Mariano Diaz’s Comeback: Scoring After a Long Drought
After enduring a lengthy absence from competition, Mariano Diaz marked his return to football by netting a goal in a friendly match between the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. This moment was particularly significant for the striker, as it ended a scoring drought of 1,135 days and a prolonged period without playing in any game.
The Background
Mariano, previously with Real Madrid, played 84 matches across two stints from 2016 to 2023, scoring a total of 12 goals. His career saw him traveling to Sevilla in 2023, but following his departure from the club last summer, he remained without team affiliation.
His last official appearance was on April 26, 2022, while at Sevilla, marking a long period of inactivity on the pitch. The striker had not scored since February 15, 2022, during a La Liga match against Cadiz.
A New Chapter with the National Team
In a bid to revive his career, Mariano has signed on to represent the Dominican Republic national team, participating in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and this summer’s Concacaf Gold Cup. His recent performances aim to support the team’s ambitions and strengthen their chances in international competitions.
Return to Action
During the friendly held at Cibao Stadium in Santiago, Mariano played for 88 minutes, significantly contributing to the Dominican Republic’s 2-0 victory. He scored the first goal with a precise shot from a well-placed long ball, showcasing his ability to promptly reestablish himself on the field.
“It was a very beautiful feeling to return to the pitch, to score a goal again. It’s what I most like,” said Mariano, reflecting on his emotional return to football.
The Influence of Coaching and Team Dynamics
The inclusion of Mariano was championed by Marcelo Neveleff, the Dominican Republic’s head coach. Neveleff expressed his support, noting that they had communicated about the striker’s potential impact on the team:
“I told him before the game that I was praying for him to score a goal. We were all rooting for him, and he showed gratitude to us all,” Neveleff shared.
This match was particularly significant as it marked Mariano’s first involvement with the national team since his international debut back in 2013, when he played against Haiti. The striker, born in Catalonia, had also been eligible to represent Spain, a country he harbored aspirations of playing for earlier in his career.
Looking Forward
The Dominican Republic’s performance in this friendly lays a promising foundation as they prepare for more challenging games in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Currently, the team sits third in their group behind Guatemala and Jamaica.
Mariano’s aspirations are not just limited to international success. The player aims to secure a club contract soon, especially before the World Cup qualifiers resume in June. Neveleff is optimistic about Mariano’s prospects and plans to help keep him in shape, should he remain without a club.
“I don’t think he will be without a team for long, but if that happens, I am going to start bugging him,” Neveleff added, emphasizing his belief in the striker’s quality.
Conclusion
As the Dominican Republic aims for their first World Cup appearance, Mariano Diaz stands as a pivotal figure in their quest. With his recent goal, he not only revitalizes his own career path but also contributes significantly to the national team’s ambitions on the international stage.
