Di María among the nominees for the “King of America” ​​award.

Argentine star and former Benfica player Ángel Di María is among the candidates for the “King of America” ​​award, an annual distinction organized by the Uruguayan newspaper El País and considered one of the most prestigious in South American football.

The winger, who returned to Rosario Central after his second spell at Benfica, appears alongside big names like Lionel Messi, De Arrascaeta, Gustavo Gómez and Vitor Roque, in a list that includes more than two dozen prominent players on the continent.

Created in 1986, the “King of America” ​​award annually distinguishes the best player on the continent through the vote of approximately 250 journalists. Past winners include Maradona, Riquelme, Neymar, Ronaldinho, Valderrama, and Julián Álvarez.

The most decorated player is Carlos Tevez, with three consecutive wins (2003-2005). Last year, the winners were Luiz Henrique (best male player), Gabi Zanotti (best female player), and Artur Jorge (best coach).

The winner will be announced on the last day of 2025 and promises to be one of the most hotly contested in recent years, bringing together world stars like Messi and Di María with dominant figures in current South American football.