FT | VfB Stuttgart 1-2 FC Bayern: Luis Díaz Stuns on Debut with Super Cup Winner and Emotional Jota Tribute
On a night where the spotlight should have belonged to Bayern Munich’s returning stars or Stuttgart’s resilient efforts, it was a fresh face in red—Luis Díaz—who stole the headlines. Making his debut for Bayern after a high-profile move from Liverpool, the Colombian winger delivered a performance that was as electrifying as it was emotional, scoring the match-winning goal to claim the German Super Cup in a 2-1 victory over VfB Stuttgart.
The match began with Stuttgart surprising many by taking an early lead, unsettling Bayern with their high pressing and rapid transitions. The hosts looked inspired and nearly doubled their advantage, forcing Neuer into a fingertip save just before the half-hour mark. But Bayern’s response came swiftly through Jamal Musiala, whose curling effort just before half-time leveled the score.
Then came the moment that changed everything.
In the 74th minute, with the match finely poised and the Super Cup seemingly heading to extra time, Luis Díaz pounced. Collecting a clever through ball from Joshua Kimmich, Díaz drove into the box with signature flair, cutting inside before firing a low, powerful strike into the bottom corner. The Stuttgart keeper was rooted to the spot. The away end erupted.
But it was what came after the goal that stunned fans and added an unexpected emotional depth to the evening.
Díaz raced toward the Bayern bench, where he picked up a shirt bearing the name and number of Diogo Jota—his former teammate at Liverpool, who recently suffered a long-term injury. Holding the shirt aloft and pointing skyward, Díaz’s tribute was both touching and surprising. The gesture wasn’t planned. According to Bayern officials, Díaz had personally requested to bring the shirt after hearing the severity of Jota’s injury just days earlier.
The cameras zoomed in as Díaz appeared visibly emotional, mouthing words in Spanish that fans later translated as “This one’s for you, hermano.”
Social media exploded. Liverpool fans praised Díaz for his loyalty and class, while Bayern supporters welcomed him as a new fan favorite. Even Jurgen Klopp weighed in post-match, sending congratulations and thanking Díaz for the touching tribute, calling it “a moment that shows football is more than a game.”
Beyond the goal and the gesture, Díaz’s overall performance was jaw-dropping. He completed five successful dribbles, created three chances, and looked like a player who’d been part of Bayern’s system for years—not someone making his very first appearance.
As for Stuttgart, they walk away disappointed but not disgraced. They matched Bayern for large stretches and showed that last season’s Bundesliga success was no fluke.
But the night belonged to Luis Díaz. In just 90 minutes, he silenced doubters, delivered silverware, and reminded the footballing world that moments of magic often come laced with heart. If this is what Bayern can expect from their new No. 7, fans might be witnessing the beginning of another iconic chapter in the club’s storied history.
