Rosario Central fans were on their feet on Saturday as Ángel Di María delivered a moment of magic in the heated Rosario derby.
The 37-year-old, back at his boyhood club this summer, scored a stunning 82nd-minute free-kick to secure bragging rights over arch rivals Newell Old Boys, sending the home crowd into raptures.
A Hero Returns Home Amid Past Threats
Di María’s return to Rosario Central was far from straightforward.
Ten months ago, death threats forced him to backtrack on his move, including a chilling pig’s head with a bullet and a package threatening one of his daughters.
Despite the danger, the Argentine veteran’s love for his boyhood club and the chance to play at El Gigante with his family never faded.
“I suffered for a long time because I wanted to experience this with my family and be at El Gigante,” Di María said after the match.
“I know many people criticized me at the time, but they don’t know what I went through. I dedicate this to my family.
These 18 years, all I’ve thought about is coming back. I don’t know what more I can ask for. All that’s left is to be a champion with Central.”
Derby Glory Seals Historic Winning Streak
The free-kick was Di María’s third goal of the Liga Profesional season, following a successful penalty earlier in the campaign.
His strike not only secured a dramatic victory for Rosario Central but also marked their fifth consecutive win over Newell Old Boys, the club’s longest run of derby triumphs in history.
A Career Spanning Continents
Di María began his professional career at Rosario Central in 2005, playing 36 games before making the move to Europe with Benfica in 2007.
His European journey included stints at Real Madrid, Manchester United, PSG, Juventus, and a return to Benfica, establishing him as one of the most decorated Argentine footballers of his generation.
Speaking Out About Past Dangers
Di María opened up about the harrowing threats he and his family faced in 2024, revealing the emotional toll it took.
“There was a threat carried out in my parents’ neighborhood which became public, and another at my sister’s property which didn’t come to light because my sister and brother-in-law were too scared to report it,” he said.
“Those months were horrible; we could only sit there and cry each night over not being able to carry out that dream.”
Despite criticism from some Rosario fans for initially stepping back from the club, Di María emphasized the difficulty of facing threats and the unfair judgment on social media.
“Those who don’t understand, they don’t put themselves in my place for one second,” he added.
Rosario: A City Under Pressure
The city of Rosario, home to one of the world’s largest agro-port hubs, has faced increasing violence from drug trafficking groups, making safety concerns a serious issue for residents and returning athletes alike.
Yet, Di María’s return shows the enduring pull of home and the passion that football can inspire, even amid adversity.
