Ángel Di María Leaves Europe, Returns to Rosario Central

Ángel Di María, the legendary Argentine winger, is ending his 18-year European football journey to rejoin his boyhood club, Rosario Central, in Argentina. The 37-year-old departs leaving a remarkable legacy as he won 30 major titles in Europe while representing a host of top clubs across the continent.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Di María played his final European match for Benfica during the FIFA Club World Cup where his side exited in the round of 16 stage after a 4-1 loss to Chelsea. Although he scored a stoppage-time penalty during the game, it was not enough as Benfica crashed out of the tournament. After Benfica’s exit from the Club World Cup, he was officially released by the club, and the player signed with his former club Rosario Central. Earlier, attempts to return to his old club failed due to off-field issues, including concerns over safety despite security measures in place as his hometown suffered from a spate of violence. As conditions improved, the legendary forward finally realised his long-standing wish to finish his playing days at Rosario Central.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Di María’s European career includes spells at Benfica, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, and Juventus, scoring and creating countless goals while winning top honours such as the UEFA Champions League, five Ligue 1 titles, and league titles in Spain and Portugal respectively. Internationally, he played a vital role in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph along with two Copa America victories, and an Olympic gold medal. With Benfica, this season, Di María scored 10 goals and provide 8 assists in 41 matches as the club finished second in the Primeira Liga and qualified for the 2025/26 Champions League.

WHAT NEXT FOR DI MARIA AND ROSARIO CENTRAL?

Di Maria will join Rosario Central to feature in the second half of the Argentine Primera Division season under the stewardship of Ariel Holan. The team is in seventh position, five points behind leaders River Plate as they continue their bid to finish among the top three. Their next match is a local derby against Newell’s Old Boys (fourth) who are three points above Rosario Central in the standings. Di Maria will add much-needed experience and creativity to the Central squad and the team will hope that along with his flair, the club will punch above their weight to feature in the 2026 Copa Libertadores.