Diego Lainez, a Mexican winger with an electrifying style, has impressed crowds with his agile footwork and impressive speed since he was a teenager. After making a strong impression with Club América, Lainez was recruited to play in the esteemed La Liga in Europe. However, his professional journey has had some surprising twists and turns.
Diego Lainez Quick Facts
Full name: Diego Lainez Leyva
Date of birth: 9 June 2000
Age: 24 years old (2024)
Place of birth: Villahermosa, Tabasco, Mexico
Height: 1.68m (5 ft 6 in)
Position: Winger
Current Team: Tigres UANL
Number: 16
Early Life
Diego Lainez Leyva, hailing from Mexico, is a well-established footballer. He was born on June 9, 2000, in Villahermosa, Tabasco, Mexico.
Diego Lainez comes from a tightly-knit family who shares a deep love for soccer. While there is not much information available about his family, it is known that his brother, Mauro Lainez, is also a professional soccer player. Just like Diego, Mauro grew up playing the sport, possibly encouraged by their family’s shared passion for it.
Lainez is recognized for his adept dribbling, quickness, and ingenuity on the pitch. His football journey began at Pachuca’s Youth Academy, where he also received formal education. He initiated his career as a professional soccer player with Club América in Liga MX, the premier soccer league in Mexico.
Lainez’s impressive performances at Club América caught the eye of many, leading to his transfer to Europe where he joined Real Betis in January 2019, competing in La Liga, the premier soccer league in Spain.
In addition, he has competed for the Mexican national team in several youth categories and earned his first appearance with the senior team in 2018. Standing at 1.68 meters, Lainez may not be the tallest player on the pitch, but he compensates with his agility and swift footwork.
Career
Diego Lainez made a dramatic entrance into the spotlight while playing for Club América, a dominant club in Mexico. His lightning-fast speed and impressive ball control made him a formidable opponent for defenders.
In 2017, Lainez truly showcased his brilliance, playing a crucial role on Mexico’s U-17 team at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in India. His explosive speed and mesmerizing footwork were a constant threat to defenders.
Lainez’s exceptional performance in the quarter-final against England, where he scored two goals, was a memorable moment that displayed his strong ability to score. Although Mexico did not advance, Lainez’s impressive skills caught the eye of leading European teams.
Taking advantage of the international attention, Lainez seized the opportunity to join Real Betis in Spain’s top league, La Liga, in 2018. Despite high expectations, the 18-year-old encountered a new level of difficulty in La Liga. As his opportunities to play dwindled, the initial buzz surrounding his transfer faded.
Lainez, who was used to the Mexican league, had to make changes to adapt to La Liga‘s more physical and tactical approach. Although he showed moments of brilliance, he struggled to deliver consistent performances.
Attempting to reignite his passion, Lainez decided to go on loan to Braga in Portugal in 2020. Unfortunately, the decision did not bring about the intended outcome.
In 2023, there was a significant change when Lainez went back to Mexico and joined Tigres UANL. This return to his home country allowed him to regain his self-assurance in a familiar setting.
He thrived, becoming a consistent starter, relishing in the opportunity to play, and even scoring goals. His accomplishments did not go unnoticed, and he was given another chance to play for the Mexican national team.
Net Worth
Based on various Internet sources, Diego Lainez currently possesses a fortune of $5 million. However, the Mexican winger is steadily rising in the European soccer industry and his net worth will touch new heights.