A Remarkable Return: Mariano Diaz Breaks Scoring Drought
For a footballer, going 304 days without playing in a competitive match is a lengthy hiatus. Even more daunting is the staggering 1,135 days that a striker must endure without finding the back of the net. However, former Real Madrid forward Mariano Diaz shattered both of these personal records in a dazzling display during a friendly match between the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico earlier this week.
Mariano, who has donned the colors of Madrid in two separate stints from 2016 to 2023, made 84 appearances, netting 12 goals. After a brief spell at Sevilla in 2023, he parted ways with the club last summer and had been without a team since then. His last official goal was scored on February 15, 2022, against Cadiz in La Liga, and his most recent competitive appearance came on April 26 of the previous year against Barcelona.
But now, the 31-year-old is back on the pitch and eager to make his mark. He has committed to representing the Dominican Republic in their quest for qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the upcoming Concacaf Gold Cup, which will be held across Canada and the United States, featuring 16 teams from North and Central America and the Caribbean.
Why the Dominican Republic Chose Mariano
Mariano played a pivotal role in the Dominican Republic’s 2-0 victory over Puerto Rico at the Cibao Stadium in Santiago, contributing significantly in his first match back. His opening goal came from a beautifully executed long ball, which he expertly controlled with his chest while sprinting past the Puerto Rican defense. The touch set him up perfectly for a strike with his favored right foot, sending the ball low into the bottom left corner of the net, reminiscent of his iconic stoppage-time goal against Barcelona in March 2020.
“It was an incredibly beautiful feeling to return to the pitch and score again. It’s what I love the most,” Mariano expressed through the Dominican Republic football team’s official channels. “There’s a wonderful connection with my teammates and great chemistry, and I hope to maintain that in our upcoming matches.”
His goal had particular significance for the Argentine manager of the Dominican Republic, Marcelo Neveleff, who played a vital role in bringing Mariano into the fold. “Before the game, I told him I was praying for him to score, and he hugged me tightly,” Neveleff recounted. “After the match, he gave me another big hug. We were all rooting for him, and he could feel that support without needing to say a word. His gratitude was evident.”
The Road Ahead
The two teams had previously faced each other just four days prior, finishing in a 2-2 draw without the services of Mariano and Junior Firpo, a left-back for Leeds United, both of whom made an impact in the subsequent triumph in Santiago. Despite Puerto Rico being ranked 157th in FIFA standings (the Dominican Republic sits at 141st), tougher challenges await Mariano and his teammates.
This match marked his first appearance for the Dominican Republic since his debut in 2013 during a friendly against Haiti. Although born in Catalonia, Spain, Mariano had previously expressed a desire to represent Spain, stating in 2018, “It’s a dream I’ve had since I was little.” However, the prospect of playing for his mother’s homeland ultimately drew him back.
Neveleff noted, “When I arrived two years ago, we reviewed players of Dominican heritage in Europe, and he was at the top of our list. We had a conversation about a year ago, and although he was interested, he felt it wasn’t the right time while at Sevilla. But when we reconnected, it became a significant opportunity for our national team to feature a player of his caliber.”
The Challenge of the Unattached Player
It is quite rare for players without a club to represent their national teams. Notable cases include Cristiano Ronaldo for Portugal during the 2022 World Cup and Zinedine Zidane at the 2006 World Cup. Additionally, Guillermo Ochoa excelled for Mexico at the 2014 World Cup while being a free agent, and Hal Robson-Kanu helped Wales reach the semi-finals of the 2016 European Championship also as a free agent.
However, none have faced a spell as lengthy as Mariano’s absence from club football. His journey at Madrid was marked by challenges, including a lack of regular playing time, particularly after taking on the iconic No. 7 shirt once worn by Cristiano Ronaldo. After leaving Madrid in 2023, he signed with Sevilla but struggled to make an impact, failing to score in 13 appearances.
Neveleff describes Mariano as a “tough kid” with a “strong mental attitude.” “These guys are high-level athletes,” he commented. “If they are determined to make a comeback, they can’t afford to relax, especially in terms of physical training. The hardest part is the lack of competitive play. When you play at the highest levels, like La Liga or the Premier League, your decision-making is instantaneous. When you haven’t played for a while, that instinct can take longer to kick in.”
Despite missing a couple of chances during the Puerto Rico match, Neveleff believes in Mariano’s abilities. “He missed a one-on-one opportunity before scoring, but he understands that he needs to be sharper.”
Looking Forward
Mariano’s return was met with optimism. He trained diligently leading up to the match and played 88 minutes at a commendable level before being substituted. “I could see from the first day of practice that he had been maintaining his fitness despite being without a club,” Neveleff remarked. “When I asked him if he felt ready to start, he confidently said he was, and I believed him.”
Xavier Valdez, the Dominican Republic goalkeeper and a player for Nashville FC, echoed Neveleff’s sentiments: “With Mariano joining us, our chances of qualifying for the World Cup have strengthened significantly. His quality and effectiveness elevate our game. The entire team has welcomed him warmly, and we are thrilled to have him back.”
As the Dominican Republic navigates their qualifying group, currently sitting third behind Guatemala and Jamaica, they are in pursuit of their first-ever World Cup appearance. The top two teams from each of the six qualifying groups will advance to the next round, with the ultimate goal of securing a place in the prestigious tournament.
Neveleff hopes that Mariano can find a club before their next fixtures in early June, which include a trip to Guatemala and a home game against Dominica. “I don’t think he will remain without a team for long, but if he does, I’ll make sure to check in with him regularly,” Neveleff stated. “If he doesn’t secure a club, we’ll find a way for him to train with a group of players here. I have faith in his talent.”
The Dominican Republic has made significant strides in football recently, marking their participation in the Gold Cup as their first major tournament, a year after the women’s team achieved a similar milestone. They also qualified for the 2024 Olympics, where they faced some tough matches.
As the team improves through the recruitment of dual-national players, including Firpo and others, Mariano’s ongoing success could be crucial in propelling the Dominican Republic closer to history, while simultaneously providing a much-needed boost to his own club career.
(Image: Mariano celebrates scoring for Madrid in 2019; David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)
