Ángel Di Maria has agreed to stay at Benfica until 2025. The Argentine football star, known as “El Fidéo,” has committed to one more season with the club, focusing entirely on his club career after exiting the Argentina national team next week.
- The decision was mutual between Benfica and Di Maria.
- Di Maria will exit the Argentina national team next week.
- The agreement was sealed on July 11, 2024.
Di Maria’s Continued Commitment to Benfica
Ángel Di Maria, the Argentine football star affectionately known as “El Fidéo,” has officially committed to staying at Benfica for one more season. The agreement, sealed on July 11, 2024, ensures that Di Maria will be part of Benfica’s squad until 2025, much to the delight of both the club and its supporters. This decision comes as Di Maria is set to leave the Argentina national team next week, focusing entirely on his club career with Benfica.
Di Maria’s presence in the team is expected to be a significant boost for Benfica, given his extensive experience and proven track record in European football. His decision underscores his belief in the club’s vision and his readiness to contribute to their ambitions in both domestic and international competitions.
Career Statistics: A Glimpse into Di Maria’s Legacy
Ángel Di Maria has had a decorated career, showcasing his talent at some of Europe’s most prestigious clubs. His career statistics highlight his impact on the field:
- Total Appearances: 767
- Total Goals: 179
- Total Assists: 267
- Total Minutes Played: 55,819
By Competition:
- Ligue 1: 197 appearances, 57 goals, 76 assists
- La Liga: 124 appearances, 22 goals, 61 assists
- UEFA Champions League: 107 appearances, 23 goals, 40 assists
- Liga Portugal: 104 appearances, 16 goals, 29 assists
- Premier League: 27 appearances, 3 goals, 10 assists
- Serie A: 26 appearances, 4 goals, 4 assists
- Europa League: 25 appearances, 1 goal, 8 assists
- Coupe de France: 24 appearances, 11 goals, 10 assists
- Copa del Rey: 22 appearances, 5 goals, 10 assists
These numbers reflect Di Maria’s consistency and versatility across different leagues and competitions, cementing his status as a top-tier footballer.
Versatility and National Team Contributions
Di Maria’s versatility is one of his greatest assets. Primarily a right winger, he has also excelled in various other positions:
- Right Winger: 398 appearances
- Left Winger: 98 appearances
- Attacking Midfield: 58 appearances
- Left Midfield: 43 appearances
- Second Striker: 34 appearances
- Right Midfield: 21 appearances
- Centre-Forward: 4 appearances
In addition to his club career, Di Maria has been a pivotal player for the Argentina national team. Over the years, he has made significant contributions:
- Argentina Senior Team: 144 caps, 31 goals
- Argentina U20: 11 caps, 5 goals
- Argentina Olympic Team: 6 caps, 2 goals
His leadership and performance on the international stage have been crucial for Argentina, making his departure from the national team a notable event.
High-Profile Transfers and Benfica’s Gain
Throughout his career, Di Maria has been part of several high-profile transfers, reflecting his value and demand in the football world:
- Rosario Central to Benfica: €8 million (2007)
- Benfica to Real Madrid: €33 million (2010)
- Real Madrid to Manchester United: €75 million (2014)
- Manchester United to Paris Saint-Germain: €63 million (2015)
- Paris Saint-Germain to Juventus: Free transfer (2022)
- Juventus to Benfica: Free transfer (2023)
His return to Benfica, initially on a free transfer, has proven to be a strategic move for both the club and the player. Benfica benefits from Di Maria’s experience and skill, while Di Maria continues to play at a competitive level in Europe.
Conclusion: A Strategic Move for Benfica
Ángel Di Maria’s decision to stay at Benfica is a testament to his dedication and the club’s confidence in his abilities. Benfica values his experience and leadership, and Di Maria’s presence will be pivotal in their quest for success in upcoming seasons. This extension is a win-win scenario, promising exciting times ahead for the club and its fans.
🚨🦅 Ángel Di Maria will stay at Benfica for one more season, agreement sealed today.
Decision confirmed on both sides as Benfica wanted him to stay and El Fidéo accepted the proposal. 🇦🇷
Di Maria will leave Argentina national team next week but staying at Benfica until 2025. https://t.co/3domwSS6gH
pic.twitter.com— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano)
October 05, 2023
For more detailed player statistics and transfer history, check Di Maria’s profile on Transfermarkt.
For further reading on related transfer news: