If you’ve watched a single Argentina match in the last decade, you’ve definitely seen her. She’s the one in the stands, usually looking like she’s about to fight anyone who dares breathe a word against her husband. Jorgelina Cardoso, better known to the world as Angel Di Maria wife, is a lot of things. She’s a mother. She’s a survivor of some pretty terrifying situations. But mostly? She’s the fiercest bodyguard a pro athlete could ever ask for.
Most people think being a "WAG" is all about designer bags and easy living. Honestly, that’s a joke when you look at what Jorgelina has dealt with. We’re talking about a woman who survived an armed home invasion while eating dinner and then had to deal with the world’s media calling her "bitter" because she didn't like the weather in England.
Who is Jorgelina Cardoso?
Let’s get the basics out of the way first. Jorgelina isn't just some random fan he met at a club. She’s from Rosario, Argentina—the exact same city where Angel was born. They actually met online, way back when Di Maria was still a rising star at Rosario Central. She was a massive fan of the team, and basically just messaged him as a supporter.
They got married in 2011. Since then, she hasn't just been "the wife." She’s been his filter, his voice, and occasionally his PR nightmare (depending on who you ask).
She’s about six years older than him, born in 1982, and she’s got a degree from the University of Buenos Aires. That’s probably why she’s so sharp when she hits back at critics. She isn't just throwing insults; she’s calculated.
The Manchester United "Shithole" Controversy
You can’t talk about Angel Di Maria wife without talking about the Manchester incident. It’s legendary at this point. When Angel moved from Real Madrid to Manchester United in 2014 for a massive fee, everyone expected them to live the dream.
Instead, it was a disaster.
Jorgelina later went on Argentine TV and called Manchester a "shithole." She didn't hold back. She hated the food (called it "disgusting"), she hated the "weird" people, and she hated the "plastic" women.
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"I told him, 'No way, you’re going on your own.' But he said the money was too good to turn down. It was double what the Spaniards offered. If a company offers you double, you run."
That honesty is rare. Most players' wives would give a canned response about "loving the culture." Not Jorgelina. She basically told the world they went for the money and hated every second of the rainy, gray reality of Northern England.
The Security Nightmare
It wasn't just the weather, though. While they were eating dinner in their Cheshire home, burglars tried to smash through their glass patio doors with metal poles. Imagine that. You’re sitting there with your one-year-old daughter, and someone is trying to break into your house while you're inside.
They had to be escorted away by security and lived in a hotel for weeks. Can you blame her for wanting out?
Life in Paris and the 2021 Robbery
After the Manchester nightmare, they moved to Paris. Things were better. They stayed at PSG for seven years, and Jorgelina seemed to actually like the lifestyle there. But the universe wasn't done throwing curveballs.
In March 2021, during a match against Nantes, Angel was suddenly subbed off. The coach, Mauricio Pochettino, looked panicked.
Why?
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Because Jorgelina and their daughters were at home while burglars were literally inside the house. They managed to break in through a third-floor terrace and cleaned out a safe full of jewelry and watches worth over €500,000.
The terrifying part? Jorgelina and the kids were in the house at the time. Thankfully, they didn't run into the thieves, but the trauma was real. It’s the kind of thing that makes you realize that no amount of money makes you untouchable.
The Premature Birth of Mia
If you want to know why this couple is so tight, you have to look at 2013. Their first daughter, Mia, was born three months premature.
Doctors gave her a tiny chance of survival. She spent two months in an intensive care unit at a hospital in Madrid. Jorgelina spent every single day there.
There’s a famous photo of Angel celebrating a goal by making a "heart" shape with his hands. That started as a tribute to Mia. It’s a reminder that while the world sees a millionaire winger, Jorgelina sees the man who sat by a neonatal incubator praying for his daughter to breathe.
They eventually had a second daughter, Pia, in 2017. Both girls are healthy now, but those early scares definitely forged the "us against the world" mentality they have today.
Why She’s the Ultimate Defender
Jorgelina’s Instagram is basically a battlefield. When the Argentine media attacked Angel for his performance in World Cup qualifiers (before the 2022 glory), she didn't just ignore it. She posted:
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"If you don't like it, go and watch the Discovery Channel!"
She also famously destroyed Adil Rami after he insulted Argentine keeper Emi Martinez. She told him Angel could teach him "how to cry, how to treat women better, and how to score goals in finals."
Cold. Absolute ice.
Moving Toward Retirement in 2026
As of early 2026, the couple has finally returned home to Rosario. After a final stint at Benfica, Angel decided it was time to close the circle.
Throughout his career—from Madrid to Manchester, Paris to Turin—Jorgelina has been the one constant. She manages the household, the security, and the public defense of his legacy.
Key Takeaways for Fans
- Jorgelina is the backbone: She handles the logistics that allow Angel to focus on football.
- Security is a priority: After multiple robberies, they don't take chances anymore.
- Loyalty over everything: She will burn a bridge with a world-class club if they disrespect her family.
If you’re looking to understand the man who won everything there is to win in football, you have to understand the woman behind him. She’s not just a spectator; she’s been in the trenches for every win and every traumatic break-in.
What to watch for next: Keep an eye on her social media as Angel transitions into coaching or a post-retirement role. She’s likely to be even more vocal now that he doesn't have a club contract to protect.
Don't expect her to mellow out anytime soon. That’s just not the Jorgelina way.