BTN News: The story of Ángel Di María, one of Argentina’s most celebrated footballers, has finally been brought to life in a new Netflix series, Ángel Di María: Romper la pared. Released on September 12, 2024, the three-part documentary dives deep into Di María’s journey from his early days in Rosario to becoming a World Cup champion. With compelling testimonies from family, teammates, and legendary players like Lionel Messi, the series quickly soared to the top of Netflix’s trending list in Argentina. Fans and sports enthusiasts alike are captivated by the heartfelt anecdotes, including an emotional revelation by Pablo Aimar, a key member of the Argentine coaching staff. As Di María’s story unfolds, it sheds light on pivotal moments that defined his career, particularly his iconic goal in the Copa América 2021 final against Brazil.
Di María’s Iconic Goal and the Message That Predicted It
On July 11, 2021, in a nearly empty Maracaná stadium due to the pandemic, Argentina faced Brazil in the Copa América final. At just 22 minutes into the game, a brilliant pass from Rodrigo De Paul found Di María, who scored the match’s only goal. This legendary moment ended Argentina’s 28-year drought for a major trophy, marking the beginning of a golden era under coach Lionel Scaloni.
The series reveals an intriguing premonition that took place the night before that fateful match. Pablo Aimar, a beloved former player and current assistant coach, received a message from his teenage son that read: “I’m scared, but I have faith. 1-0 Di María.” Aimar recounts, “He wrote it in lowercase, like any teenager – ‘1-0 di maria’. And it happened just like that.” To commemorate this remarkable prediction, Aimar got the phrase tattooed on his arm, complete with a small red heart. This touching gesture quickly went viral, capturing the hearts of fans worldwide.
A Journey from Rosario to Global Stardom
In the first episode, titled 26 Balls, the series explores Di María’s early life in Rosario, where he grew up in a working-class family. The nickname “El Fideo” (The Noodle) was born from his slender frame, and it soon became synonymous with his lightning-fast agility on the field. From kicking a ball around in the dirt streets of his neighborhood to joining local club Rosario Central, Di María’s passion and drive were evident from a young age.
26 Balls provides an intimate look at Di María’s humble beginnings, highlighting the sacrifices made by his parents and his relentless determination to succeed. It also features interviews with his wife, Jorgelina Cardoso, and other family members, providing a rich, personal context to his formative years.
From Europe’s Top Leagues to the Global Stage
The second episode, Nobody is a Prophet in His Own Land, takes viewers through Di María’s challenging yet rewarding career in European football. It chronicles his stints with major clubs like Real Madrid and Manchester United, where he faced both triumphant highs and difficult lows. Despite his talent, Di María often struggled to find stability and recognition, battling injuries and adaptation issues.
Featuring insights from his former coaches, José Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti, as well as teammates such as Lionel Messi and Leandro Paredes, the episode paints a vivid picture of a player who was always on the brink of greatness. It also delves into how Di María, despite being away from his homeland, continued to shine on the international stage, contributing significantly to Argentina’s national team successes.
The Unbreakable Bond with La Scaloneta
The final episode, From Coal to Gold, captures the essence of Di María’s bond with his teammates and the national team’s resurgence under Lionel Scaloni. It focuses on the pivotal role Di María played in Argentina’s recent triumphs, including the Copa América 2021 victory and the World Cup win.
Featuring heartfelt testimonies from key players like Lionel Messi, Rodrigo De Paul, and Lautaro Martínez, the documentary showcases the camaraderie within “La Scaloneta.” Viewers witness Di María’s transformation from an unsung hero to a celebrated icon whose perseverance and passion helped “break the wall” – a metaphor for overcoming challenges and reaching new heights.
A Must-Watch for Football Fans and Beyond
Ángel Di María: Romper la pared has already captured the attention of viewers across Argentina, ranking as one of Netflix’s most-watched series. With its rich narrative and emotional depth, it offers an authentic portrayal of a footballer whose journey has been marked by determination, resilience, and a never-ending love for the game.
For fans of football and storytelling, this three-part series, available now on Netflix, is an unmissable experience. It offers not just a peek into the life of a champion but also an inspiring tale of hope, faith, and achieving the impossible.
