Top 50 Unknown and Amazing Facts about Angel Di Maria
Born in Rosario, Argentina on February 14, 1988, Ángel Di María is among the most talented and adaptable football players of his time. Di María, who is well-known for his quickness, dribbling prowess, and precise crossing, has had a spectacular career in both club and international competitions.
Before moving to Europe and joining Benfica in 2007, Di María started his career at Rosario Central. His exploits in Portugal secured him a well-publicized move to Real Madrid in 2010, where he was essential to the team’s victories in both La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. One of his most memorable performances was in the Champions League final of 2014, when his brilliant dribbling and ingenuity helped Madrid win their long-awaited “La Décima.”
Di María had an influential but brief spell at Manchester United in 2014 before joining Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2015. He developed into a key member of the squad while he was in Paris, aiding PSG in their dominance of French football and their trip to the 2020 UEFA Champions League final. Due to his versatility, Di María was able to contribute goals and assists during his PSG career while playing as a winger, midfielder, and even a forward.
Di María has been an important player for Argentina in the international arena. He was instrumental in the national team’s victories in the Copa América in 2021, 2024, and the 2022 World Cup, in which he scored the game’s winning goal against France. Among Argentine supporters, he is adored for his devotion and love for his nation.
Below is a compilation of 50 unknown and amazing facts about Angel Di Maria.
1. A Humble Beginning
Angel Di Maria was born on February 14, 1988, in Rosario, Argentina, into a humble family. His parents, Miguel Di Maria and Diana Hernandez, worked tirelessly to support their children.
2. He Almost Became a Cyclist
Before discovering his passion for football, Di Maria was seriously considering cycling as a career. It wasn’t until he was 7 years old that he joined a local football club, Torito, and started to develop his football skills.
3. A Childhood Accident Shaped His Game
As a child, Di Maria was known for being hyperactive. One day, his mother bought him a football to channel his energy, which inadvertently led him to fall in love with the sport.
4. His Family Lived in Poverty
Di Maria’s family lived in extreme poverty during his childhood. His father worked in a coal yard to make ends meet, and the young Angel often helped him.
5. Nicknamed “Fideo”
Di Maria’s nickname, “Fideo,” means noodle in Spanish, a reference to his slender frame, which has been a defining characteristic throughout his career.
6. He Paid Off His Family’s Debts with His First Contract
When Di Maria signed his first professional contract with Rosario Central, he used the money to help his family pay off their debts and improve their living conditions.
7. Rosario Central’s Youth System Shaped Him
Rosario Central, a famous football club in Argentina, is where Di Maria honed his skills and developed as a player before making a name for himself internationally.
8. He Almost Quit Football
At the age of 15, Di Maria considered quitting football due to his family’s financial struggles, but his parents convinced him to keep pursuing his dream.
9. Move to Europe at 19
In 2007, Di Maria moved to Europe, joining the Portuguese side Benfica at the age of 19, where he quickly adapted and became a standout player.
10. Di Maria Was a Star at the 2007 U-20 World Cup
Di Maria’s performance at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2007 caught the attention of European clubs, helping secure his move to Benfica later that year.
11. He Won Gold at the 2008 Olympics
At the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Di Maria was a key player for the Argentine national team, scoring the decisive goal in the final against Nigeria to win the gold medal.
12. Real Madrid Signing
In 2010, Real Madrid signed Di Maria for a reported fee of €25 million, marking his first move to one of Europe’s biggest clubs.
13. José Mourinho Played a Big Role in His Development
At Real Madrid, José Mourinho played an instrumental role in Di Maria’s tactical development, utilizing his versatility and improving his defensive work rate.
14. Champions League Glory with Real Madrid
Di Maria was a crucial player for Real Madrid during the 2013-14 season, where he helped the club win the coveted UEFA Champions League trophy, also known as La Décima (the 10th title).
15. Man of the Match in the 2014 Champions League Final
Di Maria’s performance in the 2014 Champions League final earned him the Man of the Match award, thanks to his relentless dribbling and ability to create chances.
16. World Cup Runner-Up in 2014
Di Maria was an integral part of the Argentine team that reached the 2014 FIFA World Cup final. Unfortunately, he missed the final due to an injury, and Argentina lost to Germany in extra time.
17. Record Transfer to Manchester United
In 2014, Di Maria signed with Manchester United for a British record transfer fee of £59.7 million. Despite high expectations, his time at the club was short-lived.
18. A Difficult Season at Manchester United
Di Maria struggled to adapt to the English Premier League, dealing with injuries and inconsistencies under then-manager Louis van Gaal, and he left after just one season.
19. Success at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG)
In 2015, Di Maria joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), where he quickly became one of the club’s most influential players, helping the team dominate French football.
20. Breaking Records at PSG
Di Maria broke several records at PSG, including becoming the club’s all-time assist leader. His vision and creativity have made him a crucial part of PSG’s success.
21. Copa America Victory in 2021 and 2024
In 2021, Di Maria scored the winning goal in the Copa America final against Brazil, securing Argentina’s first major international trophy in 28 years. He was a key member of Argentina’s Copa America 2024 triumph as well.
22. He Shares a Special Bond with Lionel Messi
Di Maria and Lionel Messi share a close friendship, having played together for many years on the Argentine national team. Both were instrumental in Argentina’s 2021 Copa America win.
23. Married to Childhood Sweetheart
Di Maria is married to Jorgelina Cardoso, his childhood sweetheart. The couple has two daughters, Mia and Pia, and they live a low-key family life.
24. He Is Known for His Generosity
Despite his fame and wealth, Di Maria is known for his humble and generous personality. He has donated significant amounts to charities in his hometown and across Argentina.
25. He Owns a Farm
Di Maria enjoys a simple lifestyle outside of football, including spending time on his family farm in Argentina, where he reconnects with his roots.
26. Overcame Heart Surgery as a Baby
When Di Maria was just a baby, he underwent heart surgery for a serious condition. This life-threatening moment made his parents cherish every moment of his life.
27. Has a Tattoo Dedicated to His Late Grandmother
Di Maria has a tattoo on his forearm dedicated to his late grandmother, who he credits as one of his biggest influences growing up.
28. A Devoted Family Man
Di Maria is deeply committed to his family, often sharing moments of his life with his wife and daughters on social media.
29. He Scored His First Goal for Argentina at Age 20
Di Maria scored his first international goal for Argentina during a friendly against Switzerland in 2008 when he was just 20 years old.
30. Versatile Player
Di Maria is known for his versatility on the field, capable of playing as a winger, attacking midfielder, and even a central midfielder, making him a valuable asset to any team.
31. He Is an Adidas Athlete
Di Maria has had a long-standing partnership with Adidas, often featuring in the brand’s campaigns alongside other footballing stars.
32. Over 100 International Caps for Argentina
Di Maria has represented Argentina in 145 matches, making him one of the most capped players in the nation’s history.
33. Known for His Left Foot
Di Maria is predominantly left-footed and is widely regarded as one of the best left-footed players in world football, especially for his accurate crosses and powerful shots.
34. Historic Free-Kick Specialist
Di Maria has scored many goals from free-kicks throughout his career, adding to his reputation as a dead-ball specialist.
35. He Played in Four World Cups
Di Maria has represented Argentina in three FIFA World Cups (2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022), making him one of the country’s most experienced players in international tournaments. He played a vital role in Argentina’s FIFA World Cup 2022 victory.
36. Scored a Famous Goal at the Bernabéu
Di Maria’s goal against FC Barcelona in the 2012 El Clasico at the Santiago Bernabéu is still remembered as one of the best moments of his career.
37. He Has Won League Titles in Three Countries
Di Maria has won league titles in Portugal (Benfica), Spain (Real Madrid), and France (PSG), showcasing his ability to perform at the highest level across different leagues.
38. A Devout Catholic
Di Maria is a devout Catholic and often credits his faith for giving him strength during difficult times in his career.
39. He Loves Asado
Like many Argentinians, Di Maria loves asado, a traditional Argentinian barbecue. He often enjoys it with his family when visiting Argentina.
40. He Was Part of the Legendary ‘BBC’ Lineup
Di Maria was part of Real Madrid’s famous “BBC” lineup alongside Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale, and Cristiano Ronaldo, a trio that dominated European football during their peak.
41. He Scored One of the Fastest Goals in PSG History
Di Maria scored a goal in under 30 seconds during a Ligue 1 match for PSG, setting a record for one of the fastest goals in the club’s history.
42. Featured in Forbes’ Top 100 Highest-Paid Athletes
Di Maria has appeared in Forbes’ list of the highest-paid athletes multiple times, thanks to his contracts, sponsorships, and endorsements.
43. He Speaks Three Languages
Di Maria is fluent in Spanish, Portuguese, and has basic knowledge of French, thanks to his time playing in Portugal and France.
44. A Skilled Dribbler
Known for his quick dribbling, Di Maria is often seen taking on multiple defenders with his flair, agility, and ball control.
45. He Was Once Voted the Worst Signing in the Premier League
Despite his poor spell at Manchester United, Di Maria was voted as one of the “worst signings” in the Premier League in 2014, a title he quickly shed after joining PSG and finding his form again.
46. He Played a Key Role in the 2020 Champions League Final
Di Maria was instrumental in helping PSG reach the 2020 UEFA Champions League final, where they finished as runners-up to Bayern Munich.
47. Passionate About Cars
Di Maria has a passion for luxury cars and is often seen driving high-end models such as Lamborghinis and Ferraris.
48. One of the Most Decorated Argentine Players
With numerous league titles, domestic cups, and an Olympic gold medal to his name, Di Maria is one of the most decorated Argentine footballers in history.
49. Over 300 Career Assists
As one of the best playmakers in the game, Di Maria has recorded over 300 career assists across his club and international career, making him one of the top assist providers in modern football.
50. Retired from International Football
The Argentina legend retired from international football after the 2024 Copa America triumph.