Jefferson Diaz joined the club during the 2024 Secondary Transfer Window in July, signing a three-year deal with a club option for 2028.
Prior to Minnesota United, Diaz with Deportivo Cali of Colombia’s top division, where he made 50 game appearances across all competitions, scored five goals, and provided three assists since 2023.
The native Colombian has played in over 100 professional games since making his professional debut in 2017 with his youth club, Real Cartagena of Colombia’s second division. Initially, Diaz played as a striker during his time with Real Cartagena but transitioned back to a defensive role during the 2021 campaign.
Diaz made his MLS and MNUFC debut in front of home fans on August 24, 2024, starting the match at center back and playing the full 90 minutes. Since joining the squad, the native Colombian has proved himself time and again in the Loons’ back line. He continued to play his role as a center defender in the Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs, making his postseason debut in Game 1 against Real Salt Lake. He made a total of three appearances (three starts) while recording his first MLS assist during the same playoff run.
In the 2025 season, Diaz made 35 appearances (32 starts), becoming a crucial anchor in the back line. Diaz also added his first club goal during the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs in the first-round third game, where MNUFC tied the match 3–3 to force penalty kicks and eventually advanced to the Western Conference Semifinals. Diaz also recorded four assists during the season, all in regular-season play.
