Diego Maradona
El Pibe de Oro — the Golden Boy who led Argentina to World Cup glory and transformed Napoli into champions.
Diego Armando Maradona (30 October 1960 – 25 November 2020) was an Argentine professional football player and manager. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players in history, he was one of the two joint winners of the FIFA Player of the Century award, alongside Pelé. 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").
Quick Facts
- Full name
- Diego Armando Maradona
- Born
- 30 October 1960
- Birthplace
- Lanús, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Died
- 25 November 2020
- Place of death
- Dique Luján, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Height
- 1.65 m / 5 ft 5 in
- Position
- Attacking midfielder, second striker
- Total caps
- 491
Lore & Background
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 in 1986–87, and their second three years later. 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 60-metre (66 yd) dribble past five England players; it was voted "Goal of the Century" by FIFA.com voters in 2002.
Reader's Guide
Maradona completed a US$4-million transfer to Boca Juniors in February 1981. He made his debut for Boca on 22 February against Talleres de Córdoba, scoring twice in a 4–1 win. On 10 April, he played his first Superclásico against River Plate at La Bombonera stadium; Boca defeated River 3–0 with Maradona scoring once. Boca won the 1981 league title. In 1982, Maradona transferred to Barcelona for a then-world record fee of £5 million ($7.6 million). During the 1982–83 season, Barcelona won the Copa del Rey and the Copa de la Liga, defeating Real Madrid in both tournaments. Maradona became the first Barcelona player to receive a standing ovation at the Bernabéu. In September 1983, a tackle by Andoni Goikoetxea of Athletic Bilbao caused a fracture in Maradona's left ankle. On 5 July 1984, Maradona was presented as a Napoli player in front of 75,000 spectators at the Stadio San Paolo in Naples, Italy. Led by Maradona, Napoli won their first ever Serie A Championship in 1986–87. The same year, Napoli won the 1987 Coppa Italia final 4–0 on aggregate against Atalanta. Maradona later became the manager of the Argentina national team in November 2008, and departed after the 2010 World Cup. He coached Al Wasl, Fujairah, Dorados, and Gimnasia de La Plata. Maradona died on 25 November 2020.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Diego Maradona in EA Sports FC?
He appears as an iconic virtual card representing the Argentine maestro from the 1980s and early 1990s. This Legend honors his status as a global icon who transcended the sport with unparalleled brilliance.
Which teams are associated with his cards?
Players can access versions of him affiliated with Boca Juniors, Napoli, and the Argentina National Team. These options reflect his historic career path during his most celebrated years.
What are his signature traits in gameplay?
His virtual profile highlights superior dribbling and close control to navigate tight defensive spaces. This allows users to replicate the magic that turned impossible passes into pure art on the real pitch.
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