Rosario
Argentina's World Cup hero Angel Di Maria is returning to his first club, Rosario Central. The 37-year-old winger will join the Argentine club on a free transfer after his contract with Benfica ends in July. Rosario Central confirmed the move with a message saying, “Our history together has more pages to write. Welcome home.”
Di Maria began his football journey with Rosario Central in 2005. He later moved to Europe, where he played for top clubs like Benfica, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, and Juventus. In total, he appeared in over 700 European matches. He returned to Benfica in 2023 for a final European season.
Earlier, Di Maria delayed his return due to safety concerns. Drug-related violence in Rosario and threats against his family had stopped him from coming back. But now, with an agreement in place, he’s ready to play for his boyhood club once again.
Di Maria retired from international football after the Copa America final last year. He played 145 times for Argentina, winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup and two Copa America titles. He ranks third in Argentina's all-time appearance list, behind Lionel Messi and Javier Mascherano.
During his career, Di Maria won 30 trophies in Europe, including league titles in three countries and a UEFA Champions League title in 2014 with Real Madrid. He will join Rosario Central after the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, beginning a new and emotional chapter with the team where it all started.
