There is no doubt Alejandro “Wero” Díaz is one of the most prolific international players to ever play in the Canadian Premier League, but “Wero” is far to be one that brags about his past success. Díaz has tasted plenty of glory after winning the CPL North Star shield with Pacific in 2021, winning the 2022 Canadian Premier League Golden Boot and being a large part of the Mexican National Team that reached the U-17 World Cup Final in 2013 after he scored the opening and deciding penalties in a memorable shootout against Brazil in the semifinals.

“I am starting from zero and I have to be better,” says the Mexican striker. “I can’t relax or fool myself by thinking ‘I scored a lot of goals before, it’s going to be easy.’ 

“I’m here to earn my spot, my goals and my assists. I’m going to fight as I have always done it,” says Díaz.

Before “Wero” rose to stardom in  British Columbia and Canada, Díaz grew up playing in Mexico where he struggled to consolidate his career. “I was a bit frustrated that I did not have many opportunities in Mexico and I wanted continuity, to gain confidence and score goals,” explains Díaz. 

It was in 2020 when Díaz made two decisions that changed his life, he got married and he signed with Pacific FC. “This (CPL offer) was a huge opportunity for me and for my career to get the goals, assists and minutes that I was lacking in Mexico,” said the forward.

These two new exciting chapters were sidetracked, however, due to the global pandemic. Díaz had initially moved to Canada without his wife, Axelle, as she was finishing her university studies in Mexico with plans to join “Wero” post-graduation. However, as the COVID restrictions increased, Axelle was forced to stay in Mexico for an additional six months. When she finally received a special permit to fly to Canada, the newlywed couple only had four days together before Díaz had to leave again… This time for the CPL bubble tournament in Prince Edward Island. 

“It has been quite difficult, I always thank [my wife] with all my heart because she has always supported me in everything I do and always follows me everywhere I go,” shares Díaz. 

When COVID restrictions loosened and life finally returned to a more normal state, Díaz had the opportunity to finally enjoy his marriage and explore Canada. These happy times translated into the Mexican’s best level on the football pitch. “Wero” was an important piece of the team that won the CPL title in 2021 and in the next season, he scored 13 goals in 18 appearances earning himself the 2022 CPL Golden Boot. After this immensely successful year, Díaz received an offer to play in Europe with Norwegian club Sogndal FC, a dream for most footballers. However, Diaz’s wife was pregnant and another hard decision was needed. 

“Axelle and I talked about it and in the end, we decided that it was the best for us [to leave each other once again],” recalls Díaz. “I went to Norway alone for the first few months, because we wanted Alex to be born in Canada since we love this country so much.”

In his first season in Norway with Sogndal FC, Díaz continued scoring and nearly succeeded in helping his new team gain promotion to Norway’s first division. One month after the season concluded, Diaz’s son was born in Victoria, B.C. and in 2023, Axelle and baby Alex joined Díaz in Norway. However, by the next season, Díaz’s playing time was suddenly reduced with Sogndal FC. 

When the opportunity to return to Canada presented itself, he immediately knew that would be the right choice for him and his family. “Now, I’m at an age, in which I feel full in football and life and now I have a great opportunity to find stability and consolidate in the CPL,” shares Díaz. “I accomplished my dream to play in Europe, I did it really well and competed really well.”

“Wero” is working hard to grow his legacy in the Canadian Premier League, increasing his scoring tally and winning with Vancouver FC. However, Díaz’s successes have been overlooked in his home country of Mexico, the striker wants to prove he has got what it takes to represent Mexico at the senior level. “Obviously, it feels nice when you are on top of a league, exalting the name of Mexico in other countries. But it would be phenomenal to be recognized in your own country,” comments Díaz. “One of my goals is to represent Mexico at the senior level and prove that you can play for a national team playing in the CPL.”

With clear goals and a winning mentality it’s clear that while football is never easy, Díaz is a proud husband and father that has accomplished many of the life goals he has set. No matter the records or titles, the native of Mexico is someone that is always smiling and trying to find the positive side in life. “I would like that in all the teams I have played in my career to think I am a good person. Independently if they think I am a great, regular or bad player, if they have a good memory about me, that is the most important thing for me.”

¡El Rey ha vuelto! Follow the reigning CPL Golden Boot winner on his journey to defend the colours of Vancouver FC. The Mexican striker is determined to bring plenty of goals to Willoughby, cheer loud and support Diaz at his opening home match on July 22nd against Calgary Cavalry by clicking here.