Ángel Di María has hinted that he could bring his illustrious football career to an unexpected end after Rosario Central were eliminated from the Copa Libertadores by Corinthians.
The Argentine World Cup winner was visibly disappointed following Central’s 1-0 defeat to Corinthians on Thursday. The result ended the club’s campaign in the round of 16 and left Di María facing an uncertain decision about his future.
The venue added an emotional layer to the defeat. Twelve years ago, at the same stadium, Di María scored a memorable goal for Argentina against Switzerland at the 2014 World Cup. His extra-time strike sent Argentina into the quarter-finals and helped set them on a run that eventually took them to the final.
This time, however, the same ground witnessed a very different moment in his career.
Speaking to ESPN after the second leg, Di María admitted that the result was difficult to accept. He said he had hoped for a different outcome and wanted to continue playing, but acknowledged that he now needed to consider what comes next.
“I wanted to keep playing, but this is football. Now I have to think about what I want to do next,” Di María said.
The 38-year-old also told Fox Sports that Rosario Central had opportunities to score but failed to take advantage of them. He felt the match did not develop in the way the team had planned, despite their efforts to fight their way back into the tie.
Di María returned to his boyhood club in the middle of 2025 after spending around 18 years playing in Europe. His European career included spells at some of the continent’s biggest clubs, while his international career established him as one of the most decorated players of his generation.
His contribution to Argentina’s recent success has been particularly significant. Di María scored in the 2021 Copa América final against Brazil and was also on the scoresheet in the 2022 World Cup final against France, as Argentina secured major international honours under Lionel Scaloni.
His return to Rosario Central represented a homecoming late in his career. Despite his age, he has remained an influential figure for the club. Since returning, Di María has made 43 appearances, scoring 14 goals and providing seven assists.
Central extended his contract in June, keeping him at the club until June 2027. If he remains until the end of that agreement, Di María would be 39 when his contract expires.
That, however, does not necessarily mean he intends to play until then. His comments after the Libertadores defeat suggest that retirement could come sooner if he decides that the time is right.
For now, no definitive retirement decision has been announced. Di María has simply acknowledged that he needs to reflect on his next move. After a career that has included a World Cup triumph, a Copa América title and years at the highest level of European football, the Argentine star may now be approaching the final chapter of his playing career.
