Ángel Di María, Argentinian footballer

Ángel Di María: The Versatile Argentine Maestro

Ángel Fabián Di María, born on 14 February 1988, stands as a highly accomplished Argentine professional footballer renowned for his exceptional skill, versatility, and crucial contributions on the pitch. Primarily a left-footed player, he excels as either a traditional winger, an inverted winger cutting in from the right, or an attacking midfielder, leveraging his incredible dribbling ability, precise passing range, and creative vision. Often affectionately nicknamed "El Fideo" (The Noodle) due to his slender physique, Di María is widely considered one of the finest wingers of his generation, known for his ability to unlock defenses and deliver decisive moments in high-stakes matches.

After a distinguished tenure with numerous European giants, Di María notably returned to his former club, Primeira Liga side Benfica, in 2023. He also remains a pivotal figure for the Argentina national team, representing his country with distinction across multiple major international tournaments.

A Journey of European Stardom: From Rosario to Global Recognition

Di María's footballing journey began in his native Argentina with the club Rosario Central. It was here that he honed the foundational skills that would later define his illustrious career, progressing through their youth ranks before making his senior debut.

• Benfica (2007-2010): The Launchpad to Europe
  His talent quickly caught the eye of European scouts, leading to a significant move to Portuguese powerhouse Benfica in 2007 at the age of 19. This period marked his emergence on the international stage, where he quickly became a fan favorite. During his time in Lisbon, Di María was instrumental in helping Benfica achieve considerable success, including winning the Primeira Liga championship in the 2009–10 season – a particularly significant triumph as it was the club's first league title in five years, ending a period of dominance by rivals. He also helped secure two Taça da Liga titles, showcasing his ability to perform consistently in cup competitions.
• Real Madrid (2010-2014): Conquering Spain and Europe
  In 2010, Di María's burgeoning reputation led to a high-profile transfer to Spanish giants Real Madrid for a fee reported to be around €25 million. His four years at the Santiago Bernabéu were marked by both individual brilliance and collective success. He played a crucial role in Real Madrid's triumph in the La Liga title during the 2011–12 season under José Mourinho, contributing with his dynamic wing play and assists. Perhaps his most iconic contribution came in the 2013–14 season under Carlo Ancelotti, where he was integral to Real Madrid finally securing "La Décima" – their tenth UEFA Champions League title. In the thrilling final against city rivals Atlético Madrid, Di María was named the Man of the Match for his relentless performance, particularly for his decisive assist that led to Gareth Bale's go-ahead goal, cementing his place in the club's history. His tactical versatility was evident during this period, often adapting from a winger to a more central, dynamic midfielder when required.
• Manchester United (2014-2015): A Brief Stint in England
  Following his success in Madrid, Di María moved to the Premier League, signing for Manchester United in 2014 in a then-British record transfer deal worth approximately £59.7 million (€75.6 million). Despite immense expectations and flashes of his undeniable talent, including a memorable chip goal against Leicester City, his tenure at Old Trafford proved to be relatively brief and challenging, lasting just one season. Factors such as adaptation to the physical demands of the Premier League, team instability under manager Louis van Gaal, and a home burglary incident contributed to his quick departure.
• Paris Saint-Germain (2015-2022): The Parisian Icon
  After a single season in England, Di María found a new home at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), where he spent seven highly successful years, solidifying his status as a club legend. At PSG, he amassed an impressive collection of domestic honors, including four Ligue 1 titles, five Coupe de France trophies, and four Coupe de la Ligue titles. This period saw PSG achieve three domestic quadruples (Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Coupe de la Ligue, and Trophée des Champions), underscoring his integral role in their dominance. Di María was a key orchestrator in PSG's attack, consistently delivering assists and vital goals. He became the club's all-time leader in assists, a testament to his exceptional playmaking abilities, and ranks as their ninth-highest goalscorer. He was also instrumental in helping the club reach its first-ever UEFA Champions League Final in 2020, a significant milestone for the Parisian club.
• Juventus (2022-2023): A Season in Serie A
  After his storied career at PSG, Di María ventured into Italian football, joining Juventus for the 2022-2023 season. His time in Serie A showcased his enduring quality and experience, making important contributions in both domestic and European competitions for the Turin-based club.
• Benfica (2023-Present): A Triumphant Return
  In a move that delighted fans, Ángel Di María made an emotional return to Benfica in 2023, coming full circle in his European club career. His return was met with great anticipation, as he brought a wealth of experience and continued high-level performance back to the club where he first made his mark in Europe.

International Glory: A Golden Generation for Argentina

Ángel Di María has been a cornerstone of the Argentina national team for over a decade, making his senior international debut in 2008 at the age of 20. He has since earned over 130 caps, consistently featuring in major tournaments and delivering in crucial moments.

Olympic Gold Medalist (2008)

One of his earliest and most significant international achievements came at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where he scored the decisive goal in the final against Nigeria, securing a gold medal for Argentina. This early success set the tone for a career filled with clutch performances.

FIFA World Cup Appearances

Di María has represented Argentina in multiple FIFA World Cup tournaments (2010, 2014, 2018, 2022), consistently being a vital attacking threat. He featured prominently in the 2014 FIFA World Cup, where Argentina reached the final. However, a significant moment in his career came in the 2022 FIFA World Cup Final against France, where he not only started but scored Argentina's second goal, playing a crucial role in securing his nation's third World Cup trophy in a historic match. His performance in the final highlighted his enduring ability to shine on the biggest stage.

Copa América Hero (2021)

After appearing in the 2015 Copa América and the Copa América Centenario finals, Di María finally clinched a senior international title with Argentina at the 2021 Copa América. In a memorable final against arch-rivals Brazil at the Maracanã, he scored the only goal of the match, ending Argentina's 28-year trophy drought and bringing immense joy to the nation.

CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions (Finalissima 2022)

Further cementing his legacy, Di María also played a key role and scored a spectacular goal in Argentina's dominant 3-0 victory over Italy in the 2022 Finalissima, adding another prestigious trophy to his international accolades.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ángel Di María

What is Ángel Di María's playing position?

Ángel Di María is primarily known as a versatile left-footed player who can operate effectively as a winger (on either flank) or an attacking midfielder. His ability to dribble, cross, pass, and score makes him a potent offensive threat.

What is "El Fideo," and why is Di María called that?

"El Fideo" translates to "The Noodle" in English. This nickname was given to him early in his career due to his slender physique and quick, agile movements on the field, which often made him seem to glide past defenders.

What are Ángel Di María's most significant club achievements?

Di María has won numerous major club titles, including the UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid (2014), a La Liga title with Real Madrid, a Primeira Liga title with Benfica (twice), and multiple Ligue 1 titles, Coupe de France, and Coupe de la Ligue trophies with Paris Saint-Germain. He is also PSG's all-time assist leader.

What are Ángel Di María's most important international achievements with Argentina?

Internationally, Di María has won the 2008 Olympic gold medal, the 2021 Copa América (scoring the winning goal in the final), the 2022 Finalissima, and most notably, the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where he also scored in the final against France.

Which clubs has Ángel Di María played for in Europe?

In Europe, Ángel Di María has played for Benfica (twice), Real Madrid, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, and Juventus.