His mother was later rescued but his father remains missing.

Cilenis Marulanda was rescued by police in the city of Barrancas, Colombia's President Gustavo Petro said.

"In a padlock operation in Barrancas, Luis Diaz's mother has been rescued, we continue the search for the father," the president tweeted.

Meanwhile, the country's police director, General William Salamanca, said he is using every agent to find Diaz's father.

The 26-year-old Colombian international's parents were reportedly kidnapped as they drove to their home.

Early reports suggest they were at a petrol station aboard a truck when they were approached by armed men traveling on motorbikes.

Army resources have been deployed along with the police.

Colombia's football federation said the kidnapping was regrettable - and urged authorities to rescue the father.

"The Colombian Football Federation rejects the security situation that the parents of our player Luis Díaz are going through," a statement said.

A Liverpool statement added: "It is our fervent hope that the matter is resolved safely and at the earliest possible opportunity. In the meantime, the player's welfare will continue to be our immediate priority."