How football kept Adrian Luna on his feet after a devastating tragedy

Ahead of the 2023-24 season, Adrian Luna was handed the captain's armband and tasked with leading the Kerala Blasters. If that wasn't challenging a task, he had to battle a chondral knee injury, one that needed surgery in December last year. 

But the Uruguayan has now revealed that the incident that really tested him was a personal loss he suffered a couple of years ago.

Loss of a daughter  

Two years ago, Luna lost his six-year-old daughter and that period, the footballer claims, truly tested his strength and commitment towards the sport he loves.

In an emotional admission on the Yellow Wave Podcast, the 32-year-old shared that the devastating loss made him question everything, including his career.

“Two years ago, I lost my daughter, which was really painful for me,” Luna reflected in a candid interview.

“At that moment, I really thought about stopping football. But somehow, I realized that football makes me happy.”

These words encapsulate a turning point in Luna's life, a moment where he had to find the strength to move forward, despite the overwhelming grief he was experiencing.

For Luna, football was never just a career, it was a passion, a form of expression, and a source of joy.

The sport had always been a driving force in his life but in the face of such profound loss he found himself at a crossroad.

The idea of quitting football seemed tempting as Luna struggled with his deep sadness. However, he soon realized that leaving the game would take away the one thing that gave him comfort and helped him find peace during such a tough time.

Unwavering passion 

“I realized that football makes me happy,” Luna said, acknowledging that the sport gave him a sense of purpose and allowed him to channel his pain in a productive way.

In football, he found an outlet for his emotions, a space where he could focus and feel connected to something bigger than himself.

The emotional toll of the loss was evident during a match when after scoring a goal, Luna was left teary eyed just as he pointed to the sky.

He dedicated the goal to his daughter, Julieta, who passed away on April 9, 2022.

“It was a special goal for me because everyone knows what I'm going through… me, my wife, family, son. This goal was for my little daughter,” Luna said, his voice filled with emotion.

Luna’s journey following the loss of his daughter speaks to the power of resilience.

In a moment of profound loss, he found the courage to keep playing, understanding that the game provided him with the clarity and happiness he needed to move forward.

His decision to continue as Kerala Blasters captain despite the personal pain he was enduring has been an inspiration to both his teammates and fans.

Earlier this year, he signed a three-year contract extension that will keep him with Kerala Blasters till 2027. 

Today, Luna continues to lead with passion and commitment, both as a footballer and as a father.

His journey is a testament to the fact that sometimes, the things that bring us joy can also be the things that help us heal.

Football for Adrian Luna is now more than just a game.