The FIFA Club World Cup 2025, set to electrify stadiums across the United States from June 14 to July 13, is more than a tournament—it’s a global stage where football’s elite chase immortality. Among the top players FIFA Club World Cup 2025, Ángel Di María, the 37-year-old Argentine winger for Benfica, stands as a beacon of brilliance. Known for his dazzling dribbles, pinpoint assists, and clutch moments, Di María’s journey to this competition is a tapestry of triumphs, heartbreak, and an unrelenting drive to leave his mark. With his Benfica contract extended until June 30, 2025, and plans to return to his boyhood club Rosario Central afterward, this tournament may be his final act in Europe. Let’s explore Di María’s recent performances, Ángel Di María stats, his role in the Benfica squad, and the expectations fans have for his Ángel Di María highlights in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
From Rosario’s Streets to Lisbon’s Limelight
Born in Rosario, Argentina, on February 14, 1988, Ángel Di María’s love for football was evident early, despite his family’s financial struggles. At age four, he joined Rosario Central, but his professional career began with a move to Benfica in 2007. Under coach Jorge Jesus, Di María’s 2009–10 season was a revelation, where he provided a hat-trick of assists in a 5–0 Europa League thrashing of Everton and scored his first career hat-trick against Leixões. His 11 assists led the Primeira Liga, helping Benfica clinch the league title and the Taça da Liga.
Di María’s career soared through stints at Real Madrid, Manchester United, PSG, and Juventus, amassing a 2011–12 La Liga title, a 2013–14 Champions League, and the 2022 World Cup with Argentina, where he scored in the final. Returning to Benfica in 2023, the veteran winger proved he’s still a force, blending experience with his trademark flair. His journey is one of resilience, from overcoming poverty to becoming one of Argentina’s greatest players.
Recent Performances: The Magic Still Flows
At 37, Di María defies age. In the 2024–25 season, he’s been a linchpin for Benfica, registering 15 goals and 8 assists across all competitions, with 38 appearances. His 53 big chances created and 206 key passes showcase his playmaking prowess, while 143 successful dribbles highlight his agility. In the UEFA Champions League, he’s contributed 8 goals and 5 assists in 25 starts, earning a 6.8 Sofascore rating in a recent 1–3 loss to Sporting CP in the Taça de Portugal final.
A standout moment came in a 4–1 Liga Portugal win over FC Porto, where Di María scored twice, earning praise as the “best player” for his clutch performance. His October/November form saw him named the Liga Portugal Best Player by the Players’ Union, a testament to his enduring quality. However, setbacks like the Taça de Portugal final loss stung deeply—Di María’s tears post-match reflected his desire to end his Benfica stint as a champion.
Key Ángel Di María Stats
Di María’s 2024–25 season stats underline his impact in the Benfica squad:
- Appearances: 38 (20 starts, 5 substitute appearances)
- Goals: 15 (0.39 goals per match)
- Assists: 8 (0.21 assists per match)
- Shots: 62 (11 on target)
- Big Chances Created: 53
- Key Passes: 206
- Dribbles Completed: 143
- Sofascore Rating (Recent): 6.4–7.3 across Liga Portugal matches
His career stats across 13 seasons with clubs like PSG and Real Madrid include 86 goals and 98 assists in 374 appearances, with a record of 262 wins, 58 draws, and 54 losses. For Argentina, he earned 145 caps, scoring 31 goals, including pivotal strikes in the 2008 Olympics and 2022 World Cup final.
For detailed career stats, see the sports card above.
Benfica at FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Di María’s Role
Benfica, under coach Bruno Lage, enters the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 with a formidable squad, including Nicolás Otamendi, Vangelis Pavlidis, and young star Andreas Schjelderup. Drawn in Group B, they face Boca Juniors (June 16), Al Hilal, and Bayern Munich, with matches in Miami, Orlando, and Charlotte. Despite a challenging group, Di María’s experience against elite competition makes him a cornerstone of Benfica’s attack.
However, uncertainty surrounds his participation. Reports indicate Di María may skip the tournament, having informed Benfica’s management of his departure post-season, prioritizing his move to Rosario Central. Yet, posts on X suggest he might still feature in the Club World Cup before leaving, adding intrigue to his potential swan song. If he plays, expect him to operate as a right winger, cutting in with his lethal left foot to create or score, as seen in his 15-goal haul this season.
Expected Impact and Fan Expectations
As one of the top players FIFA Club World Cup 2025, Di María carries the hopes of Benfica fans and neutrals alike. Supporters on X laud his “magical left foot” and call his late-career form “one of the best career endings ever.” Fans expect him to deliver Ángel Di María highlights, like his iconic chip in the 2008 Olympic final or his World Cup final goal, to propel Benfica past rivals like Bayern Munich.
His emotional connection to the game resonates deeply. After the Taça de Portugal final loss, fans empathized with his tears, seeing a player who’s “won everything but still burns to compete.” If Di María plays, his ability to create 53 big chances and complete 143 dribbles could unlock defenses, while his leadership will guide younger teammates like Schjelderup. However, his age and recent heavy minutes (2,128 in 2024–25) raise concerns about fatigue, especially in a grueling tournament.
Triumphs, Setbacks, and Legacy
Di María’s career is a saga of highs and lows. His 2014 Champions League triumph with Real Madrid and 2022 World Cup glory with Argentina are peaks, while his underwhelming Manchester United stint and recent Taça de Portugal defeat mark valleys. Yet, his resilience shines through—returning to Benfica at 35 and outshining players a decade younger. His family values, like buying a house for his parents after his Benfica move, endear him to fans, making his story relatable.
As he nears the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, Di María stands at a crossroads. Will he dazzle one last time in Lisbon’s colors, or will he step away to begin his Rosario Central chapter? Either way, his legacy as a dribbling maestro, assist king, and big-game player is secure. For now, fans await his decision, hoping to see the “Fideo” weave his magic in the U.S.
Follow Di María’s journey at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 on DAZN, with matches broadcast across various platforms. For Benfica’s full schedule and squad details, visit Flashscore.com.
Note: Di María’s participation remains unconfirmed. Check Sofascore for lineup updates an hour before Benfica’s matches.
For more on Di María’s career stats, refer to the sports card above.