THE TALE OF A LEGEND - DIEGO MARADONA

Maradona's demise is a loss for the whole football community

Diego Armando Maradona born in Lanus, the Argentinian province of Buenos Aires on the night of 30^th October 1960. He received his 1^st football as a gift at the age of 3. Swiftly developed a passion for the game of football in Argentina where the sport was a key in culture. At the age of 10, he was nicknamed ‘El Pibe de Oro’(The Golden Boy) as he led the Los Cebolittas-youth team of Argentinos Juniors-to an incredible 136-game unbeaten streak. Thus, began the Journey of Maradona to Greatness.

Glory At His Feet

Boca Juniors

Maradona at Boca Juniors

Maradona made his first professional debut for the club's senior team shortly before his 16th birthday. His immense talent was recognized and desired by many clubs. The Argentine moved on to play for Boca Juniors, FC Barcelona, and Napoli. He made 491 appearances across his professional career for Club and won 91 caps for the National team.

FC Barcelona

Maradona at Barcelona in a match against Valencia

Due to illness and injury, as well as controversial incidents on the field, Maradona had a difficult tenure in Barcelona. First, a bout of hepatitis, then a broken ankle in a La Liga game at the Nou Camp threatened to jeopardize the Argentine's career. But with treatment and therapy, it was possible for him to return to the pitch after a three-month recovery period. He appeared 58 times across all competitions, scoring 38 goals. In his tenure of 2 years with the Blaugrana’s, he won the Copa Del Rey, La Liga, and Supercopa de Espana.

Napoli

Maradona's presentation at Naples

Maradona arrived in Naples in the summer of 1984. During his time in Naples, Maradona was elevated to the status of Demigod in the city. He led the Italian side to their first-ever Serie A Championship in 1986-87. Napoli would win their second league title in 1989–90, and finish runners up in the league twice in 1987–88 and 1988–89. Other honors during the Maradona era at Napoli; the Coppa Italia in 1987, the UEFA Cup in 1989, and the Italian Supercup in 1990. Despite primarily playing in a creative role as an attacking midfielder, Maradona was the all-time leading goalscorer for Napoli until his record was broken by Marek Hamšík in 2017.

Heart Of Argentina

Maradona in action against the Soviet Union

Being a club legend did not stop Maradona from achieving laurels with the National Team. During his time with the Argentina national team, Maradona scored 34 goals in 91 appearances. He made his full international debut at age 16, against Hungary. At age 18, Maradona played the 1979 FIFA World Youth Championship in Japan. He emerged as the star of the tournament. Maradona represented Argentina on 4 different World Cup Editions.

The Infamous Hand of God

Diego Maradona captained the Argentine national team to victory in the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. The Argentine legend asserted his dominance and was the most dynamic player of the competition. He played every single minute for Argentina, scoring five goals and creating five assists. Argentina played against England in the Quarter Finals. In this match, Diego scored 2 Goals famous for very different reasons. The first goal was declared the “Goal of the Century”. He received the ball in his own half, swiveled around, and with 11 touches ran more than half the length of the field, dribbling past five English outfield players before he left the goalkeeper on his backside with a feint, and slotted the ball into the net. The second goal was the infamous “Hand of God.”

"Goal of the Century"

A Great Player! Not So Great Manager

Maradona struggled as a manager

• Maradona began his managerial career with Corrientes in 1994 and Racing Club in 1995, with little success. 

• In May 2011 he became manager of Dubai club Al Wasl FC in the United Arab Emirates. Maradona was sacked on 10 July 2012. 

• In August 2013, Maradona moved on to become a mental coach at Argentine club Deportivo Riestra.

• Maradona departed this role in 2017 to become the head coach of Fujairah, in the UAE Second Division. 

• In September 2018 he was appointed manager of Mexican second division side Dorados. On 13 June 2019, after Dorados failed to clinch promotion to the Mexican top flight, Maradona's lawyer announced that he would be stepping down from the role, citing health reasons.

• On 5 September 2019, Maradona was unveiled as the new head coach of Gimasia De La Plata, signing a contract until the end of the 2020-21 season after getting involved in a political controversy.

Maradona with Argentina

After the resignation of Argentina national team coach Alfio Basile in 2008, Maradona immediately proposed his candidacy for the vacant role. On 29 October 2008, AFA chairman Julio Grondona confirmed that Maradona would be the head coach of the national team. At the World Cup finals in June 2010, Argentina looked solid. But got eliminated by Germany in the Quarter Finals. Maradona resigned soon after the 2010 World Cup.

The Beginning of the End

Maradona during his final days at the hospital

In January 2019, the ailing Argentine underwent surgery after a hernia caused internal bleeding in his stomach. On 2 November 2020, Maradona was admitted to a hospital in La Plata, supposedly for psychological reasons. A day later, he underwent emergency brain surgery to treat a subdural hematoma. He was released on 12 November after successful surgery and was supervised by doctors as an outpatient. On 25 November 2020, at the age of 60, the legendary man died of a heart attack at his home in Tigre, Buenos Aires, Argentina, leaving the whole football world mourning.

Graffiti on the walls of Argentina

When asked about what he would say in the cemetery to himself, he said: ‘Thanks for having played football because it’s the sport that gave me the most happiness and freedom, and it's like having touched the sky with my hand. Thanks to the ball.’ The Football World mourns the loss of a Legend who gave his all to the sport. Diego, you shall always be remembered. 

Rest in Peace, Dios.