Ex-Real Madrid striker ends goal drought lasting 1,135 days for international team as former €23m forward eyes new club as free agent

Diaz played his first match in 304 days and scored his first goal in 1,135 days on Wednesday when he found the back of the net for the Dominican Republic against Puerto Rico in an international friendly. The match was Diaz's first competitive outing since playing for Sevilla against Barcelona in April 2024 and his first goal since scoring for Madrid against Cadiz in La Liga all the way back in February 2022.

The 31-year-old enjoyed two stints with Real Madrid and has also played for Sevilla and Lyon during his career. He has been without a club since leaving Sevilla last summer but was offered the chance to return to action over the international break when he was called up by Dominican Republic boss Marcelo Neveleff for two friendlies. Diaz did not feature in the first match but rewarded his coach by scoring after just 20 minutes in the second game on his return to competitive action. The game was Diaz's first for his country since he made his debut back in 2013.

He told the team's media: "It was a very beautiful feeling to return to the pitch, to score a goal again. It’s what I most like. There’s a very good connection (with the rest of the team), very good chemistry, and I hope it continues like that in the next games."

Manager Marcelo Neveleff told The Athletic: "I told him before (the game) that I was praying for him to score a goal, and he gave me a big hug. And then after the game, he gave me another big hug. We were all rooting for him, and he knew that, even without saying words. He showed gratitude to us all, coaching staff and players. We were all really happy for him."

Neveleff is also confident Diaz will be picked up by a new club soon. He added: "I don’t think he will be without a team for long, but if that happens, I am going to start bugging him. I know it is in the middle of the season (for many leagues), but hopefully, he will get somewhere. If not, he will stay training, and I’ll see how I can help him. Maybe we can bring him over and train with a group of players here, but I believe in his quality. The next international window is only a few months away. I don’t think he will lose his quality from today to June, so my plan is to have him at all costs."

In the meantime, Diaz will continue to focus on his international career. The Dominican Republic are hoping to qualify for the World Cup for the first time and will also feature this summer in the Gold Cup.