Ángel Di María

Ángel Fabián Di María is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a right winger or attacking midfielder for and captains Argentine Primera División club Rosario Central. Known for his dribbling, precise crossing, and knack for scoring in big finals, Di María is widely regarded as one of the greatest Argentine wingers of his generation.

He began his career at Rosario Central before rising to prominence at Benfica, where he won the Primeira Liga and two Taça da Liga titles. A €25 million move to Real Madrid in 2010 brought him La Liga glory in 2011–12 and a UEFA Champions League title in 2013–14, where he scored in the final. He then transferred to Manchester United for a British-record fee, but after a difficult season, he joined Paris Saint-Germain. At PSG, he became the club's all-time leading assist provider and won five Ligue 1 titles, five Coupe de France, and three domestic quadruples. He later played for Juventus and returned to Benfica before rejoining Rosario Central in 2025.

Internationally, Di María earned 145 caps for Argentina, winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup (scoring in the final), the 2021 and 2024 Copa América (scoring the winner in 2021), and an Olympic gold medal in 2008. He retired from the national team after the 2024 Copa América. As of 2026, he is playing his final season at Rosario Central before retiring.[edit]

Di María was born on 14 February 1988 in Rosario, Argentina, to parents Miguel and Diana. He grew up in the working-class neighbourhood of Perdriel, where his father worked in a coal yard and his mother raised him and his two sisters, Vanesa and Evelyn. The family often struggled financially; his parents sold scrap metal to afford his travel to training. He played barefoot in the streets as a child and was nicknamed "El Pibe de Oro" (The Golden Boy) by his family.

At age four, he began playing for local club El Torito. At seven, he tried out for Rosario Central and joined their youth academy. A turning point came at age 13 when he scored a hat-trick in a youth tournament, catching the attention of scouts. He balanced school with football, completing primary education but leaving secondary school early to focus on his career. He made his professional debut for Rosario Central on 8 December 2005 at age 17, playing in a 2–2 draw against Independiente.[edit]

Di María's breakthrough came in 2007 when he transferred to Benfica for €8 million. He helped Benfica win the Primeira Liga in 2009–10, its first league title in five years, and two Taça da Liga titles (2008–09, 2009–10). In 2010, he moved to Real Madrid for €25 million, winning La Liga in 2011–12 and the UEFA Champions League in 2013–14, scoring in the final against Atlético Madrid. He was named to the FIFPRO Men's World 11 in 2014 and won the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup that year. After a brief stint at Manchester United (2014–15), he joined Paris Saint-Germain in 2015 for €63 million. Over seven seasons, he won five Ligue 1 titles, five Coupe de France, four Coupe de la Ligue, and helped PSG reach its first Champions League final in 2020. He became the club's all-time leader in assists (118) and ninth-highest goalscorer. In 2022, he moved to Juventus on a free transfer, then returned to Benfica in 2023, winning the Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira. In July 2025, he returned to Rosario Central on a free transfer, signing a one-year contract with an option for another year, and was named captain in August 2025. He announced that the 2026 season would be his last. Internationally, he debuted for Argentina's under-20 team in 2007, winning the FIFA U-20 World Cup. At the 2008 Olympic Games, he scored the winning goal in the final against Nigeria. He made his senior debut in 2008 and earned 145 caps, playing in four World Cups and four Copa América finals, winning the 2022 World Cup (scoring the second goal in the final), the 2021 Copa América (scoring the only goal in the final), and the 2024 Copa América. He retired from the national team after the 2024 Copa América final.[edit]

Di María is known for his dynamic dribbling, precise crossing, and ability to score in big finals. He often wears his hair long and tied back. Media outlets describe him as a "big-game player" and "clutch performer," praising his work rate and versatility. Argentine fans often chant his name in stadiums, especially after his World Cup final goal. On Instagram, he posts family photos, training clips, and match highlights in Spanish. His fanbase is sometimes called "Angelistas." He is a fan of Argentine rock band Los Fabulosos Cadillacs.[edit]

Ángel Di María stands as the 286th most famous person in the world, a steady position that reflects his enduring global resonance the 286th most famous person in the world. Within his homeland, his stature is even more pronounced, placing him as the 5th most famous person from Argentina the 5th most famous person from Argentina, a status cemented by decades of iconic performances and recent emotional returns to his boyhood club. These rankings, derived from the iFANN Global Fame Rankings, capture a career defined by clutch moments rather than fleeting trends.

While there is no formal collective noun for his supporters like a "Beyhive," the Argentine football community universally reveres him under the nickname "El Fideo." His fanbase operates less as a structured organization and more as an emotional extension of his own journey, particularly in Rosario where his return has sparked massive organic support. Fans view him not merely as a player but as a national icon whose presence alone triggers visceral reactions. This bond was palpable when his retirement announcement from the national team moved the entire country, proving that his influence transcends statistics. With 26 million followers on Instagram, his digital footprint mirrors the real-world adoration he receives, creating a feedback loop of mutual respect between the winger and the people who have followed his rise from Benfica to becoming the captain of Rosario Central.[edit]

His father named him Ángel because he was born on Valentine's Day, a detail that adds a romantic touch to his identity. He bears tattoos of his daughters' names on his arms and remains a devout Catholic who crosses himself before every match. In 2014, he famously played a full game for Real Madrid with a broken arm, showcasing his legendary resilience. Known for his signature Rabona pass, he used it to assist a goal in the Champions League final that year, a moment that became part of the club's folklore. He speaks Spanish, Portuguese, French, and basic English, allowing him to connect deeply with fans across Europe and South America. After winning the World Cup, he was awarded the key to the city of Rosario in 2023, recognizing his lifelong ties to the region. His face has graced covers of FourFourTwo (March 2015), World Soccer (December 2014), and El Gráfico (multiple times, including December 2022). A popular story fans still retell involves a robbery during his Manchester United days that left him grateful for life, marking a turning point in his perspective. Another legendary moment is his declaration that the 2014 World Cup effectively ended for him after the victory over England, a match where he assisted the winning goal. His quote about dreaming of scoring in a World Cup final remains iconic: "I always dreamed of scoring in a World Cup final. To do it for my country is the best feeling in the world." Beyond these verified facts, legends persist regarding his role in Real Madrid's "La Décima" and his 2026 plea for Lionel Messi to postpone his retirement, ensuring his legacy as an elder statesman of the game continues to evolve.[edit]

Di María married his long-time girlfriend, Jorgelina Cardoso, in 2011. They have two daughters: Mía (born 2013) and Pía (born 2018). The family resides in Rosario. His parents are Miguel and Diana; his father worked in a coal yard. He has two sisters, Vanesa and Evelyn. The family often faced financial hardship during his childhood.[edit]

Di María has played alongside many football greats. He was a teammate of Lionel Messi on the Argentina national team for over a decade, forming a close friendship. At Real Madrid, he played with Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos. At PSG, he shared the pitch with Neymar and Kylian Mbappé. His managers include Carlo Ancelotti (Real Madrid) and Mauricio Pochettino (PSG).[edit]

Di María married his long-time girlfriend, Jorgelina Cardoso, in 2011. They met in Rosario in 2008 through mutual friends. Jorgelina is a former model and now a businesswoman. They have two daughters, Mía (born 2013) and Pía (born 2018). The couple is considered one of football's most stable. No other public relationships have been confirmed by multiple credible sources. As of 2026, Di María is married to Jorgelina Cardoso.[edit]

Heading into 2026, iFANN currently estimates Ángel Di María's net worth at $30 Million. This figure reflects his extensive career with top European clubs, including Benfica, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, and Juventus. His current contract with Juventus pays approximately €7.69 million per season ($8.3 million). Endorsement deals with major brands like Adidas and Pepsi add further income, though specific figures remain undisclosed. Beyond his playing salary, Di María has diversified his wealth through real estate investments and a portfolio of luxury assets. The commercial value of his long, trophy-laden career, highlighted by an Argentina World Cup win, continues to drive his marketability and earnings.[edit]

Di María has won 35 major trophies in his career, including the FIFA World Cup (2022), Copa América (2021, 2024), UEFA Champions League (2014), Olympic gold (2008), and multiple domestic league titles in Portugal, Spain, France, and Italy. Individually, he was named to the FIFPRO Men's World 11 in 2014 and won the UEFA Champions League Final Man of the Match in 2014.[edit]