Di María has played his last league match for Benfica

Ángel Di María has officially confirmed that his final league appearance for Benfica has been played, marking the beginning of the end of a significant chapter in his storied footballing journey.

After a dramatic and ultimately disappointing finish to the Primeira Liga season in which Benfica missed out on the title the Argentine star took to Instagram to share a heartfelt message with fans, reflecting on a year that, while emotionally rich, did not bring the success he and the club had hoped for.

"It wasn’t the league result we wanted," Di María wrote. "We worked hard for it. It really hurts to end the season like this after such a long year. This was my last league match wearing this shirt, and I’m proud to have worn it again. There's still one final left on Sunday, and we’ll give it our all with joy and determination to win it." The upcoming Taça de Portugal final against Sporting CP offers Benfica and Di María one last chance to finish the season on a high, and the Argentine made it clear that his motivation remains intact as he prepares for what could be his final match in red.

Di María’s second spell at Benfica began in the summer of 2023, when he returned to the club that first brought him to European football back in 2007. At the time, the 19-year-old winger was a promising talent from Rosario Central, but under the guidance of Benfica, he quickly developed into one of Europe’s most exciting attackers. His success in Portugal paved the way for a high-profile transfer to Real Madrid in 2010, where he would go on to win La Liga and the UEFA Champions League.

Thirteen years later, with a wealth of experience gathered from stints at some of the world’s top clubs, including Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, and Juventus, Di María came full circle returning not just to a club, but to a fan base that still remembered his flair, passion, and brilliance. His decision to rejoin Benfica was met with joy from the club’s supporters, who welcomed him as a returning hero.

During the 2023–24 campaign, Di María played a vital role for Roger Schmidt’s team, both as a leader on and off the pitch. Despite being in the latter stages of his career, the Argentine remained a key figure in Benfica’s attack, contributing not just goals but also creativity, vision, and invaluable experience. Across 86 appearances since his return, he found the net 32 times, including several decisive goals in domestic and European competitions.

However, the season was not without its difficulties. In the final stretch of the campaign, Di María struggled with a physical setback, suffering an injury that kept him out of key matches. Although he has since begun his recovery, his absence was felt as Benfica lost crucial points in the title race. Ultimately, Sporting CP pulled away and secured the league crown, leaving Di María and his teammates to settle for second place a result that stung deeply, particularly for a player who always demands the highest standards of himself.

Looking ahead, Di María's immediate future remains partially open. His current contract is set to expire on June 30, but Portuguese media reports suggest that he may sign a short-term extension allowing him to participate in the FIFA Club World Cup with Benfica. The tournament, scheduled for June and July in the United States, represents an opportunity for Benfica to showcase themselves on the global stage and for Di María to compete one last time at the highest international club level.

However, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has cast doubt on those reports, stating that no agreement has been finalized and that Di María may, in fact, depart immediately after the cup final. Whether or not he stays for the Club World Cup, it appears certain that the curtain is coming down on his time at the Estádio da Luz.

As for what comes next, Di María has yet to make a final decision. According to sources in Portugal, the 36-year-old is still weighing his options, unsure of whether he will retire, return to Argentina, or take on one last adventure elsewhere. He has often spoken of his love for Rosario Central, the club where he began his career, and a return there has long been rumored as a possibility. Other reports have linked him to Major League Soccer or even a final stint in Saudi Arabia, but for now, his future remains an open question.

Whatever he chooses, Di María’s legacy is already secure. At the international level, he has done it all winning the 2021 Copa América, scoring in the 2022 World Cup Final, and lifting the trophy that every footballer dreams of. For Argentina, he has been a generational talent, consistently rising to the occasion in the biggest matches and earning the admiration of teammates, fans, and rivals alike.

At club level, his career has been a journey through Europe’s elite. From dazzling at Benfica, to thriving at Real Madrid under José Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti, to adapting in Manchester, dominating in Paris, and proving his worth in Italy Di María has experienced it all. Now, as he stands on the edge of a new chapter, the footballing world waits to see how this iconic winger will write his final pages.

For Benfica fans, Sunday’s cup final may well be the last chance to watch Di María in their colors one final performance, one final cheer, and perhaps, one final trophy. And for Di María himself, it will be another chance to leave the pitch with pride, knowing he gave everything for the shirt.