He’s Running Like an Old Man,” “Out of Breath” – Mariano Diaz Becomes the Laughingstock of All Spain

Mariano Diaz, once hailed as the successor to Cristiano Ronaldo, now finds himself at the center of Spain’s football ridicule. Returning to Real Madrid in 2018 with the coveted number 7 jersey, a mantle left empty after Ronaldo’s departure, expectations were sky-high. However, opportunities were scarce, and his career trajectory spiraled into a series of short stints and underwhelming performances. After a forgettable period with Sevilla and a year without a club, he joined Deportivo Alavés in 2026, aiming for a renaissance under new management.

Despite fresh hopes, Mariano’s performance on the pitch has been disappointing. His lack of fitness and inability to seize chances has drawn harsh criticism. His recent entrance during a critical match against Valencia became infamous: within minutes, Mariano missed a golden scoring opportunity, fumbling the ball clumsily and squandering a chance for his team to increase their lead. The opposing team capitalized, snatching victory in the dying moments. This episode only amplified the widespread mockery, with commentators and fans alike labeling him “running like an old man” and “out of breath.”

The Rise and Fall of Mariano Diaz in Spanish Football

Mariano’s journey reads like a cautionary tale in modern football. His return to Real Madrid came after a strong showing at Olympique Lyonnais, but the high-pressure environment and fierce competition left him marginalized. He inherited the symbolic number 7 jersey, stirring anticipation of a new superstar, but that promise went largely unfulfilled. His season at Sevilla was lackluster, marked by limited appearances and poor impact.

The signing by Deportivo Alavés in 2026 appeared as a lifeline. After impressing during trials, he secured a two-year contract, raising hopes for a comeback. Yet, initial appearances showed minimal impact. His struggle culminated in disputes with then-coach Eduardo Coudet, which led to his exclusion from the squad. Though a coaching change brought Quique Sanchez Flores, who expressed faith in Mariano’s motivation, the outcomes on the pitch suggest that the “old man” running style and lack of stamina are genuine issues.

Mariano Diaz’s Struggles Under New Management

Quique Sanchez Flores’ arrival as head coach briefly reignited Mariano’s career at Alavés. Flores showed public support, emphasizing motivation and a fair opportunity. Yet Mariano’s brief foray in the match against Valencia was a stark reminder of his declines. With just six minutes on the pitch, he missed an uncontested goal-scoring chance, losing control of the ball at a critical moment. The failure contributed directly to Alavés’ loss, and Moreno was swiftly marked by media as a symbol of the team’s downfall.

This performance was met with brutal scrutiny. Spanish outlets like AS and El Desmarque didn’t hesitate to highlight the severity of Mariano’s blunder. He had been sidelined for months, and his lack of match fitness was painfully evident. The frustration from teammates, such as Denis Suárez’s visible irritation, underscored the missed opportunity’s gravity. Mariano’s inability to convert what seemed an easy chance has not only cost vital points but summoned relentless criticism from fans and pundits alike.

Public and Media Backlash: The Torture of a Footballer in Decline

Mariano Diaz’s plight has become a talking point in Spanish sports media, where his declining performance and physical condition have made him a national laughingstock. During the crucial match at Mestalla Stadium, reports described him sprinting towards the goal before inexplicably failing to control the ball, an image far from the expectations tied to his reputation. Journalists labeled him “out of breath and running like an old man,” terms that sting given the contrast to his earlier promise.

The backlash extends beyond media critique—fans have openly questioned the club’s decision to sign him to a contract lasting until 2027, pointing to his year-long absence from competitive football. The disappointment is palpable, as Alavés had seen this signing as a potential boost but instead witnessed what many perceive as a symbol of poor judgment. The lingering question remains whether Mariano can reclaim form or if his career in Spain is winding down amidst harsh public scorn.