Angel Fabian Di Maria

Angel Di Maria received his foundational training at the youth academy of Rosario Central, where he spent 13 years developing his skills before making his professional debut in 2005.

Angel Di Maria's professional career began at Rosario Central before he moved to Europe to join Benfica in 2007. His performances in Portugal quickly attracted the attention of Real Madrid, where he signed in 2010. During his four-year stay in the Spanish capital, he was instrumental in the club winning 'La Decima', their tenth UEFA Champions League title, in 2014. His performance in that final earned him the Man of the Match award, proving his status as an elite performer.

After a brief and challenging season at Manchester United, Di Maria moved to Paris Saint-Germain in 2015. He spent seven highly successful seasons in France, becoming the club's all-time leader in assists and winning numerous Ligue 1 titles. His ability to create chances for world-class strikers like Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Kylian Mbappe made him a cornerstone of the PSG project. He later moved to Juventus for a single season before making an emotional return to Benfica in 2023.

His international career is perhaps where his legacy shines brightest. After years of heartbreak with the national team, he scored the iconic chip against Brazil to win the 2021 Copa America. He followed this with a goal in the 2022 Finalissima and another crucial goal in the 2022 FIFA World Cup final against France. These moments finally silenced any remaining critics and cemented his place as a national hero alongside Lionel Messi.

In late 2024 and 2025, Di Maria continued to provide elite service at Benfica, showcasing his class in European competitions. There has been significant speculation regarding an emotional return to Rosario Central to finish his career in his hometown. Regardless of his final club destination, his technical output has remained remarkably high for a veteran player. He officially stepped back from international football following the 2024 Copa America triumph.

By 2026, Di Maria's career is celebrated as a masterclass in versatility and big-game mentality. He has recorded over 130 caps for Argentina and hundreds of appearances in Europe's top leagues. His influence on the next generation of Argentine players is immense, as he often mentors younger stars like Alejandro Garnacho. He remains one of the most respected figures in the global football community, known for his humility and dedication.

Angel Di Maria was born into a hardworking family in Rosario, often helping his father at a local coal yard as a child. This humble upbringing instilled a strong work ethic that has defined his professional life. He remains deeply connected to his childhood friends and frequently returns to his old neighborhood in Rosario to support local initiatives.

He has been married to Jorgelina Cardoso since 2011, and the couple has two daughters, Mia and Pia. Jorgelina is well-known for her fierce public defense of her husband during his career's more challenging periods. The family has lived in various European capitals, including Madrid, Paris, and Lisbon, adapting to each culture while maintaining their Argentine traditions. Their eldest daughter's health struggles early in life are often cited by Angel as a source of his mental strength.

In his private time, Di Maria enjoys a quiet life with his family and is known to be a fan of traditional Argentine asado (barbecue). He is involved in several philanthropic projects in Rosario, particularly those focused on children's health and sports development. His journey from the coal yard to the World Cup podium remains one of the most heartwarming stories in modern football.