Angel Di Maria Argentina Number: The Story Behind the Iconic Jersey
Ángel Fabián Di María, born 14 February 1988, is an Argentine professional footballer renowned for his speed, creativity and decisive play on the right wing or as an attacking midfielder. While his club career has taken him from Rosario Central to Europe’s elite, the Angel Di Maria Argentina Number that fans associate with him is the legendary number 11.
Why Number 11 Became Di María’s Signature
In Argentine football, the number 11 shirt traditionally belongs to the left‑winger or attacking forward who delivers crosses, cuts inside and creates scoring opportunities. Di María first wore the number 11 for the Albiceleste senior squad during the 2010 World Cup qualifiers, and it quickly became his identity on the international stage.
- Consistency: From his debut in 2008 until the 2022 World Cup triumph, Di María has almost exclusively sported the number 11.
- Symbolism: The number is linked to Argentine legends such as Diego Maradona (who famously wore 10) and other wingers who wore 11, reinforcing Di María’s role as a creative force.
- Recognition: Fans worldwide identify the number 11 on the Albiceleste jersey with Di María’s trademark runs and decisive assists.
From Heartbreak in 2014 to Glory in 2022
Di María’s journey with the Argentine national team has been marked by dramatic highs and lows. In the 2014 World Cup final, he was forced to leave the field early due to a thigh injury, a moment that contributed to Argentina’s heartbreaking loss to Germany. Yet, he returned stronger, playing a pivotal role in the 2022 World Cup campaign.
- Group Stage Impact: Di María scored the opening goal against Saudi Arabia, showcasing his renewed vigor.
- Knockout Round Heroics: In the quarter‑final against the Netherlands, his precise crosses set up the decisive penalty that sent Argentina to the semi‑finals.
- Final Triumph: Though he did not start the final, his presence in the squad and the spirit of the number 11 contributed to the historic victory, ending a 36‑year World Cup drought.
