Mariano Diaz: A Legacy at Real Madrid
Mariano Diaz, who donned the iconic number 7 jersey for Real Madrid , leaves behind a mixed legacy as he departs from the club. This number has been famously associated with legends like Raymond Kopa , Emilio Butragueño , Raúl , Cristiano Ronaldo , and Vinicius Junior . Although his overall impact on the pitch might be considered modest—having made 84 appearances and scoring 12 goals with 3 assists —his time at Real Madrid is notable due to the numerous trophies he collected.
During his tenure, Mariano secured two Champions League titles in 2017 and 2022 , three La Liga titles in 2017 , 2020 , and 2022 , as well as various other accolades, including the 2020 UEFA Supercup , the 2023 Club World Cup , the Spanish Supercup in both 2020 and 2022 , and the Spanish Cup in 2023 . His trophy cabinet is a testament to the squad’s success during his time, even if he wasn’t a key player on the field.
Flourishing in Lyon
Mariano’s career took a significant turn during the 2017/2018 season while he played for Olympique Lyonnais . He had a remarkable season, netting 21 goals and providing 6 assists in 48 matches . His outstanding performances caught the eye of Real Madrid, which decided to activate its buyback clause to bring him back for €21.5 million , just a year after his departure.
However, his return to Real Madrid did not yield the expected success. Mariano struggled to regain a consistent place in the starting lineup, leading to limited appearances and goals in his second stint with the club. By summer 2023 , he found himself joining Sevilla FC but faced another challenging chapter, playing just 13 matches without scoring and contributing a single assist. This lack of contribution ultimately led to his release from the club, leaving him unemployed as of July 1, 2024 .
A Fresh Start with Deportivo Alavés
After a lengthy period without playing, Mariano found himself back in the national squad, scoring a goal in a friendly match against Puerto Rico on March 26 . Despite missing out on the Gold Cup , he sought to revitalize his career by training with Deportivo Alavés in the Basque Country . “The striker Mariano Díaz Mejía, with a brilliant career in elite football, will train in Deportivo Alavés and participate in the training of the first team during this initial phase of the pre-season,” the club announced on July 14 .
This newfound opportunity has been promising for the 32-year-old striker. His training with Alavés appeared to go well, and he showcased his capabilities during the pre-season sessions. Coach Eduardo Coudet expressed his satisfaction with Mariano’s performance, leading to discussions of a potential contract extension.
Reports from Marca indicate that Mariano’s commitment to Alavés is becoming increasingly solid. The club is expected to announce a two-year contract for the player, which could pave the way for a more significant role in their campaign. This opportunity comes at a crucial time, especially after the departure of striker Joaquín Panichelli to Strasbourg for €16.5 million , and a potential loan move for Asier Villalibre . Mariano Diaz now stands as a likely candidate for the center-forward role, competing against only Toni Martinez for the primary striker position.
While Mariano Diaz’s journey through the football landscape has been anything but straightforward, he continues to demonstrate resilience and determination. With the support of Deportivo Alavés, he aims to reinvent himself and add a new chapter to his football career.