Ángel Di María
An Argentine winger whose magical left foot delivered decisive goals in the biggest finals, cementing his status as a clutch performer for club and country.
Born 1988 (age 38)·Argentine footballer·Birthday: February 14·Millennials
Biography
Ángel Di María's career is a highlight reel of exquisite technique meeting monumental moments. The wiry winger from Rosario, with his blistering pace and wand of a left foot, became the ultimate big-game player. At Real Madrid, his extra-time goal in the 2014 Champions League final broke the deadlock to secure 'La Décima.' For Argentina, after the heartbreak of missing the 2014 World Cup final, he scored the only goal to win the 2021 Copa América, ending a 28-year trophy drought. His crowning moment came in the 2022 World Cup final, where his first-half goal was a masterclass in composure, directly propelling Argentina to glory. Di María's legacy is defined not just by his assists and dribbles, but by an uncanny ability to shine when the lights are brightest.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Ángel was born in 1988, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Ángel Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Ángel's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Scored the winning goal for Argentina in the 2021 Copa América final against Brazil.
- Netted a crucial goal in Argentina's 2022 FIFA World Cup final victory over France.
- Scored the decisive goal in Real Madrid's 2014 UEFA Champions League final win.
- Became the joint all-time top assist provider in UEFA Champions League history.
- Won an Olympic gold medal with Argentina at the 2008 Beijing Games.
Did You Know?
His childhood nickname was 'Fideo,' which means 'noodle' in Spanish, due to his skinny frame.
He famously wrote a heartfelt letter to his younger self that was published by The Players' Tribune before the 2022 World Cup.
He played for Portuguese club Benfica before his major transfers to Real Madrid and Manchester United.
He has won league titles in Spain, England, France, and Italy.
“I dreamed so many times of this moment, of being world champion. I can't believe it's real.”
