What Happened to Ángel Fabián Di María Hernández?
Ángel Di María, the Argentine winger known for his exceptional dribbling and playmaking, continues his illustrious career at his boyhood club, Rosario Central, as of June 2026. He retired from international football after winning the Copa América 2024 with Argentina, having previously secured the 2022 FIFA World Cup and numerous club titles across Europe.
Quick Answer
As of June 2026, Ángel Di María is playing for his boyhood club, Rosario Central, in Argentina, having joined them on July 1, 2025. He retired from international duty with the Argentina national team after winning the Copa América 2024. Despite calls for a return for the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to his strong club form, he has maintained his decision to step aside for younger players, though he is reportedly planning a future in coaching alongside Leandro Paredes.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline13 events
Joins Benfica
Di María moved to Portuguese club Benfica from Rosario Central, where he quickly gained prominence as a winger.
Wins Olympic Gold Medal
Scored the winning goal against Nigeria in the final of the Beijing Olympic Games, securing Argentina's second successive Olympic gold medal in football.
Transfers to Real Madrid
Signed a five-year contract with Real Madrid in a transfer worth €25 million, becoming a key attacking player for the Spanish giants.
Wins UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid
Played a pivotal role in Real Madrid's 'La Décima' triumph, being named Man of the Match in the final against Atlético Madrid.
Joins Paris Saint-Germain
After a brief and challenging spell at Manchester United, Di María moved to Paris Saint-Germain, where he rediscovered his best form and achieved significant domestic success.
Wins Copa América with Argentina
Scored the only goal in the final against Brazil, ending Argentina's 28-year wait for a major international trophy.
Wins FIFA World Cup with Argentina
Scored Argentina's second goal in the thrilling final against France, helping his country secure their third World Cup title.
Returns to Benfica
Signed a one-year contract to return to Benfica, his first European club, and was presented to 2,500 fans.
Announces International Retirement after Copa América 2024
Di María publicly announced his decision to retire from the Argentina national team following the Copa América 2024.
Wins Copa América 2024 and Retires from International Football
Di María played his final match for Argentina, winning his second Copa América title, and officially retired from international duty.
Joins Rosario Central
After his contract with Benfica expired following the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, Di María returned to his boyhood club, Rosario Central, on a free transfer.
Reveals Post-Retirement Coaching Plans
It was reported that Di María is planning to become a football coach and potentially form a managerial duo with Leandro Paredes.
Currently Playing for Rosario Central
As of today, Di María continues to play for Rosario Central, with his contract set to expire on June 30, 2026, and an option for an additional year. Calls for a return to the national team for the 2026 World Cup persist, but his retirement decision stands.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Ángel Di María's career has been a testament to his enduring talent and adaptability across Europe's top leagues and on the international stage. After successful stints with Benfica, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, and Juventus, Di María made an emotional return to Benfica in July 2023 on a one-year contract, where he continued to demonstrate his prowess, winning the 2023 Supercopa de Portugal.
A significant turning point in his career came with his decision to retire from the Argentina national team after the Copa América 2024. This announcement was made in October 2023, with Di María stating that the tournament would be his last in the Albiceleste shirt. He concluded his international career on a high note, winning the Copa América 2024, adding to his 2021 Copa América and 2022 FIFA World Cup triumphs, where he scored crucial goals in both finals.
Following his departure from Benfica after the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, Di María fulfilled a long-held desire by returning to his first club, Rosario Central, on July 1, 2025, on a free transfer. This move was widely anticipated, with earlier reports in May 2024 suggesting a 'Rosario pit stop' before a potential move to Inter Miami to reunite with Lionel Messi. However, as of June 2026, he remains with Rosario Central, where his contract is set to expire on June 30, 2026, with an option for an additional year.
Despite his international retirement, Di María's impressive form at Rosario Central, where he has scored 10 goals and provided 4 assists in 22 matches as of February 2026, has led to public calls for him to reconsider and join Argentina for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, national team coach Lionel Scaloni has indicated that the team is looking towards younger players, respecting Di María's decision to retire from international football. At 38 years old, Di María is also reportedly planning his post-playing career, with aspirations to become a coach and potentially form a managerial partnership with his former Argentina teammate Leandro Paredes, a plan he discussed in November 2025.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Ángel Fabián Di María Hernández made different choices?