**Di Maria's Statistics: A Comprehensive Look into His Time at Benfica**
In the storied history of football, few players have left as indelible an impact on their club as Di Maria has with his time at Benfica. The Portuguese forward, who made his debut for the club in 2011 and went on to become one of the most prolific goalscorers in European football, has played a pivotal role in Benfica's resurgence under boss Jorge Jesus.
### Career Milestones
- **Debut**: Di Maria made his professional debut against Real Madrid on June 4, 2011, in a UEFA Champions League match.
- **Goals**: Over the course of his career at Benfica, Di Maria scored a staggering 159 goals in 267 appearances, including 119 league goals. This translates to an average of just over 5.6 goals per season.
- **Champions League Goals**: In 2014, Di Maria became the first player in European history to score six Champions League goals in a single season, breaking the record previously held by Zinedine Zidane (2002).
- **Total Goals in Europe**: Di Maria has scored 224 goals in European competitions across all leagues, cup competitions, and UEFA Europa League.
### Performance Breakdown
#### Club Career
- **League**: Di Maria scored 119 league goals during his time at Benfica, which is second only to Lionel Messi’s 128 goals.
- **Cup Competitions**: He has also contributed significantly to Benfica's cup success, scoring 16 goals in 18 matches.
- **UEFA Europa League**: Di Maria has been instrumental in Benfica's progress in the UEFA Europa League, contributing 22 goals in 27 matches.
#### International Career
- **World Cup**: At the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, Di Maria was part of Portugal's squad that reached the final, where they lost to Germany.
- **European Championships**: He represented Portugal at the 2016 UEFA Euro, helping them win the tournament and securing qualification for the 2018 World Cup.
### Impact on Benfica
Di Maria's presence at Benfica has had a profound impact on the team's fortunes. Under Jorge Jesus, he has helped guide Benfica back to prominence in Portuguese football after years of decline. His ability to score consistently and provide attacking threat has made him a key figure in the team's offensive strategy.
### Conclusion
Di Maria's statistics at Benfica serve as a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication to the sport. From his early days as a young prospect to his current status as one of the world's premier forwards, Di Maria has left an indelible mark on both the club and the sport itself. As he continues to play for Manchester City, his legacy at Benfica remains one of the most celebrated in modern football history.