Ángel Di María reached a milestone of over 1,000 career appearances, solidifying his status as a persistent force in professional association football. Born in Rosario, Argentina, in 1988, he transitioned from a local coal yard worker to a prominent attacking midfielder and winger who has earned citizenship in both Argentina and Italy through his extensive international career.
Early Development and Domestic Success
Di María joined Rosario Central at age four. His professional debut occurred on 14 December 2005 during an Apertura match against Independiente. Following a stint at Benfica starting in 2007, he helped the club secure their first league title in five years. After returning to Argentina in 2025, he achieved success by winning the Primera División in his first season back.
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His move to Real Madrid in 2010 for €25 million led to a 2011–12 La Liga title and the 2013–14 Champions League trophy. In 2014, he signed with Manchester United for a then-British record fee of £59.7 million. He later joined Paris Saint-Germain in 2015, where he recorded 112 assists and 92 goals, eventually moving to Juventus in 2022 before a brief return to Benfica in 2023.
International Achievements with Argentina
Debuting for Argentina in 2008, Di María secured an Olympic gold medal that year by scoring the winning goal against Nigeria. His international career spans 145 caps and ten major tournaments. He appeared in four FIFA World Cups, including the 2022 victory where he scored in the final. He also secured two Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024 before his international retirement.
Fast facts
- Born: 1988, Rosario, Argentina
- Citizenship: Argentina and Italy
- International debut: 2008
- PSG all-time assist record: 112
- Career appearances: Over 1,000
- 2022 FIFA World Cup: Winner
- Languages: Spanish
Questions readers ask
How many times did Di María win the Copa América?
He won the tournament twice, in 2021 and 2024.
What is his standing in the UEFA Champions League?
He ranks as the all-time Argentine top assist provider in the competition with 41 assists.
Achievements
- Competed at the 2008 Summer Olympics
- 2010 FIFA World Cup
- 2018 FIFA World Cup
- 2014 FIFA World Cup
