Angel Di Maria

Ángel Di María – Life, Career, and Famous Sayings

Discover the life and career of Argentine football legend Ángel Di María — from Rosario to global stardom, his playing style, achievements, and memorable quotes that reflect his passion for the game.

Introduction

Ángel Fabián Di María (born February 14, 1988) is an Argentine professional footballer who has built one of the most decorated careers in modern soccer.

Internationally, he has been a key figure for Argentina — helping the national team to win the 2022 FIFA World Cup and multiple continental trophies before retiring from international duty in 2024.

This article will trace his early years, club and international achievements, style and influence, and a selection of insights and quotes that capture his spirit.

Early Life and Background

Ángel Di María was born in Rosario, Argentina, on February 14, 1988.

From a young age, Di María displayed high energy and athleticism. As a child, he began kicking around a ball almost instinctively, and by around age 7, he started playing organized football with Atlético El Torito.

Because his family’s financial resources were limited, obtaining proper gear and managing training costs was a struggle, but his talent and dedication allowed him to progress through youth ranks.

Club Career

Rosario Central (2005–2007)

Di María made his professional debut with his hometown club Rosario Central in the Argentine Primera División in December 2005.

Benfica (2007–2010)

In 2007 he moved to Europe, joining Portuguese side Benfica. Primeira Liga (the club’s first in several years) and multiple domestic cups.

Real Madrid (2010–2014)

In 2010, Di María transferred to Real Madrid for approximately €25 million. La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Champions League (2013–14) among other honors.

Manchester United & Paris Saint-Germain

In 2014, he moved to Manchester United for a British-record fee at that time (≈ £59.7 million).

At PSG, Di María enjoyed a successful and stable period, winning multiple Ligue 1 titles and domestic cups, and establishing himself as one of the leading attacking players in Europe.

Juventus → Return to Benfica → Rosario Central

He signed with Juventus in 2022, contributing key performances (e.g., a hat-trick of assists in the Europa League) despite injury challenges.

In 2023, Di María returned to Benfica on a one-year contract, reliving past successes.

Then in 2025, he returned to his roots, signing with Rosario Central, marking a symbolic homecoming to where his career began.

As of May 2025, Di María has also indicated that he will not return to Benfica next season, signaling a potential final chapter in his club career.

International Career

Di María has had a stellar international career with Argentina.

• At youth level, he starred in the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup, helping Argentina to the title.

• In the 2008 Olympics, he scored the winning goal in extra time against Nigeria in the final, giving Argentina the gold medal.

• He made his senior team debut in 2008, and over his international tenure earned 145 caps and scored 31 goals.

• Key moments:

  • He scored the only goal in the 2021 Copa América final, securing Argentina’s first major title in 28 years.

  • He contributed significantly in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, including scoring in the final, helping Argentina win their third World Cup.

• In 2024, after Argentina’s victory in the Copa América final, Di María announced his retirement from international football.

Style of Play, Skills & Influence

Di María’s style is a blend of speed, agility, dribbling, vision, and unselfishness. He is left-footed but capable of impact across the attacking third.

Some of his key strengths include:

• Pace and acceleration — able to burst past defenders in one-on-one situations.

• Ball control and dribbling — tight control even in congested areas, able to create openings.

• Creative passing and assisting — vision to thread through passes, cross, and create goal scoring opportunities for teammates.

• Versatility — though primarily a winger, he has been deployed in more central attacking roles sometimes.

• Set pieces and free kicks — capable of contributing in dead-ball situations.

His influence goes beyond statistics: he is often praised for his ability to perform in big matches, coming through with assists or goals in finals and decisive games.

As of late 2024, Di María is also studying to become a coach, signalling his ambition to stay in football beyond his playing days.

Personality, Character & Life Off the Field

Di María is often described as humble, family-oriented, and mentally tough. Despite fame and wealth, he has maintained close ties to his family roots.

He is nicknamed “Fideo” (meaning “noodle” in Spanish) in reference to his slender physique.

He holds an Italian passport through descent, allowing flexibility in European leagues.

Di María is married to Jorgelina Cardoso (since 2011), and they have two daughters, Mia and Pia. Mia was born prematurely but survived after intensive care.

Over the years, he has also faced challenges: in 2015 his home in Cheshire (UK) experienced a burglary attempt.

He has occasionally faced criticism or controversy (as many top athletes do), but his resilience and professionalism have often allowed him to overcome difficulties.

Notable Quotes & Reflections

Here are some insights and statements from Di María that reflect his mindset and character:

• “From the age of 30 I started to see football differently … I began to analyze it not only from the player’s side, but also how a coach can see it.”

• After deciding not to return to Benfica next season:

  “It hurts a lot to end this way after such a long year. It was my last championship match with this shirt and I’m proud to have been able to wear it again.”

• On returning home to Rosario: he expressed deep emotional meaning in playing again for his hometown club, calling it a “highlight” of his career.

While Di María is less known for polished aphorisms compared to writers or thinkers, his interviews reveal a perspective of loyalty, gratitude, and constant evolution.

Lessons from Ángel Di María

1. Stay connected to your roots
   His return to Rosario Central shows the importance of remembering where you come from, even after global success.

2. Adapt and evolve
   Over his career, he adjusted playing roles, moved between clubs and leagues, and is now preparing for coaching — demonstrating flexibility.

3. Mental strength matters
   Performing at top level across decades, dealing with pressure, injuries, and transitions requires resilience.

4. Team contribution over personal spotlight
   Though capable of stunning solo moments, Di María often shines by assisting or creating for teammates rather than selfishly scoring.

5. Life beyond career
   By preparing for coaching and making thoughtful decisions about club moves, he exemplifies planning for the long term.

Conclusion

Ángel Di María’s football journey is a remarkable narrative of talent meeting determination. From the streets of Rosario to winning the World Cup, Champions League, and continental titles, his legacy in world football is secure.

He is admired not only for his skills but for his professionalism, humility, and willingness to give back to his home. As he moves toward life after active play, his transition into coaching suggests that his influence may continue inside the game he loves.

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