Diego Luna Leads Real Salt Lake to New Heights, Named MLS Young Player of the Year | OneFootball

Diego Luna scored 11 goals to help Real Salt Lake finish second in the Western Conference this season, and has been named the 2024 MLS Young Player of the Year, which honors 22 and under players who stand out on the field. Luna continued to impress at 21, and became a defining moment of his developing career and one of the League’s emerging young stars.

Breakout Performance in 2024

Luna had eight goals and 12 assists in his third season, for 20 goal contributions, and was among the league's most productive players. With the goal, he became only the second MLS player to hit 20 goal contributions in a regulation season before 21, joining Diego Rossi (MLSsoccer.com, 2018). His dynamic playmaking and attacking talent key to Real Salt Lake's record for 59 points (regular season) and earning a place in the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup.

The performance demonstrated moments fitting of Luna’s development and impact on the team. His two three-assist games came at LAFC and Atlanta United, with the match against LAFC coming to a 3-0 win, earning him Player of the Matchday honours for Matchday 25. He was always a crucial guy for Real Salt Lake; he was capable of delivering in the big moments and able to be a consistent guy.

Luna's season also earned him his first MLS All-Star selection beyond his individual contributions. His rise to prominence within the league happened with him standing out as the youngest player on the LIGA MX All Stars team who took on the LIGA MX All Stars in Columbus, Ohio. His award makes him company with three other American MLS Young Player of the Year awardees under the current format, including Real Salt Lake player Corey Baird's Rookie of the Year in 2018.

Future of Prospects and Potential Transfer

Luna's star continues to rise, but his future at Real Salt Lake questions linger. Interest from other clubs will be attractive to Luna, RSL Sporting Director Kurt Schmid has acknowledged, indicating a substantial move could be in the offing. But Schmid added the club is open to offers for Luna if they are something that would work for Luna’s career and RSL interests. The club has demonstrated its ability to flex before, selling young players Fidel Barajas and Andres Gomez for big fees.

Player and Head Coach Insights

Pablo Mastroeni singled out Luna’s step from promising midfielder to all-round attacking force. Mastroeni said Luna's response to challenges and his ability to bounce back from spells of stubborn form were key pieces to his development. Adaptation, he says, to the highs and the lows of career, is a matter of a mindset of not knowing what's next, and trying to get better each season.

“I became that guy for RSL, and I want to continue to be that guy for RSL,” Luna stated. “I just want to show that I’m doing my best and playing hard for the club… If I go out from here that day, I leave a good legacy and good vibe for myself.”

Real Salt Lake’s road ahead

Real Salt Lake saw their season end in a first-round playoff defeat to Minnesota United, after they had a strong regular season. "We were optimistic coming into it, but it wasn't what we expected," said Mastroeni, who reflected on the season as positive but short of expectations and also expressed his aspiration to help the team push for championship victories.

Luna’s presence as an integral member and key face of Real Salt Lake is settled in MLS firmly for 2024. Either Luna stays at the club for the long term or departs, his work has earned him a tremendous amount of respect and is sure to open the door to greater success as he carves out his future.