Ángel Di María’s homecoming has turned into a chapter of pure footballing magic. In a dramatic twist that few could have predicted, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) has declared Rosario Central—the club where Di María first learned his craft—the league champions under a newly introduced system. For the veteran World Cup winner, this triumph marks not just another trophy, but his first major title with the club of his childhood.
Rosario Central last lifted the league trophy in the 1986–87 season. After 39 long years, the wait is finally over, and what makes the moment even more poetic is the return of their prodigal son. Di María’s presence, influence and leadership have played a symbolic and emotional role in guiding the club to glory under a structure that has radically reshaped Argentine football.
A New System in Argentine Football
Argentina’s domestic league has long been regarded as one of the most complex in world football. Traditionally, the nation follows a dual-tournament system:
Apertura (first half of the year)
Clausura (second half of the year)
Each of these tournaments previously produced separate champions, decided through play-offs. To crown the overall top team of the year, a Super Final between the Apertura and Clausura champions would usually be held—creating a three-tiered structure of domestic recognition.
However, this year the AFA introduced a major change. Instead of crowning two champions and then a third via a final, the organisation opted to combine the points from both tournaments. The club accumulating the highest total from Apertura + Clausura would be declared the league’s annual champion. The aim was to simplify the system and restore the prestige of a single, season-long title.
Rosario Central Top the Table
Rosario Central collected a total of 66 points across the two tournaments, finishing four points ahead of second-placed Boca Juniors. The consistency of the team—losing only two matches throughout the entire year—was a decisive factor.
The club proudly announced on social media: “We are the best team of the year.”
This title becomes their eighth major trophy in the professional era.
Club president Gonzalo Belloso told local media that the new system had been in discussion for years: “The idea was to bring back an annual champion. We wanted to unify Apertura, Clausura and the Copa de Campeones. Rosario Central deserve this—leading from the first match to the last, collecting the most points. This was the one trophy missing.”
Di María’s Dream Fulfilled
Di María, who made his professional debut for Rosario Central on 14 December 2005, had played 39 matches and scored six goals before leaving for Europe. After a glittering career with the likes of Real Madrid, Benfica, PSG and Juventus, he returned to his roots with a promise:
“Becoming champions here—this is my only goal. I dreamt of coming back, and now I dream of winning the title with Central.”
He delivered impressively—scoring 7 goals and providing 6 assists in 15 matches during the Clausura campaign. His return has not only ignited the team but also restored pride to a city and fanbase that waited nearly four decades for this moment.
Points Table Summary
| Team | Total Points (Apertura + Clausura) | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Rosario Central | 66 | 1st |
| Boca Juniors | 62 | 2nd |