Full Name: Diego Armando Maradona
Date of Birth: October 30, 1960
Date of Death: November 25, 2020 (Age: 60)
Place of Birth: Villa Fiorito, Argentina
Nationality: Argentine
Position: Attacking Midfielder / Forward
Height: 1.65 meters (5 feet 5 inches)
Career Overview:
Early Career:
Argentina: Maradona started his career at a very young age, joining the Argentinos Juniors youth team when he was 8 years old. He progressed quickly through the youth ranks and was promoted to the first team at just 16 years old. In 1979, he moved to Boca Juniors, one of Argentina's biggest clubs, where he quickly became a star, showcasing his exceptional skills and vision.
Professional Career:
Barcelona (1982–1984):
In 1982, Maradona moved to Barcelona in Spain for a record transfer fee at the time. Although his time at the Catalan club was marred by injuries, he still displayed flashes of brilliance, including winning the Copa del Rey in 1983.
Napoli (1984–1991):
Maradona's most famous club career came when he transferred to Napoli in Italy in 1984. At Napoli, he became a legendary figure, leading the club to multiple domestic and international titles, including:
Serie A titles: 1987 and 1990
UEFA Cup (now Europa League): 1989
Coppa Italia: 1987
Sevilla (1992–1993):
After a difficult period at Napoli due to injuries and personal problems, Maradona moved to Sevilla in Spain for a single season.
Boca Juniors (1995–1997):
Maradona returned to Boca Juniors in Argentina, where he played his final years as a professional before retiring in 1997.
International Career:
Argentina National Team:
World Cup Appearances:
1982: Maradona played in his first World Cup in Spain, where Argentina was eliminated in the second round.
1986: In the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, Maradona led Argentina to victory, scoring some of the most memorable goals in history. His famous "Hand of God" goal and the "Goal of the Century" against England in the quarterfinals are etched in football folklore.
1990: Argentina reached the final of the World Cup in Italy, where they lost to West Germany.
1994: After playing in the 1994 World Cup in the United States, Maradona was sent home for failing a drug test.
International Achievements:
1986 FIFA World Cup: Winner
Copa América: 1993
Olympic Gold Medal: 1984 (Los Angeles)
Skills and Attributes:
Dribbling: Maradona was one of the best dribblers to ever play the game, with a low center of gravity and exceptional ball control.
Passing: He possessed extraordinary vision, often delivering precise and creative passes to set up his teammates.
Shooting: Maradona had a powerful shot, capable of scoring from long distances, including free kicks.
Leadership: Maradona was an inspirational leader on the field, guiding teams like Argentina and Napoli to success with his charisma and determination.
Achievements and Honors:
Club Achievements:
Serie A Titles (Italy): 2 with Napoli (1987, 1990)
UEFA Cup: 1989 with Napoli
Coppa Italia: 1987 with Napoli
Copa del Rey: 1983 with Barcelona
Argentine Primera División: 1997 with Boca Juniors
International Achievements:
FIFA World Cup: 1986 (Champion)
Copa América: 1993
Olympic Gold Medal: 1984 (Los Angeles)
Legacy:
Diego Maradona is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time. His extraordinary dribbling skills, vision, and leadership qualities made him a global icon.
Maradona’s passing in 2020 left a massive void in the world of football, and his legacy as an Argentine hero and football legend continues to inspire millions of fans around the world.
In Argentina, he remains a national treasure, revered as one of the country's greatest ever sports figures.
His Legacy in Argentina:
Maradona is not only a footballing legend but also a national hero in Argentina. His triumphs with the national team, particularly the 1986 World Cup, cemented his status as an icon and a symbol of Argentina's passion for football.
