Colombian footballer Luis Diaz continues to solidify his place as one of the great figures in international football. Months before the 2026 World Cup begins, the Bayern Munich winger was included in the list of the tournament’s 100 best players, an analysis conducted by leading outlets such as The Athletic and The New York Times. In this prestigious ranking, Diaz holds the 15th position, placing him among the most influential footballers of the championship and making him the only Colombian included.
This recognition confirms the outstanding moment the player from La Guajira is experiencing, as he heads into his first World Cup as the main offensive weapon of the Colombian national team.
Why did the Colombian footballer make the list of the 100 best players of the 2026 World Cup, according to The New York Times?
Diaz’s presence in the Top 15 of the global ranking is a milestone for Colombian football. According to the analysis published by The New York Times, the attacker is considered one of the most unbalancing players in the continent and the fourth-best South American in the list, behind historic figures such as Lionel Messi.
His remarkable rise in European football has been key. Since joining Bayern Munich, Diaz has stood out for his speed, ability to break defensive lines, and influence in decisive moments of the season. In the Bundesliga and the German Cup, he has become a crucial player — qualities that position him as one of the potential stars of the global tournament.
Colombia, which qualified for the World Cup after a strong qualifying campaign, was placed in Group K, alongside Portugal, Uzbekistan, and the winner of the playoff between Jamaica, New Caledonia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. For Diaz, this scenario represents a historic opportunity — it will be his first World Cup, and he arrives at the peak of his career.
The offensive leader of the Colombian National Team
Within the team coached by Nestor Lorenzo, Diaz has consolidated himself as the natural leader of the attack. His performances for the national squad have turned him into a fan favorite and the main hope for a memorable campaign in the tournament hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
The winger’s inclusion in the list of the 100 best players reaffirms his international status and places him ahead of other prominent Colombian footballers from the past, such as James Rodriguez, who was not considered for this edition.
Expectations and challenges ahead of 2026
Although the ranking reflects Diaz’s global impact, the challenge now will be to maintain his level on the sport’s biggest stage. His performance will depend on key factors such as his physical condition upon entering the tournament, the team’s strategy, and how the group-stage matches unfold.
While media pressure is expected to be high, it could also motivate the Colombian to reach the pinnacle of his career. His presence on this list confirms that he is among the most outstanding players on the planet, and that the 2026 World Cup will be the perfect showcase for him to continue demonstrating his quality.