Angel Di María has lifted trophies, played for football’s biggest clubs, and represented Argentina on the world’s greatest stages. But long before the spotlight, his life was shaped by struggle, sacrifice, and hope.
In a recent reflection, the Argentine star opened up about his childhood — a time when survival depended on daily labor and the weather offered no mercy.
“I remember very well that one day we were bagging coal with our father, and it was very cold and raining. We were under a tin roof. It was tough being there.”
While young Di María eventually left for school — where warmth and comfort awaited — his father remained behind, working tirelessly to provide for the family.
“After a while, I would go to school, it was warmer and much better there. My father would stay bagging coal all day without a break.”
The reality was harsh. If the coal didn’t sell, the family wouldn’t eat. Every day carried uncertainty, and every effort was a gamble against hunger.
“If he didn’t sell the coal in that period, we wouldn’t have anything to eat.”
Yet, even in those moments of hardship, Di María held on to belief — a quiet conviction that life could change.
“I thought, and I really believed, ‘There’s going to come a time when everything changes for the better.’”
That belief became his fuel. Football wasn’t just a passion — it was a lifeline, a path out, and a promise of something more.
Looking back on his journey, Di María summed it up with simple honesty:
“That’s why I owe football everything.”
From bagging coal under a leaking roof to shining on football’s biggest stages, Di María’s story is a reminder that behind greatness often lies sacrifice, resilience, and unwavering hope.