Di María celebrates emotional return goal for Rosario Central!
Angel Di María returns to Argentina after 18 years, scores in Rosario Central's 1-1 draw against Godoy Cruz.

Di María celebrates emotional return goal for Rosario Central!
Argentine football is back in Ángel Di María's homeland with a bang! In his first official game for Rosario Central, the team he loved, the former European star scored a goal that made the club's fans cheer. On July 13, 2025, Rosario Central faced Godoy Cruz in the Clausura tournament, the match ended 1-1, but the spotlight was clearly on Di María.
The stage for this emotional comeback was the Gigante de Arroyito stadium, where the fans experienced an exciting evening of football. Di María put the ball in the net with a penalty in the 78th minute, which is a great feeling for a player who spent 18 years in the best leagues in Europe - including Benfica, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus. With his chest sticking out proudly, he celebrated his goal with a touching gesture of forming a heart with his hands, causing emotions to run high among the spectators. Loud Les Transferts This moment was a highlight of the game.
An exciting duel and an unexpected end
But the game also had its downsides. In the last minute of the game, Di María was substituted after being injured by a foul. This situation briefly made headlines, but the player was able to reassure his fans: the injury was just a shock and nothing serious, he said. The game ended with a late equalizer from Vicente Poggi, who scored for Godoy Cruz in the 94th minute, securing the point for his team. Last but not least, Godoy Cruz's Daniel Barrea caused additional tension with his sending off towards the end of the game.
Before the game entered the heated final phase, both teams had their chances in an evenly balanced first half. Federico Rasmussen narrowly missed the goal with a header and the ball landed on the crossbar. This intensity also spread to the entire league AP News reported. An interesting side note: Alejo Veliz, who returned after two years in Europe, also took part in the match.
The league at a glance
Rosario Central is not the only team that took the field in the first game of the Clausura tournament. Of the other matches of the day, Barracas Central, Instituto and Belgrano were able to achieve victories. The fans of Boca Juniors can also be excited, after all their team is in the starting blocks in the upcoming match against Argentinos Juniors. These first games set the tone for the entire season and there is something to be excited about as the league develops.
With Ángel Di María back in Argentina, a new era could also be ushered in for the Argentine League. The comeback of a world star not only involves the use of media, but can also inspire young players. Let's follow his further development with excitement in the coming weeks and months and hope for more such impressive moments!