How Rich is Ángel Di María? The Juventus Star‘s $18 Million Fortune Explained
Argentine winger Ángel Di María has amassed an impressive $18 million net worth over his illustrious football career spanning top European clubs like Real Madrid, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain. His wealth comes from lucrative playing contracts, nine-figure transfer fees and endorsement deals with global brands.
While not yet near the ultra-rich circles of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, Di María has quietly built a sizeable fortune from his success on the pitch and prudent financial management. Let‘s take a closer look at how the 34-year-old Juventus attacker has earned and invested his millions.
From Humble Beginnings to Multi-Millionaire Winger
Born in Rosario, Argentina, Ángel Di María grew up in a poor home, forcing him to play football barefoot on dusty streets. After emerging as a promising talent with local club Rosario Central, he secured a €6 million transfer to Portuguese side Benfica in 2007. His technical ability and blazing speed soon caught the eye of Europe‘s elite clubs.
After helping lead Argentina to Olympic gold in 2008, Di María sealed a blockbuster €33 million move to Spanish giants Real Madrid in 2010. Over four successful seasons in Madrid, he blossomed into a world-class winger, winning La Liga, the Champions League and earning up to €10 million per year.
Di María‘s storied career took another lucrative turn in 2014 when Manchester United made him the most expensive Premier League signing ever at the time with a £60 million transfer. His spell in England proved short however, as Paris Saint-Germain came calling just a year later with a massive €71.4 million offer.
| Year | Transfer Fee | Club |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | €6 million | Benfica |
| 2010 | €33 million | Real Madrid |
| 2014 | £60 million | Manchester United |
| 2015 | €71.4 million | PSG |
At his PSG peak, Di María was earning an eye-watering €15 million basic salary that could reach €22 million with bonuses. After securing over 20 major trophies during his career, the star winger joined Juventus this summer on a free transfer but still earns around €7 million per year.
Breaking Down Di María‘s Career Earnings
It‘s estimated Ángel Di María has earned over €185 million before taxes from just salaries and transfer fees to date, with the potential to make over €200 million in total. Let‘s break down the major contributors:
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Salaries – Has made around €115 million in base salaries from clubs, reaching up to €160 million with bonuses. Earned massive wages at Madrid and PSG especially.
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Transfer Fees – Raked in €110+ million in fees from his transfers between Benfica, Real Madrid, Man Utd and PSG.
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Endorsements – Brings in around €5 million annually from deals with Adidas, Pepsi, EA Sports etc. Has likely made €50+ million total from sponsorships.
At 34, Di María is entering the twilight of his career but still has time to boost his earnings further with one final lucrative contract if he chooses. He has the potential to break €300 million in career earnings with a few more seasons in Europe.
Lucrative Sponsorship Deals Expand His Wealth
On top of his football income, Di María has earned generously from endorsement deals with global brands throughout his career:
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Adidas – Reportedly signed a 10-year, $7.5 million per year deal in 2013 to become their highest-paid South American athlete.
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Pepsi – Has appeared in Pepsi ad campaigns alongside Messi, Agüero promoting the brand in Argentina and across Latin America.
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Gillette – Signed on as a brand ambassador for their LatAm marketing push along with Neymar Jr. and other stars.
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Turkish Airlines – Starred in a series of commercials and print ads for their worldwide campaigns from 2013-2015.
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Electronic Arts – Has appeared on the cover of EA Sports‘ FIFA video game series and works closely with them on promotions.
His charisma and popularity across Latin America make him an attractive partner for both local and multinational advertisers. Di María‘s endorsement earnings help diversify his income beyond just football.
How Di María‘s Wealth Compares to Peers
Though his €18 million net worth is massive, Di María resides well outside the wealth circles of contemporary legends like Messi and Ronaldo who are worth 10-30X more. Here‘s how the Argentine‘s fortune compares to some elite peers:
| Player | Estimated Net Worth |
|---|---|
| Lionel Messi | $600 million |
| Cristiano Ronaldo | $490 million |
| Neymar Jr. | $200 million |
| Sergio Agüero | $80 million |
| Gerard Piqué | $55 million |
| Ángel Di María | $18 million |
Among his own Argentina national team, Di María ranks behind only Messi in terms of personal wealth. The Rosario native has earned more in his career than Sergio Agüero despite playing for smaller clubs aside from his stints at Real and PSG.
A Prudent Spender – Cars, Real Estate and Family
While one of football‘s higher earners, Di María has avoided excessive spending and usually maintains a low-key lifestyle centered on family. He does allow himself some luxuries befitting his wealth:
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Car Collection – Owns several hi-end sports cars including a Ferrari, Mercedes SLS AMG, Audi R8 Spyder and BMW M6.
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Real Estate – Bought a €2 million villa near Paris while at PSG. Also owns property in his native Rosario.
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Jewelry – Once bought a lavish Jacob & Co watch for €17,000 encrusted with black diamonds.
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Clothing – Can afford to dress in designer clothes and accessories from brands like Dolce & Gabbana.
Beyond material goods, Di María also invests in his family‘s future – paying for his sister‘s medical school costs and setting aside savings for his three daughters. He eschews the playboy lifestyle of some top-paid stars.
The Road Ahead – Growing His Fortune After Football
As he enters his mid-30s, Ángel Di María is winding down his prolific career. But with time left on his 2-year Juventus contract, he can still expand his wealth before retirement:
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Earn €14+ million annually at Juventus if he stays until 2024
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Command one more sizable transfer fee if he leaves Turin early
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Renew his Adidas sponsorship for another multi-million dollar deal
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Grow his investment portfolio and business ventures
Di María has been prudent with managing his money, allowing for a comfortable life long after he retires from football. With fame and business connections gained over his historic career, his entrepreneurial opportunities will only expand. €18 million is likely just the start of the wealth he will accumulate in the decades ahead.
Conclusion – A Wealth Born From Footballing Brilliance
Praised for his speed, stamina and technical genius with the ball, Ángel Di María‘s dynamic style has dazzled fans for over a decade. He‘s earned well over $200 million during his club career at elite teams like Real Madrid, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain.
Though not yet near the billionaire status of Messi and Ronaldo, Di María has built up an impressive $18 million net worth that will keep growing through endorsements and investments. But more importantly, he‘s used his fortune to support family, not feed an extravagant lifestyle.
At 34, there are likely still a few chapters left in Ángel Di María‘s storybook career. Wherever he ends up next, his superior skills will continue commanding massive salaries that build his wealth. For now, he can rest assured that years of footballing brilliance have brought him riches beyond his childhood dreams.