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After Benfica: Argentina legend Ángel Di María takes first step to become a coach

Argentina’s football hero Ángel Di María is planning his next steps after retiring from international football, Soccernet.football reports.

At 36, Di María recently bid an emotional farewell to the Argentine national team after their Copa América victory. Although he may continue his playing career at Benfica, signs suggest he is preparing for life after football.

Di María has enrolled in a coaching course run by the Argentine Football Coaches Association (ATFA) in his hometown of Rosario. The organization proudly announced his enrollment on social media.

“It is with great pride that we welcome the great Angelito Di María, who wants to train with the best to become a future coach! He is now an officially registered student,” wrote the general coordinator of ATFA on Facebook, as per Maisfutebol

According to Argentine media, Di María will attend classes remotely. Throughout his career, he has played under top managers like Jorge Jesus, José Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti, Thomas Tuchel, and Unai Emery.

Di María’s career began at Rosario Central before he rose to fame at Benfica, joining the club in 2007 at the age of 19. He helped Benfica win the Primeira Liga and two Taça da Liga titles. In 2010, he transferred to Real Madrid for €25 million, winning a La Liga title and the UEFA Champions League.

In 2014, Di María moved to Manchester United for a then-British record fee of £59.7 million but left a year later for Paris Saint-Germain. In France, he won multiple league titles and domestic cups, becoming the club’s all-time leader in assists. He joined Juventus in 2022 before returning to Benfica last year.

Internationally, Di María debuted for Argentina in 2007, winning the FIFA U-20 World Cup and an Olympic gold medal in 2008.

He earned 145 caps, played in four World Cups, and helped Argentina win the 2022 World Cup and two Copa América titles. Di María retired from international football after the 2024 Copa América final, which Argentina won after beating Colombia.