Angel Correa
Who Is Ángel Correa?
Ángel Correa is one of Argentina’s most resilient and decorated footballers. He plays as a forward or right winger. His full name is Ángel Martín Correa Martínez, and he was born on March 9, 1995.
His story is extraordinary. He overcame a heart tumour at the age of 19. He spent over a decade at Atlético Madrid. He won the FIFA World Cup with Argentina in 2022. And now, at 31, he has returned home.
On July 24, 2026, River Plate reached an agreement to sign Correa for a reported fee of US$19 million. Therefore, a new chapter has begun — and Argentina is watching closely.
Early Life: Growing Up in Rosario
A City of Champions
Like most Argentinian stars, Correa was brought up in poverty. He was born in Rosario — from where Lionel Messi, Mauro Icardi, Ángel Di María, and coach Marcelo Bielsa also hail.
His childhood was far from easy. He was born to Marcela Martínez and Ángel Correa. Both his father and brother had died by the time he was 12. Furthermore, during his decade at Atlético, he lost another brother in 2017 and his mother in 2023.
Despite these losses, Correa never stopped fighting. His story is not simply about football. It is about human resilience.
Finding Football at San Lorenzo
His footballing ability, evident from an early age, offered him an escape route. At 12, he left for Buenos Aires to join the academy of San Lorenzo.
He was confirmed at the age of 14 by noted San Lorenzo supporter, Pope Francis. It was a remarkable connection — a poor kid from Rosario blessed by a Pope who shared his club.
Education and Religious Background
Ángel Correa follows the Christian faith. He grew up in a working-class environment in Rosario, where football served both as a passion and as a path to a better life.
Career Journey: From San Lorenzo to the World
San Lorenzo (2012–2014): A Star is Born
Correa signed a four-year professional contract with San Lorenzo on September 23, 2012, and was promoted to the first team in January 2013.
He wasted no time. His debut for the San Lorenzo senior team came in 2013, and it didn’t take long for him to secure a regular spot on the team. Known for his agility, Correa helped San Lorenzo claim the 2013 Torneo Inicial title.
Another seven goals followed before the end of the year. He carried his impressive form into 2014 as part of the team that swept through to the Copa Libertadores. San Lorenzo won it. Correa was a Copa Libertadores champion at just 19 years old.
The Heart Tumour: Facing the Unthinkable (2014)
Just as everything was falling into place, a devastating diagnosis arrived.
In May 2014, the then-19-year-old agreed to sign for Atlético Madrid. But during his medical, it was discovered that the Argentine had a heart tumour, and he subsequently underwent microsurgery in New York.
On the advice of specialists, the Argentinian forward had an operation — luckily, it was successful.
Correa later spoke openly about the experience. He said: “When I had the heart operation, I was not afraid. I said to myself, ‘I am with anaesthesia. If I wake up, then good. But if I don’t, then it’s my time.’”
He woke up. And he came back stronger.
Atlético Madrid (2014–2025): A Decade of Devotion
The Debut and Early Seasons
On August 22, 2015, Correa finally made his Atleti debut. The wait had been worth it.
He became an immediate fan favourite. Rojiblancos fans appreciated his nifty footwork and exciting style. However, Correa was more than flair. He was a player who showed up when it mattered most.
The La Liga Title (2020–21)
On May 22, 2021, Correa scored in Atlético’s 2–1 win over Real Valladolid on the final day of the 2020–21 La Liga season to win the league title for the first time since 2014.
Correa made 29 starts when Atleti won LaLiga in the pandemic year of 2020/21. He was not just a substitute in that triumph. He was central to it.
His honours with Atlético include the La Liga title in 2020–21, the UEFA Europa League in 2017–18, the UEFA Super Cup in 2018, and he was also part of the team that finished as UEFA Champions League runner-up in 2015–16.
A Legacy Written in Statistics
Correa’s 335 appearances in LaLiga — the third-most by an active Atlético player — numbered 168 off the bench and 167 as a starter. His 88 total goals, 68 of them scored in the league, put him among the top 15 goalscorers in the history of the club.
Correa’s 65 assists, and 43 in the league, both rank third across Atlético’s 122-year history.
Most strikingly of all: Atlético never lost a game in which Correa scored — the Colchoneros mustered a 50-10-0 record when he found the back of the net.
Tigres UANL (2025–2026): A Mexican Adventure
In July 2025, after a decade at Atlético, Correa signed with Tigres UANL, embarking on a fresh chapter in Liga MX.
He did not disappoint. The 2022 World Cup champion racked up 16 goals and 12 assists throughout 41 matches in the Mexican league, showing offensive quality and versatility across various attacking positions.
He also won the CONCACAF Champions Cup with Tigres in 2026.
River Plate (2026–present): Coming Home
River Plate confirmed Ángel Correa’s signing on a deal until December 31, 2029. The club announced it via social media, sharing a photo with president Stefano Di Carlo.
Correa will join River Plate. River Plate now has five World Cup champions on the team. Correa joins Nicolás Otamendi, Gonzalo Montiel, Marcos Acuña and Germán Pezzella.
His return to Argentina was deeply personal. Correa’s desire to return to Argentina was a key factor in the negotiations. The striker was looking to be closer to home after an international career filled with major achievements.
International Career: Argentina’s Tireless Servant
Youth Career: A Golden Generation
Correa returned to the pitch at the turn of the year as the standout player in the Argentina side that triumphed at the South American Under-20 Championship, providing four goals and three assists along the way.
He also represented Argentina at the 2015 U-20 World Cup in New Zealand. During Argentina’s opening match against Panama, Correa scored both goals for Argentina for a 2–2 draw.
Senior Debut and Rise
Correa made his first senior cap for Argentina on September 4, 2015. From that point, he became a regular squad member under coach Lionel Scaloni.
Copa América 2021: Champions
Correa won the CONMEBOL Copa América in 2021 in Brazil with Argentina. It was the national team’s first major international trophy in 28 years.
FIFA World Cup 2022: A Dream Fulfilled
He represented Argentina at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, contributing to the team’s success. Argentina beat France on penalties in the final to become world champions. Correa was part of history.
As of 2026, Correa has earned 28 senior international caps for Argentina, scoring 3 goals.
Playing Style: Small, Quick, and Decisive
Ángel Correa is not physically imposing. He stands 1.74 m tall and weighs 70 kg. However, his low centre of gravity makes him almost impossible to knock off the ball.
He is a talented forward known for his pace, creativity, and low centre of gravity. He can play as a second striker, right winger, or attacking midfielder. His versatility makes him invaluable to any team.
Additionally, his ability to score in crucial moments has defined him. He scored the goal that clinched La Liga for Atlético in 2021. He contributed to Copa América and World Cup-winning squads. Because of these qualities, he has always been a manager’s dream.
Titles and Honours
| Competition | Title | Year | Club/Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Argentine Primera División (Torneo Inicial) | Champion | 2013 | San Lorenzo |
| Copa Libertadores | Champion | 2014 | San Lorenzo |
| UEFA Europa League | Champion | 2018 | Atlético Madrid |
| UEFA Super Cup | Champion | 2018 | Atlético Madrid |
| South American U-20 Championship | Champion | 2015 | Argentina U-20 |
| La Liga | Champion | 2020–21 | Atlético Madrid |
| Copa América | Champion | 2021 | Argentina |
| FIFA World Cup | Champion | 2022 | Argentina |
| CONCACAF Champions Cup | Champion | 2026 | Tigres UANL |
Personal Life: Family, Love, and Loss
Partner and Daughters
Angel Correa’s girlfriend is Sabrina di Marzo. They have been in a long-term relationship since 2014, starting when they were teenagers. Sabrina di Marzo is often described as Angel Correa’s childhood sweetheart.
He is leaving Atlético as a father of two daughters with longtime partner Sabrina di Marzo: Lola, born in 2015, and Luz, born in 2021.
Family Tragedy
Ángel Correa has carried profound personal loss throughout his career. His father died when he was 10. One of his brothers died when he was 12. During his decade at Atlético, he lost another brother in 2017 and his mother in 2023.
Yet he never let grief stop him. Instead, he let football carry him forward.
