soccer career.

Although the injury limited his participation in that match, the assist he provided to Brian White and the image of blood on his face after receiving an elbow sent a clear message to the United States coach, Mauricio Pochettino: Luna was willing to leave his mark on the national team.

“I think that experience was, you could say, life-changing, as it gave me… I think it gave me the opportunity to return to more concentrations and show the kind of courage and hunger I have to play and represent my country,” Luna told reporters on Tuesday.

Diego Luna

Luna hopes to continue this upward trajectory in the current training camp, preparing for friendlies against Turkey and Switzerland, as well as for the upcoming Concacaf Gold Cup.

Since the beginning of the year, Luna has quickly risen in the consideration of the American team, maintaining a consistent performance at the club level with RSL, where he has scored eight goals and added four assists. Luna also highlighted that the confidence Pochettino places in him allows him to play with a clear mind and exploit his strengths.

The trust the coach gives him allows him to feel comfortable and express himself on the field.

Luna’s attitude has been an example of what is sought in the American team, especially after some disappointing results in the Concacaf Nations League and the Copa América.

Defender Walker Zimmerman emphasized that the team is working to improve. Zimmerman added that the 27 players called up are aware of the importance of this camp and the ones that follow, with the 2026 World Cup just around the corner.

The United States will face Turkey on Saturday in East Hartford, Connecticut, followed by another friendly against Switzerland on June 10 in Nashville, Tennessee. Then, it will kick off the Gold Cup group stage against Trinidad and Tobago on June 15 in San Jose, California.