Angel Di Maria Set for Emotional Rosario Central Return?

Real Madrid and Argentina legend tipped for homecoming as Rosario ‘do everything possible’ to sign him

As Angel Di Maria’s illustrious European chapter nears its conclusion, football fans across Argentina – and especially in Rosario – are bracing for what could be one of the most heartfelt homecomings the game has seen in years. The question now reverberating through the stands and social media feeds: is Angel Di Maria going home?

The Rosario Dream That Never Died

The whispers have never truly gone away. Since the early 2010s, when Di Maria first made headlines at Real Madrid, there’s always been a sense that his career might come full circle. Rosario Central, the club where it all began, has remained close to his heart. Despite the glitz and grandeur of Madrid, Paris and Manchester, Di Maria has never hidden his love for his boyhood club.

Now, at 37, with his contract at Benfica set to expire this summer, the timing feels right. This could be the moment that Rosario have waited over a decade for – the return of one of their greatest exports.

What Rosario Are Saying

What Rosario Are Saying

Rosario Central’s head coach Ariel Holan has confirmed that the club is actively trying to bring Di Maria back. Speaking to Libero, Holan didn’t try to play it cool or downplay the magnitude of the moment.

“Any coach would love to have a footballer of his quality, but these are very personal decisions,” he said. “This is already a seductive institution, and now it’s organised and growing in many ways that aren’t visible and are also important. The club is doing everything possible to have him back.”

Holan’s remarks strike the balance between excitement and realism. He knows that, ultimately, the choice rests with Di Maria. But Rosario are making their intentions crystal clear: the door is open, and they’ve rolled out the red carpet.

A Career Worth Celebrating

If Di Maria does choose to finish his playing days at Rosario, he will do so having accomplished more than most players could dream of.

 His European journey began when Benfica brought him over from Argentina in 2007. From there, he became a household name at Real Madrid, winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the UEFA Champions League, often turning in man-of-the-match performances when it mattered most.

A short and turbulent stint at Manchester United followed, before Di Maria revived his form and reputation at Paris Saint-Germain. In Paris, he played a pivotal role in a domestic dynasty and helped guide the club to their first-ever Champions League final.

And then, there’s his international career. From scoring a historic goal in the 2021 Copa America final against Brazil to lifting the World Cup in Qatar in 2022, Di Maria’s status as a national hero is cemented. He has played 139 times for Argentina, a number that places him among the most-capped players in the country’s history.

Still Going Strong at 37

Despite his age, Di Maria isn’t just going through the motions in Portugal. In fact, he’s still very much a starter at Benfica, where he returned last summer for a second spell. Alongside Joao Mario and Rafa Silva, he’s been a creative linchpin for Roger Schmidt’s side, who are currently in a neck-and-neck battle with Sporting Lisbon for the Primeira Liga title.

With four matches to go, the two teams are locked on points, and Di Maria’s experience could still be decisive in determining the destination of the championship. Even as speculation swirls about his next move, he remains locked in on the job at hand – a testament to his professionalism and competitive fire.

A Return with More Than Sentiment

There’s no doubt that Di Maria’s return to Rosario would be soaked in nostalgia and romance. But it wouldn’t be just a ceremonial signing. On the contrary, Di Maria still has plenty to offer – both on the pitch and in the dressing room.

For Rosario, having a player of his stature back in the squad would be transformative. It would raise the profile of the club globally, attract sponsors, energise supporters and, most importantly, serve as an inspiration to the next generation of academy prospects.

And then there’s the tactical value. Di Maria’s intelligence, passing range, and ability to operate across the front line would give Holan a world-class weapon in a squad that has made significant strides but still dreams of reaching greater heights.

What’s Holding Him Back?

So, why hasn’t it happened yet? The reasons are layered. First, there’s Di Maria’s own competitive instinct. He still believes he can make a difference in top-level European football – and his performances in Portugal support that belief.

Second, there’s the emotional difficulty of walking away from a career built on the continent’s grandest stages. After nearly two decades abroad, the idea of returning home – while tempting – also requires a huge mental and emotional shift.

But time waits for no one, and the signs are pointing toward a return. As Di Maria himself once said, “Rosario is my home. It’s where I belong.”

All Eyes on the Summer

As the season winds down, fans across Argentina and beyond will be watching closely. Will Di Maria re-sign with Benfica? Will he surprise everyone with one final stop somewhere else in Europe? Or will he finally return to Rosario, bringing his legendary career full circle?

For now, all we can do is wait. But the dream is alive. The conversation is real. And Rosario Central are doing “everything possible” to make it happen.

Whatever Di Maria decides, he has already secured his legacy. But if he chooses to write one final chapter back home, it might just be the most beautiful of them all.