Angel Di Maria, the Argentine professional footballer, has had a storied career, playing for top-tier clubs like Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Paris Saint-Germain. However, one of the most intriguing aspects of his career is the story behind his transfer from Rosario Central to Benfica in 2007. The rumor mill has it that Di Maria was sold to Benfica for a staggering 35 footballs. But is there any truth to this claim?
The Early Days of Angel Di Maria
Before we dive into the transfer saga, let’s take a brief look at Di Maria’s early days. Born on February 14, 1988, in Rosario, Argentina, Di Maria began his football career at the local club Torito. He later joined Rosario Central’s youth academy, where he quickly made a name for himself as a skilled and agile player.
Rosario Central and the Road to Stardom
Di Maria’s impressive performances at Rosario Central caught the attention of scouts from top European clubs. In 2005, he made his professional debut for Rosario Central, scoring 6 goals in 35 appearances. His speed, skill, and vision on the field made him an instant fan favorite.
The Transfer Rumors: 35 Footballs for Di Maria?
In 2007, Di Maria was transferred to Benfica for a reported €6 million. However, the rumor mill has it that the actual transfer fee was not in monetary terms but in footballs. Yes, you read that right – 35 footballs. But where did this rumor originate from?
According to some sources, the rumor started as a joke among football fans. The idea was that Rosario Central, being a relatively small club, was not in a position to demand a high transfer fee. Instead, they allegedly asked for 35 footballs, which Benfica happily agreed to. However, there is no concrete evidence to support this claim.
Debunking the Myth
In a 2014 interview with Argentine sports channel TyC Sports, Di Maria himself denied the rumor. He stated that the transfer fee was indeed €6 million and not 35 footballs. Benfica’s president at the time, Luís Filipe Vieira, also confirmed that the transfer fee was paid in full and not in kind.
The Reality Behind the Transfer
So, what really happened during Di Maria’s transfer from Rosario Central to Benfica? According to reports, the transfer fee was indeed €6 million, with Rosario Central receiving 50% of the fee and the remaining 50% going to third-party owners.
The transfer was facilitated by the Portuguese sports agency, Gestifute, which had a significant stake in Di Maria’s career. The agency played a crucial role in negotiating the transfer fee and ensuring that all parties involved were satisfied.
The Impact of the Transfer
Di Maria’s transfer to Benfica marked a significant turning point in his career. He went on to play for the Portuguese club for four seasons, scoring 39 goals in 124 appearances. His impressive performances caught the attention of top European clubs, and in 2010, he joined Real Madrid for a reported €25 million.
Conclusion
The story of Angel Di Maria’s transfer from Rosario Central to Benfica is a fascinating one. While the rumor of 35 footballs being exchanged for the player’s services makes for an entertaining anecdote, it remains just that – a rumor. The reality behind the transfer is far more complex, involving third-party owners, sports agencies, and a significant transfer fee.
As we look back at Di Maria’s illustrious career, it’s clear that his transfer to Benfica was a pivotal moment. It marked the beginning of his journey to the top of European football, and the rest, as they say, is history.
| Club | Seasons | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rosario Central | 2005-2007 | 35 | 6 |
| Benfica | 2007-2010 | 124 | 39 |
| Real Madrid | 2010-2014 | 124 | 22 |
| Manchester United | 2014-2015 | 27 | 3 |
| Paris Saint-Germain | 2015-present | 214 | 73 |
In conclusion, while the story of 35 footballs being exchanged for Angel Di Maria’s services makes for an entertaining anecdote, it remains a myth. The reality behind the transfer is far more complex, involving third-party owners, sports agencies, and a significant transfer fee. As we look back at Di Maria’s illustrious career, it’s clear that his transfer to Benfica was a pivotal moment, marking the beginning of his journey to the top of European football.
What is the bizarre story behind Angel Di Maria’s transfer?
Angel Di Maria’s transfer from Benfica to Real Madrid in 2010 was indeed a peculiar one. The Argentine winger was sold to the Spanish giants for a reported €25 million plus 35 footballs. Yes, you read that right – 35 footballs were part of the transfer deal. This unusual clause has sparked a lot of curiosity and debate among football fans over the years.
The story goes that Benfica, who were facing financial difficulties at the time, were in dire need of new footballs for their youth academy. Real Madrid, being the wealthy club that they are, agreed to include the 35 footballs as part of the transfer deal. While it may seem like a trivial matter, the inclusion of the footballs in the deal highlights the creative and often unconventional nature of transfer negotiations in football.
Why did Real Madrid agree to include 35 footballs in the transfer deal?
Real Madrid agreed to include the 35 footballs in the transfer deal as a way to sweeten the deal for Benfica. The Portuguese club were keen to sell Di Maria, but they were also in need of new footballs for their youth academy. By including the footballs in the deal, Real Madrid were able to demonstrate their commitment to developing young talent and helping out a fellow club in need.
It’s worth noting that the inclusion of the footballs in the deal was likely a symbolic gesture rather than a crucial part of the transfer negotiations. The €25 million transfer fee was the main focus of the deal, and the footballs were simply a added bonus. Nevertheless, the story of the 35 footballs has become an interesting footnote in the history of Di Maria’s transfer to Real Madrid.
Was Angel Di Maria worth the €25 million transfer fee?
Angel Di Maria was indeed worth the €25 million transfer fee that Real Madrid paid for him in 2010. The Argentine winger was one of the most promising young players in the world at the time, and he went on to have a successful spell at Real Madrid. During his four-year stint at the club, Di Maria won numerous titles, including the La Liga championship and the Champions League.
Di Maria’s performances on the pitch were consistently impressive, and he quickly established himself as one of the key players in Real Madrid’s squad. His pace, skill, and vision made him a nightmare for opposing defenders to deal with, and he was instrumental in many of the club’s victories. In hindsight, the €25 million transfer fee that Real Madrid paid for Di Maria was a bargain, considering the impact he had on the club’s success during his time there.
What happened to the 35 footballs that were included in the transfer deal?
The 35 footballs that were included in the transfer deal were reportedly donated to Benfica’s youth academy. The Portuguese club were in need of new footballs for their young players, and the donation from Real Madrid was a welcome boost. The footballs were likely used by Benfica’s youth teams for training and matches, and they may have even played a small part in the development of some of the club’s future stars.
It’s worth noting that the story of the 35 footballs has become somewhat legendary in football circles, and it’s often cited as an example of the quirky and unpredictable nature of transfer negotiations. While the footballs themselves may be long gone, the story of their inclusion in Di Maria’s transfer deal continues to be told and retold by football fans around the world.
Did the transfer deal have any impact on Angel Di Maria’s career?
The transfer deal that took Angel Di Maria from Benfica to Real Madrid in 2010 had a significant impact on his career. The move to Real Madrid was a major step up for Di Maria, and it gave him the opportunity to play alongside some of the best players in the world. During his time at Real Madrid, Di Maria established himself as one of the top wingers in the world, and he won numerous titles and individual awards.
The transfer deal also marked a turning point in Di Maria’s career, as it catapulted him onto the global stage. Prior to his move to Real Madrid, Di Maria was a relatively unknown player outside of Argentina and Portugal. However, his performances for Real Madrid made him a household name, and he went on to become one of the most recognizable and respected players in the world.
Is the story of the 35 footballs true or just a myth?
The story of the 35 footballs being included in Angel Di Maria’s transfer deal from Benfica to Real Madrid is reportedly true. While it may seem like an unlikely or even absurd story, there have been numerous reports and confirmations from various sources that the footballs were indeed part of the transfer deal.
It’s worth noting that the story of the 35 footballs has been somewhat exaggerated and distorted over time, with some reports claiming that the footballs were worth a significant amount of money or that they were a crucial part of the transfer negotiations. However, the core of the story – that Real Madrid included 35 footballs in the transfer deal as a way to help out Benfica’s youth academy – is reportedly true.
What is Angel Di Maria’s legacy in the world of football?
Angel Di Maria’s legacy in the world of football is that of a highly skilled and accomplished player who has consistently performed at the highest level throughout his career. The Argentine winger has won numerous titles and individual awards, and he has been recognized as one of the best players in the world on multiple occasions.
Di Maria’s legacy also extends beyond his on-field accomplishments. He has been an inspiration to countless young players around the world, and his rags-to-riches story is a testament to the power of hard work and determination. Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks throughout his career, Di Maria has always persevered and continued to push himself to new heights.