Diego Maradona
El Pibe de Oro – one of the greatest footballers in history, who never played for River Plate.
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.
Quick Facts
- Age at debut
- 20 years old
Lore & Background
Maradona played for Argentinos Juniors, Boca Juniors, Barcelona, Napoli, Sevilla and Newell's Old Boys during his club career. He never played for River Plate. He transferred from Argentinos Juniors to Boca Juniors in February 1981 for US$4 million, after River Plate dropped their bid due to their large payroll and desire to retain Daniel Passarella and Ubaldo Fillol.
Reader's Guide
Maradona was 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. He led Napoli to their first Serie A title and their second three years later.
Did You Know?
- Maradona was the first player to set the world record transfer fee twice: in 1982 to Barcelona for £5 million, and in 1984 to Napoli for £6.9 million.
- In the 1986 World Cup quarter final, he scored both goals in a 2–1 victory over England, including the 'Hand of God' goal and the 'Goal of the Century'.
- Maradona made his professional debut for Argentinos Juniors on 20 October 1976, ten days before his 16th birthday.
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