Luis Díaz’s move from Liverpool to Bayern Munich last summer was met with curiosity across European football. A proven Premier League star joining a Bundesliga giant under a relatively new manager always invites scrutiny. Yet, just months into his Bayern career, the Colombian winger has already delivered a resounding answer.
With 18 goal contributions across all competitions — 12 goals and six assists — Díaz has hit the ground running under Vincent Kompany, establishing himself as one of Bayern’s most decisive attacking forces. His impact has been immediate, his confidence unmistakable, and his chemistry with Bayern’s star-studded squad increasingly evident.
Despite a brief setback following a red card against Paris Saint-Germain — after which Kompany allowed Díaz a short mental reset — the 28-year-old is now fully recharged. He returns just in time for Bayern’s final match of 2025, an away trip to Heidenheim, carrying both form and focus into the year’s closing chapter.
Speaking candidly about his adaptation to Germany, his creative freedom, and the looming challenge of a World Cup clash against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal, Díaz offered insight into a player who feels not only settled — but empowered.
Finding Home in Bavaria
Díaz attributes his seamless adaptation to Bayern Munich to the trust he felt from day one.
“I think it’s because they have placed a tremendous amount of trust in me. From the first day, my teammates and the club also made me feel welcome very quickly, and even though learning the language is a little difficult they made me feel like part of the family. The truth is that with Bayern I have found a very united team, at ease -something I have always been used to and something I have always wanted. So that’s why this has been very easy.”
That sense of belonging has proven crucial. Moving countries with a young family is rarely simple, yet Díaz’s transition has been eased by Bayern’s collective culture — one rooted in unity rather than hierarchy.
He also credits his Premier League education for preparing him well.
“I was also coming from good years at Liverpool, the final year especially, so playing in the Premier League really helped me. And for me I wanted a challenge and to play in the Bundesliga, try a new experience. I knew that I would do well. Obviously I didn’t expect for me to do well so quickly but that’s what I work for.”
Kompany’s Freedom and “Chaotic Creativity”
Under Vincent Kompany, Díaz has been encouraged to embrace his instincts rather than restrain them. The former Manchester City captain has built a system that values expression, movement, and unpredictability — a perfect environment for a winger who thrives on improvisation.
“Yes, completely. I feel more confident, more comfortable. And I also have a spectacular group [of teammates] where all of us play for the team. I mean, we have many stars! But we play more together and so that’s very important as well. It’s worth repeating.”
Kompany famously described Díaz as possessing “chaotic creativity” — a phrase that perfectly captures the Colombian’s style.
“[Laughs] Yes, totally. I love [the chaos]. I try to enjoy it as much as possible. Obviously with the commitment that you must have, [you do] whatever the manager asks of you. But I also want to enjoy it and create those chaotic moments you were talking about. It’s fundamental for me because I also live on the pitch like that, a player that causes headaches.”
It is that controlled chaos — the ability to disrupt defensive structure — that has made Díaz indispensable.
Learning From Harry Kane
One of the defining aspects of Díaz’s Bayern experience has been sharing the pitch with Harry Kane, a player he previously faced but never truly knew.
“Wow. Harry Kane … is incredible. I faced him many times back when he was with Tottenham so I knew him on the pitch but never shared it with him. Because one thing is seeing him and the other is sharing with him in training or in the dressing room.”
What surprised Díaz most was Kane’s relentless work ethic.
“He does things in training where I say to myself, ‘this can’t be.’ He’s so good. So good. It’s the truth! He plays so much and does everything well. Hunts for the ball, passes, defends – you watch him defend, he dedicates himself so much, someone so calm … and yet he scores goals. This guy lives for them. Each one that comes to him – once, twice, three times – he scores all of them.”
Beyond the pitch, Kane’s personality has left an equally strong impression.
“He’s also a great person. Very down-to-earth, family-orientated…just a spectacular person.”
Champions League Ambitions
For Bayern Munich, domestic dominance is expected. European glory, however, remains the ultimate benchmark.
“Every time I come to a new club, just because of the way I am, I want to win everything. Whatever is up for grabs. The club obviously wants to win [the Champions League] from the beginning, and we are currently doing well. But at the end I think we need to show it and confirm it at the final stages.”
Life in Munich: Family, Language and New Rhythms
Away from football, Díaz and his family have embraced Munich’s lifestyle.
“Honestly, my life here has been great because the city of Munich is also so great. There are so many things to do. It’s big, there are lots of things to do with the kids, the restaurants…”
When asked about Colombian comforts, Díaz laughed.
“No, that’s impossible here – you know the best Arepas are Colombian!”
Still, the city’s balance of modernity and privacy has been refreshing.
“The public respects [your privacy] – they see you but they respect you. They’re very grateful. My family too.”
Eyes on the World Cup: Colombia vs Portugal
Attention now begins to shift toward the 2026 World Cup, where Colombia will face Portugal in a headline group-stage clash in Miami.
“We are very excited for the World Cup, we’ve had a great process [getting there] under el profesor Néstor [Lorenzo] since he came and I think we have grown a lot.”
Facing Cristiano Ronaldo adds extra magnitude.
“The game against Portugal? It’s going to be incredible. They have one of the best players in the world – Cristiano Ronaldo.”
Colombian support in the United States is expected to be overwhelming.
“To have those fans to support us is going to be incredible and we will feel like we’re home.”
James Rodríguez: The Eternal No. 10
Díaz reserved special praise for James Rodríguez, likely entering his final World Cup.
“He’s our captain, our leader and every time he puts on the Colombian shirt he transforms himself.”
For Colombia, James remains irreplaceable.
“So for us, the national team, for our people – he is the No 10. The captain. He is everything for us.”
