Diego Maradona

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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').

In Their Own Story

The humid air of Mexico City hung heavy over the Azteca Stadium in June 1986. The roar of nearly one hundred thousand fans was a physical force, shaking the ground beneath the green pitch. Diego stood near the halfway line, his number 10 jersey slightly damp with sweat, eyes scanning the English defense. He didn't need to shout instructions; his presence commanded the game. As he received the ball, time seemed to slow. With a flick of his left foot, he began a journey that would become legend, weaving through defenders as if they were statues in a museum. The crowd held its breath, then erupted into a frenzy as he crossed the line and buried the shot. In that stadium, amidst the dust and noise, Diego Maradona was not just a player; he was magic made flesh.

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 60-metre (65.6 yd) dribble past five England players; it was voted 'Goal of the Century' by FIFA.com voters in 2002.

Did You Know?

• Maradona was born on 30 October 1960 at the Policlínico Evita Hospital in Lanús, Buenos Aires Province.
• He received his first football as a gift at age three.
• At age eight, he was spotted by a talent scout while playing at Estrella Roja.
• He made his professional debut for Argentinos Juniors on 20 October 1976, ten days before his 16th birthday.
• Maradona scored his first two goals as a professional against San Lorenzo on 14 November 1976.