Ángel Fabián Di María Hernández, commonly known as Ángel Di María, is a highly decorated Argentine professional footballer who currently plays as a winger or attacking midfielder for Benfica and the Argentina national team. Renowned for his blistering pace, dribbling skills, exceptional passing range, and prolific goal-scoring ability, Di María has established himself as one of the most dynamic and versatile players of his generation.
Born in Rosario, Argentina, Di María’s footballing journey began at an early age. He honed his skills playing for local youth teams before joining Rosario Central in 2005. His impressive performances quickly caught the attention of European scouts, and in 2007, he made the move to Benfica in Portugal. At Benfica, Di María showcased his immense talent, helping the team secure the Primeira Liga title in 2010. His performances earned him a transfer to Real Madrid in the same year.
Di María’s time at Real Madrid was marked by significant success. He played a crucial role in the team’s midfield, contributing with both goals and assists. He was instrumental in Real Madrid’s La Liga triumph in 2012 and their coveted Champions League victory in 2014. His tireless work ethic, creative playmaking, and ability to unlock defenses made him a fan favorite at the Santiago Bernabéu. Despite his contributions, he was transferred to Manchester United in 2014 for a then-British record fee.
His stint at Manchester United, however, was less fruitful than anticipated. Struggling to adapt to the Premier League and facing injury setbacks, he failed to replicate his Real Madrid form. After just one season, he moved to Paris Saint-Germain in 2015. At PSG, Di María rediscovered his best form, becoming a key player in the team’s dominance of French football. He won numerous Ligue 1 titles and other domestic trophies during his time in Paris, forming a formidable attacking partnership with players like Neymar and Kylian Mbappé. He left PSG in 2022 as the club’s all-time leading assist provider.
Di María’s contribution to the Argentina national team is equally impressive. He has represented his country at numerous international tournaments, including World Cups and Copa América competitions. He was a vital part of the Argentina team that reached the 2014 World Cup final and scored the winning goal in the 2021 Copa América final against Brazil, securing Argentina’s first major trophy in 28 years. He also contributed significantly to Argentina’s victory at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, scoring a crucial goal in the final. He continues to be a key figure for Argentina, providing experience, skill, and leadership to the squad. His return to Benfica signifies a full circle moment in his career, bringing his exceptional talent back to the club where he first made a name for himself in Europe.