Diego Maradona

Lore & Background

Maradona was seen as an advanced playmaker who operated in the classic number 10 position. He was known for his vision, passing, ball control, and dribbling skill, and was known as a free kick specialist. His small stature gave him a low centre of gravity and allowed him to manoeuvre better than most other players. His presence and leadership on the field had a great effect on his team's performance, and he was given the nickname El Pibe de Oro ('The Golden Boy').

Reader's Guide

Maradona played for Argentinos Juniors, Boca Juniors, Barcelona, Napoli, Sevilla and Newell's Old Boys during his club career. He led Napoli to their first Serie A league title, and their second three years later; he was later banned from the club for taking cocaine. He was the first player to set the world record transfer fee twice: in 1982 when he transferred to Barcelona for £5 million, and in 1984 when he moved to Napoli for £6.9 million. In his international career with Argentina, Maradona earned 91 caps and scored 34 goals.

He played in four editions of the FIFA World Cup, including the 1986 World Cup, where he led Argentina to victory as captain and won the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player. In the 1986 World Cup quarter final, he scored both goals in a 2–1 victory over England. His first goal was an unpenalized handling foul known as the 'Hand of God', while his second goal came after a dribble past five England players; it was voted 'Goal of the Century' by FIFA.com voters in 2002.

Maradona became the manager of the Argentina national team in November 2008, and departed after the 2010 World Cup. He coached the United Arab Emirates (UAE) club Al Wasl during the 2011–12 season, and was the chairman of the Belarusian club Dynamo Brest for several months in 2018. He also coached the UAE club Fujairah (2017–2018), the Mexican club Dorados (2018–2019) and the Argentine club Gimnasia de La Plata (2019–2020). Maradona died on 25 November 2020.

Did You Know?

• Maradona completed a US$4-million transfer to Boca Juniors in February 1981.
• Maradona made his debut for Boca on 22 February 1981 against Talleres de Córdoba, scoring twice in a 4–1 win.

The World's Seedbed: A Legacy of Talent

Argentinos Juniors is renowned as 'El Semillero del Mundo' (The World's Seedbed) for its exceptional youth system. Diego Maradona stands as the most notable example, playing for the club from 1976 to 1981. The source lists other significant talents who began their careers here: Juan Román Riquelme, Claudio Borghi, Sergio Batista, Fernando Redondo, Esteban Cambiasso, and Alexis Mac Allister.

The Maradona Era and Continental Glory

Maradona never won a title with Argentinos Juniors. His departure in 1981 allowed the club to strengthen its squad, though it nearly cost them their place in the top flight as they needed a last-day win over San Lorenzo to avoid relegation. The club later achieved continental glory by winning the Copa Libertadores in 1985 on its first entry into the contest.