Di Maria Confirms Benfica Exit, Will Miss Club World Cup

Angel Di Maria has announced he will leave Benfica at the end of the season. The Argentine winger will not renew his contract with the Portuguese club and won’t play in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup.

WHAT HAPPENED?

The 37-year-old football icon has decided to finish his second time at Benfica. Di Maria will have his farewell game for Benfica in the Taça de Portugal final against Sporting on May 25. He recently shared the news in an emotional Instagram post after Benfica’s match with Braga.

BACKGROUND

Di Maria returned to Benfica in 2023, first signing a one-year deal, then adding another year in 2024. He has been one of the highest-paid players, earning about £62,957 weekly, which is around £3.2 million ($4.3m) each year. He ranks as the third-highest paid player at the club.

Benfica is currently second in the Primeira Liga standings, 6 points behind leaders Sporting with two matches left. They have secured a spot in the next season’s Champions League but lost the title race despite Di Maria’s help during the season.

CAREER JOURNEY

Di Maria’s impressive career spans top clubs across Europe. He began at Rosario Central in Argentina, then moved to Benfica, where he first gained attention as a gifted player. His success led to a transfer to Real Madrid, where he was key in their memorable La Decima Champions League win in 2013-14.

He also played for Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, and Juventus before returning to Benfica in 2023. Di Maria has won many trophies and is recognized as one of Argentina’s top players of his era.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR DI MARIA?

While Di Maria’s future is uncertain, his main focus is the Taça de Portugal final against Sporting on May 25. This match will be his goodbye at Benfica, offering a chance to close his Benfica story with a trophy.

After this, Benfica will gear up for the FIFA Club World Cup without their star player, even though coach Bruno Lage earlier mentioned, “Benfica counts on Angel Di Maria for the 2025 Club World Cup.” The tournament is a major event for the club, but they’ll have to proceed without Di Maria’s talent and experience.