Ángel Di María is a highly skilled and versatile footballer, celebrated for his exceptional dribbling, vision, and playmaking abilities. Born in Rosario, Argentina, Di María grew up in a modest family and developed a love for football from a very young age, playing in the local community. His early career started at Rosario Central, where his talent quickly became apparent, earning him a transfer to Benfica in Portugal. It was at Benfica that Di María’s international recognition began to rise, establishing him as a standout player in European football.
After impressive performances at Benfica, Di María moved to Real Madrid in 2010, where he played a pivotal role in the team’s successes, including winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Champions League. Known for his ability to both score and assist, Di María became an essential part of Madrid's attacking force. Despite his success, his time at Manchester United was challenging, marked by inconsistency and off-field struggles, before making the move to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2015. At PSG, Di María achieved tremendous success, winning multiple Ligue 1 titles and Coupe de France trophies, and setting an all-time assist record for the club. His creativity on the ball, alongside his work ethic and resilience, made him a key player in PSG's dominance in French football.
Di María also had a significant impact on the Argentina national team. He was instrumental in their 2014 World Cup final run, scored the winning goal in the 2014 Copa América final, and played a crucial role in Argentina’s 2021 Copa América victory. In 2022, Di María helped secure Argentina's third World Cup title with his crucial contributions in the final, including scoring a key goal. Off the pitch, Di María is deeply committed to his family and community. He is known for his charitable efforts, particularly in helping disadvantaged children through his foundation in Argentina.
Di María's career is a testament to his resilience, leadership, and ability to deliver in crucial moments, making him one of Argentina's most respected players. His legacy is defined not only by his successes at the club level but also by his role in Argentina’s recent international triumphs and his efforts to give back to the community.
Ángel Di María, born on 14 February 1988 in Rosario, Argentina, began his football journey at a very young age. Growing up in a modest family, Di María started playing football at the age of three, being encouraged by his parents and a doctor who recommended that he channel his energy into sports. He joined the youth system of his local club, Torito, and at the age of four, he moved to Rosario Central where his talents began to shine.
Despite facing financial struggles in his family, Di María’s determination and natural ability on the ball set him apart from his peers. His love for the game and commitment to improving, despite the challenges, laid the foundation for his future success in both domestic and international football.
Di María’s journey through the Rosario Central youth academy was the stepping stone to his professional career. By the age of 17, his performances for the youth teams caught the attention of the club’s senior squad and scouts from bigger clubs. Di María made his professional debut for Rosario Central in 2005, at the age of 17, in a 2-2 draw against Independiente. His first professional goal came in 2006, and by the following year, he was already a key figure in the team.
His breakthrough came during the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup, where Di María played a pivotal role in Argentina’s triumph. He helped lead the national team to victory, showcasing his flair and technical abilities, which attracted international attention.
In 2007, Di María moved to Benfica in Portugal, marking the beginning of his European career. He signed a contract with the club for a fee of around €6 million, and immediately began to make an impact with his pace, dribbling, and playmaking skills. Di María became a key player for Benfica, helping them win the Primeira Liga title and the Taça da Liga in 2010. His performances in European competitions, particularly in the Europa League, further elevated his reputation.
During his time at Benfica, Di María’s consistent performances earned him a spot in the FIFA FIFPro World XI in 2014 and attracted the attention of top clubs across Europe. His time at the Portuguese club laid the foundation for his move to Real Madrid in 2010.
Di María’s move to Real Madrid in 2010 marked a significant step in his career. The Argentine winger was an integral part of José Mourinho’s squad, contributing significantly to the team’s success. He played a vital role in winning the 2011 Copa del Rey and 2014 UEFA Champions League title. Di María was known for his brilliant assists and crosses, which made him a key figure in Madrid’s attack.
His creativity, combined with his exceptional ability to track back and contribute defensively, made him one of the best wingers in the world. Di María’s time at Madrid was highlighted by his numerous assists, particularly in the 2014 Champions League final where he played a crucial role in the victory over Atlético Madrid.
In 2014, Di María made a high-profile move to Manchester United for a British record transfer fee of £59.7 million. Despite a strong start with two goals and two assists in his first four games, Di María struggled to adapt to the Premier League's demands, and his form dipped throughout the season. He did, however, win the Manchester United Player of the Month award in September and contributed to the team’s offensive play.
After just one season in Manchester, Di María left for Paris Saint-Germain in 2015, where he would go on to achieve significant success.
Di María’s time at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) was filled with triumphs. He won five Ligue 1 titles and played an essential role in the team’s domestic dominance. In 2016, he set a Ligue 1 assist record, and he was a key player in helping PSG win multiple Coupe de France and Coupe de la Ligue trophies. He was instrumental in PSG’s historic Champions League run in 2020, helping the club reach its first-ever final, though they were defeated by Bayern Munich.
Throughout his career at PSG, Di María became the club’s all-time leader in assists and played in a variety of roles, showcasing his adaptability and value to the team. His skills and contributions earned him recognition as one of PSG’s best-ever players.
In 2022, Di María joined Juventus on a one-year deal. He continued to perform at a high level, contributing to the team’s Serie A campaign and making a mark in the UEFA Europa League, where he scored a hat-trick against Nantes. Di María’s time in Italy was unfortunately affected by injuries, but he still managed to show his class with key contributions.
In 2023, Di María returned to Benfica for a second spell at the club, where he quickly regained his form and scored important goals, including in the Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira and Primeira Liga. His presence in the team brought invaluable experience and leadership, particularly in the Champions League and domestic competitions.
In 2025, Di María confirmed that he would be returning to Rosario Central after his contract with Benfica ended, marking a full-circle moment in his career. He announced that his move would be after his participation in the FIFA Club World Cup, where he would leave behind a legacy as one of the greatest Argentine footballers of his generation.
Di María has been an integral part of the Argentina national team, debuting in 2008 and playing in four World Cups. His crowning achievement came in 2022, when he helped Argentina win their third FIFA World Cup title, scoring in the final. Additionally, Di María won two Copa América titles (2021 and 2024), and he played a crucial role in the team’s success at various international tournaments.
Over his international career, Di María has earned 145 caps and scored 31 goals, making him one of Argentina’s most-capped players and a legend of their football history. He retired from international football in 2024, cementing his place as an iconic figure in Argentina’s football history.
Ángel Di María's life outside of football is marked by a strong sense of family and dedication to his roots. Born on February 14, 1988, in Rosario, Argentina, he was raised in a modest household and spent his early years helping his parents with their work at a local coal yard. Di María's upbringing in a low-income family shaped his values, making him a deeply family-oriented individual. His success in football allowed him to give back to his family, notably purchasing a house for his parents and siblings after securing a transfer to Benfica. Known by the nickname "Fideo" due to his slender frame, Di María also holds an Italian passport due to his ancestry. Off the pitch, he is a Roman Catholic and values his personal privacy, despite being a global football icon. His charitable side is also evident, as he has supported various causes and used his success to help those in need. In 2021, he faced personal challenges when his house in Cheshire, England, was the target of an attempted burglary. Despite such incidents, Di María has maintained a calm and focused approach to his life beyond football, prioritizing his family and close-knit circle. His journey from humble beginnings to global recognition has made him an inspiring figure both on and off the pitch.
Ángel Di María's legacy in football is defined by his remarkable versatility, technical brilliance, and consistency at the highest level of both club and international football. Known for his blistering pace, dribbling, and playmaking, Di María has been an instrumental figure in some of the most prestigious footballing achievements of the past two decades.
His career spans multiple top clubs, including Benfica, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Juventus, and, more recently, a return to Benfica. At PSG, he became the club’s all-time leader in assists and played a pivotal role in their domestic dominance, winning numerous Ligue 1 titles and domestic cups. His contributions were key to PSG's first-ever UEFA Champions League final in 2020, even though they fell short against Bayern Munich.
On the international stage, Di María's legacy is equally impressive. He helped Argentina secure their long-awaited Copa América title in 2021, scoring the only goal in the final against Brazil, and played a critical role in their World Cup triumph in 2022, netting a goal in the final against France. His Olympic gold medal in 2008, followed by multiple Copa América final appearances, solidified his reputation as one of Argentina’s greatest footballers.
A player renowned for his big-match performances, Di María has earned the respect of teammates and opponents alike for his unselfish approach to the game, his creativity, and his leadership on and off the field. His ability to provide assists, score crucial goals, and influence games in tight situations has made him a vital player for both his clubs and his country.
Di María’s legacy is built not just on his trophies but also on his resilience in overcoming personal and professional challenges, including injuries, to maintain elite performance levels throughout his career. He will forever be remembered as one of the most skillful and successful players of his generation, revered for his contributions to Argentina’s footballing renaissance and his club successes across Europe.
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