World Cup winner Di Maria leaves Portuguese club with the pain of missing the league title
Angel Di Maria, the World Cup-winning Argentine forward, is bidding farewell to Benfica with the disappointment of failing to secure the league title.
Di Maria will not be seen in the Benfica jersey next season, as the Argentine star has announced the end of his second chapter with the Portuguese club.
In the final round of Portugal’s top-tier Liga Portugal on Saturday, Benfica could only manage a 1-1 draw against Braga, failing to clinch the title in the 2022-23 season.
Benfica had a great chance to reclaim the league crown this year. However, their dreams were shattered by a narrow margin, finishing second behind Sporting Lisbon by just two points.
With 25 wins and 5 draws in 34 matches, Benfica ended the season with 80 points. Sporting Lisbon, with the same number of matches, had 25 wins and 7 draws, finishing with 82 points.
Di Maria began his professional career in 2005 with Argentina’s Rosario Central before joining Benfica in 2007. Two years later, he signed a new three-year contract with the Portuguese club.
In 2010, Di Maria left Benfica to join Real Madrid on a five-year deal. During his time with Real, he won La Liga, Copa del Rey, the Champions League, the Spanish Super Cup, and the UEFA Super Cup. In 2014, he moved to Manchester United.
Di Maria’s stint in the English Premier League lasted just one year before he signed for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2015. This club became the longest stay of his career, where he won the league title five times in seven years, along with five French Cups and four League Cups.
Later, he joined Juventus and, in 2023, returned to his old home Benfica. Now, after two years, the right-winger is closing this chapter.
On Instagram, the 37-year-old announced his departure from Benfica, expressing the pain of not winning the league title.
“It is very painful to end such a long year like this. This was my last championship match in this jersey (Benfica), and I’m proud to have worn it again.”
“There is a final on Sunday, and we will go into the match with all our hopes and enthusiasm. As always, together as one. Benfica supporters, thank you for your support.”
Although Benfica missed out on the league title, they have won the Portuguese League Cup and last year’s Portuguese Super Cup. Another trophy opportunity awaits them.
On Sunday, Benfica will face Sporting Lisbon in the Portuguese Cup final. Following that, the team will compete in the FIFA Club World Cup.
Di Maria’s contract with Benfica runs until June 30. It remains unknown whether he will participate in the Club World Cup scheduled for June.
Across his two spells with Benfica, Di Maria has played 211 matches, scoring 47 goals and providing 53 assists.
