Luis Diaz thanks Liverpool star for support during father's kidnapping

Luis Diaz thanked Alisson Becker for his support during his father's kidnapping ordeal, after Colombia's win over Brazil.

The Liverpool winger scored twice to give Colombia a famous win over their neighbours in a World Cup qualifier in Barranquilla on Friday.

Brazil took an early lead through Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli, but Diaz's second-half double in the space of four minutes confirmed Colombia's first victory against Brazil in eight years.

Diaz's inspired performance held extra emotional significance in the context of his father's kidnapping.

Luis Manuel Diaz, 58, was released last week after being held for 12 days by Colombian rebel group ELN and was only reunited with his son during the international break.

Diaz Snr's celebrations in the stands as he watched his son inspire his country to victory soon went viral.

After the match, the Liverpool number seven – who sat out two Reds games during the ordeal – referenced the difficult situation he and family had been through and dedicated the win to the people of Colombia.

He told reporters: “You have to suffer if you want to win.

“We’ve lived through some difficult moments, but life makes you stronger and brave.

“Not just in football but in life. I think we deserved this win. Not just me. All of us. I’m grateful to my teammates and the coaching staff. They were there for me at all times. I want to dedicate this win to the people (of Colombia).”

After the final whistle, Diaz was seen sharing an embrace with Liverpool teammate Alisson, who was in goal for Brazil on the night.

Singling out the keeper for his support, Diaz said of Alisson: “He’s a great human being. I really respect him.

“He was very happy for me because he knows what we all went through. He gave me all the support I could’ve asked for.”

The win moves Diaz's Colombia up to third in the CONMEBOL World Cup 2026 qualification table.