Pacific FC just brought one of its own back to the Island – and few names in club history carry more weight.
Striker Alejandro Diaz has re-signed with Pacific on loan from Vancouver FC through the 2025 Canadian Premier League (CPL) season, the club announced Wednesday. The deal includes an option to make the move permanent.
It’s a return fans have long hoped for – and one that comes at a crucial time.
Diaz first joined Pacific in 2020 and quickly became one of the league’s most lethal finishers.
The 29-year-old Mexican forward spent the last season and a half with Vancouver FC, adding 12 goals to his CPL tally.
Before coming to Canada, he made 56 appearances in Mexico with Club America, Necaxa, Atlas and Zacatepec, and represented Mexico at the U17 and U20 levels.
He powered the Tridents to a CPL title in 2021 and claimed the league’s Golden Boot in 2022 before a mid-season move to Norway’s Sogndal. With 31 goals and nine assists in 62 appearances, he remains Pacific FC’s all-time scoring leader.
“I am just happy because this is home, this is where it all started,” said Díaz. “I am happy and excited to come back to the Island to play for Pacific and I look forward to playing my first game back at Starlight in front of our fans.”
He returns to a Pacific side sitting sixth in the CPL table with 12 points – nine back of the final playoff spot, currently held by York United.
After managing just 15 goals through their first 15 matches, the Tridents will gladly welcome a striker who ranks second all-time in CPL scoring.
“Alejandro has proven he is a top striker at this level and was a real part of our family at Pacific before his move to Europe,” said James Merriman, head coach, Pacific FC. “We welcome him back to our team. We know exactly who he is on and off the field and are very much looking forward to working together again.”
Pacific has shown signs of life recently, scoring seven times across its past three matches. A wild 4-4 draw with Vancouver FC was followed by a 3-2 win over Halifax, before falling 2-0 to Forge last weekend.
His move back to Langford reunites him with Kadin Chung, Josh Heard, and Marco Bustos – all of whom played pivotal roles in helping the Tridents claim the 2021 CPL trophy.
Diaz could be available as early as Saturday, when Pacific hosts league-leaders Atletico Ottawa at Starlight Stadium. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m.
