Fun fact: Diego Luna has logged more USMNT appearances this year than any other player. Quite the feat, especially at a time when the Yanks are in the process of finding their identity before hosting the 2026 World Cup. Yet Luna keeps showing why he belongs, earning 18 starts under Mauricio Pochettino and producing four goals and four assists along the way, let alone having bagged nine goals and three assists in 27 appearances for Real Salt Lake. But know that his influence stretches far more than just numbers on the pitch.

Diego Luna is a powerful advocate for mental health, using therapy and open dialogue as pillars of his message. His work with schools, soccer clubs, and community groups eventually earned him the 2025 Audi Goals Drive Progress Impact Award, recognizing his role in driving meaningful change across the U.S. and Canada. While such a distinction was long overdue, enter the stream of heartfelt messages from fans battling their own struggles, and the letters from those slowly getting better.

Reading them opened up a vulnerable side of him, one he didn’t shy away from acknowledging. “I’m kind of, low-key, kind, an awkward person,” began the Real Salt Lake star in an interview with GOAL. “So to feel those big emotions on camera like that in front of people, it doesn’t really capture how it really made me feel. It’s something you hide behind, right? Because it’s the media and stuff. But when I was in that room, the emotions I felt were very powerful.”

It’s not just the award that Luna takes home; the honor comes with a $150,000 donation from Audi, to be presented during MLS Cup on December 6, supporting Intermountain Health’s Primary Children’s Hospital and its Primary Promise program, a cause close to Luna’s heart and a long-term vision to build the nation’s model health system for kids.

“I felt touched and sad, but in a good way…There was a good feeling of knowing that I was out there and the things that I’ve done and brought out to the environment, to the world, are helping a lot of people. It made me feel very special, and I really enjoy that feeling,” added the MLS forward.

For someone who once wrestled with these feelings himself, seeing his openness resonate with people far beyond the fanbase made Luna prouder than ever. Note that this comes from a man who, before making it big, struggled with over shyness so much so that he even took a part-time job to develop people skills and confidence.

However, knowing that speaking up about this issue somehow helped others facing the same battles, it further strengthened his belief that this conversation matters. In fact, in his eyes, this is just the beginning!

Nothing but “Do it better” for Diego Luna

Forget simply spreading the word about mental health awareness and embracing vulnerability — for Diego Luna, the focus now is on helping people who are struggling find the courage to seek help and get better. It’s an ideology that the Sunnyvale, California native carries with him on the field as well. After making a significant impact for both the USMNT and Real Salt Lake, the youngster has a message heading into 2026: “I think this was a special year and, I’ll say it again: next year can be another amazing year for me.”

The belief in doing better each year has become something of a personal motto for Luna. It’s the mindset he brings into everything ahead of him, and rightly so, considering he single-handedly sparked change for people battling their own struggles. Imagine what that drive can do when he turns it inward. “I want to improve with stats, with my mental health, with how I’m feeling outside of the field, my physical health, my family, everything. That’s the way I’m trying to take life,” he concluded.

Onwards and upwards — more power to you, Diego Luna.