A skinny Argentinian winger, with great both-footed ability, and rapid pace and dribbling ability, has turned 36 today in no time. It seemed like few years ago that the legendary winger was 22 and in his early days of Real Madrid career, after a transfer from Liga Portugal club SL Benfica. Time flies so fast but what has remained constant throughtout the years is his constant performances and drive to succeed and step up when it mattered the most, especially, at the grandest stage of them all.


The Argentinian winger has scored in all triumphant international finals he has been part of and is one of the most decorated football players of all time. Di Maria has also played with one of the grestest players in all eras of football, with Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Sergio Ramos, Kylian Mbappe, Wayne Rooney to name a few and the list goes on and on.


Angel Di Maria had started his professional football career in 2005, at Rosario Central in Argentina and soon after rising up the ranks, Benfica came calling. Di Maria traumatised defences with his dribbling ability and his fine form, alongside the fame he received for his antics at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, earned him a move to La Liga giants Real Madrid in 2010. A trophy-laden four years at Santiago Bernabau saw Premier League club Manchester United sign him for a then British recOrd fee in 2014.


However, due to personal problems and also a rift with the club, Di Maria left after a seaosn for Ligue 1 club PSG, where he recorded the most successful statistical phase of his career. In his 7-year career at PSG, the Argentinian played 295 matches and scored 92 goals, alongside 112 assists. 


Di Maria is currently back at the club where he gained major prominence, SL Benfica, and with him already announcing his international retirement post-Copa America 2024, the Argentinian will bid farewell to one of the most storied, historic, and legendary international careers of all time.


Di Maria is one of the most adored players on the planet and highly respected by opponents and ex-teammates of past and stands as the epitome of what a footballer should be like, and is also a perfect example for young footballers as he is indeed.... 'The Angel Of Argentina', who rescued La Albiceleste when it mattered the most and even Lionel Messi hails him as one of the greatest players and teammates he has ever come across.


 


Angel Di Maria - The Man For The Big Occasion



  • Scored the iconic winner in 2008 Beijing Olympics Final against Nigeria

  • Scored the iconic winner in the 2021 Copa America Final against Brazil 

  • Scored an iconic goal in 2022 Finnalisma against Italy

  • Scored his most iconic goal in FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar Final against France

  • Was Man of the Match against Atletico Madrid in 2014 UEFA Champions League Final


After amassing 34 silverwares across an almost 20-year career, and still going on at the highest level, Di Maria can truly be considered.... as one of the greatest of all times!