Argentinian football experienced a dramatic twist on Thursday when the Argentine Football Association (AFA) unexpectedly declared Rosario Central as the 2025 League Champions. The announcement rippled across the country, surprising supporters and analysts alike, as Argentina traditionally follows a two-tournament structure—Apertura and Clausura—where champions are decided independently, often through play-offs.
However, the AFA has now introduced a new policy:
the team with the highest combined points across both phases of the season will be officially recognised as the Annual League Champion.
For the 2025 season, Rosario Central topped the year-long table with 66 points, and during the AFA’s executive meeting, the club was formally awarded the inaugural title.
🏆 A milestone for Ángel Di María
Among those present at the trophy ceremony was the club’s iconic forward, Ángel Di María. Despite winning every major international trophy with the national team—World Cup, Copa América, Finalissima—and enjoying a decorated European career, Di María had never won a domestic title in Argentina. This new crown finally fills that long-standing void.
Speaking moments after receiving the trophy, he said:
“This represents a year of hard work. Another star is added to the club’s achievements. I’m extremely proud.”
At Puerto Madero in Buenos Aires, where the presentation took place, he added with a smile,
“The supporters will be thrilled—this victory belongs to them as much as it does to us.”
Later, on his social media account, he wrote simply:
“Fully deserved.”
🎯 A dream finally fulfilled
After the 2025 Club World Cup, Di María returned to Rosario with a clear ambition, stating,
“I still have a title to win here. Returning was a dream, but winning a trophy for Central—that’s the true final step.”
That dream has now become reality, marking an emotional and historic moment not only for the club but also for one of Argentina’s most celebrated footballers.
