Colombia vs Brazil: Luis Diaz’s Father Break Down After Son Scores Twice Days After He Was Rescued

• Luis Diaz bagged a brace to help Colombia beat Brazil on November 17
• The performance came only a few days after his father was released by kidnappers
• His father was overcome with emotion as he watched from the stands

It was simply meant to be. Days after reuniting with his father following his harrowing abduction experience, Luis Diaz shone for his national side, Colombia, in their World Cup qualifier match on November 17.

The Los Cafeteros welcomed five-time world champions Brazil at the Estadio Metropolitano in Barranquilla, looking to end a run of three successive stalemates in the race to qualify for the 2026 showpiece.

The game had a number of intriguing storylines from Brazil's standpoint - looking to snap a dip in form or how they will play without Neymar was key on Fernando Diniz's agenda.

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But from the host's perspective and human interest, was the presence of Diaz's father, Mane Diaz, in the stadium. His son was started front as part of Nestor Lorenzo's front four.

Luis Diaz's father's abduction and release

The former Porto man has been on tenterhooks since the National Liberation Army abducted his parents. His mother was rescued, but his father remained with his kidnappers for a few more days.

The Colombian government brokered a truce to secure the release of the senior Diaz, setting up the stage for an emotional reunion for the family when Diaz travelled for the international break.

Gabriel Martinelli scored his first goal for Brazil to give the Selecao the lead in the 4th minute. An injury-ravaged Brazil, however, failed to hold on as Diaz scored twice in five minutes to seal an important win for his nation over the continental giants.

Diaz's father's reaction to his son's goals

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Cameras panned to Diaz's father, who was in the stands, tears flowing freely. For a man who at one point had thought that he would never see his family again, watching his son score tice against such an opposition was too overwhelming to bear.

It was meant to be.

With the win, Colombia now rises to third in the South America table as crisis bells ring in the Brazil camp who sink to fifth.

First pictures of Diaz’s dad after release

Sports Brief also reported on the first images of Luis Diaz’s father after he was rescued from an organised criminal group.

Before officially being released to reunite with his family, Diaz’s father underwent a medical examination in the city of Valledupar.

On social media platform X, formerly Twitter, the user 'Pipe Sierra' shared an image of Diaz Senior alongside a catholic priest.