Di María's Goal Statistics at Benfica: An Overview of His Career Performance
### Di María's Goal Statistics at Benfica: An Overview of His Career Performance
#### Introduction
Diego Maradona, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers in history, has had a storied career that spanned multiple clubs and countries. One of his most notable achievements was his time with Benfica, where he made a significant impact on the club’s goalscoring record. This article provides an overview of Di María's goal statistics during his tenure at Benfica.
#### Early Career at Benfica (1998-2001)
Maradona joined Benfica in 1998 from Boca Juniors, bringing with him his signature skill set of dribbling, passing, and finishing. During his first season with the Portuguese giants, he scored 24 goals across all competitions. His performances were so impressive that he earned himself the nickname "El Pibe de Oro," or "The Golden Boy."
In his second year at Benfica, Maradona continued to excel, scoring another 25 goals. His form saw him named the Portuguese Player of the Year for both 1999 and 2000, cementing his status as one of the premier forwards in European football.
#### Mid-Career at Benfica (2001-2004)
After his two-year stint with Benfica, Maradona returned to Argentina to play for River Plate and then returned to Portugal to join Manchester United. However,Bundesliga Tracking his performance at Manchester United was not up to par, and he struggled to find consistency in his goalscoring. Despite this, his time at Benfica remains a highlight of his career.
#### Post-Benfica Career
Following his departure from Benfica, Maradona went on to have a successful career with various clubs around the world, including Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Inter Milan. In these later years, his style of play evolved, and while he still managed to score goals, his numbers compared unfavorably to his early days at Benfica.
#### Conclusion
Throughout his career at Benfica, Diego Maradona consistently produced exceptional goal-scoring performances, making him one of the most prolific strikers in European football history. His 49 goals in three seasons at Benfica remain a testament to his skills and the club’s support. While his later career did not match the heights achieved during his time at Benfica, his legacy at the club will always be remembered for its impact on both the club and the sport as a whole.