In terms of memorable moments, not many footballers will have what they would be remembered for like Diego Amando Maradona. From his clamorous and playful nature to his sober mood ‘The Golden Boy’ as he was fondly called, without a shadow of doubts, left indelible footprints on the sands of time.
El Diego had an illustrious career laced with trophies, glory, fights, drugs, guns, the mafia and much more.
However, The Heritage Times will take a sneak peek at six things the iconic Argentine star would be remembered for:
El Diego’s ‘Hand of God’ at Mexico 86
One of the most unforgettable moments of Maradona’s international career, was the year he skippered Albiceleste to World Cup victory with a win over West Germany in the final.
Before the match against European power house, Maradona had single handedly put England to the sword after he broke the deadlock in extremely controversial circumstances in the 51st minute with his infamous ‘Hand of God goal’.
El Diego doubled for Argentina by scoring one of the most incredible goals ever seen. Maradona sprinted past four English players before dribbling around Shilton to score in the same game.
Consecutive Drug Test Failures in ’90 and ’94
When Maradona had approached his 30s there were also significant twist in his career.
After a disappointing outing at the 1990 World Cup, Maradona was banned from football for 15 months after his addiction to cocaine led to a failed drugs test.
He left Italy in disgrace and resurfaced at Sevilla, where he stayed for a season.
Sadly, Maradona was never the same player again.
While trying to make a better impression on the World stage than what the team faced at Italia 90, Maradona featured for Argentina at USA ’94
El Diego bagged another ban in succession after he featured twice for the South Americans. He was banned for 15 months and consequently, the curtain closed on his international career.
Air Rifle Incident of ’94
In 1998, a year after he had played his final club game with Boca Juniors, Maradona was given a suspended prison sentence of two years and 10 months. The reason? He was filmed firing at reporters with an air rifle outside his Buenos Aires home in 1994.
Thus, 37-year-old Maradona played no part in the 1998 World Cup, his first complete absence from the tournament since 1978.
Maradona Inspired his Religion
In October 30, 1998, the date of his 38th birthday, the Iglesia Maradoniana (Church of Maradona) was founded.
Ten years later, the Guardian claimed the church had 120,000 practising members.
The Camorra crime syndicate in Naples
Did El Diego affect Naples or Naples influenced him?
The reason for the above assertion is by way of what the Italian city looks like.
A rowdy and activity bound destination that everything and everyone just seem to be in motion. No wonder Nigeria international Victor Osimhen, likened it to the city of Lagos in Nigeria.
Maradona’s life in Italy was a far cry from being trouble-free.
His penchant for cocaine grew while at Napoli, and the BBC is among those to have noted he became “inextricably linked” to the Camorra crime syndicate.
The Argentine during his time at Napoli received huge fines for skipping training sessions and became the subject of a paternity law suit.
Maradona’s managerial stint with Albiceleste
Maradona’s managerial debut for Argentina was on November 19, 2008. On that day, his side took on Scotland at Hampden Park and emerged victorious with a 1-0 scoreline.
Before the game, Hundreds of Scottish fans were at Glasgow airport to greet him, many hoping for an autographed picture of his “hand of God” goal against their neighbours in the 1986 World Cup.
When El Diego was asked how he felt on his arrival, he replied in Spanish, “no hablo ingles” translated as “I don’t speak English.”
Under his managerial watch, Argentina had narrowly qualified for the 2010 World Cup, at which point Diego told doubting journalists to “suck it,” per Goal.
His vociferous nature followed on to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, where Maradona said of the Jabulani ball: “I would ask all FIFA directors to stop talking about me and to start working on having a proper football. This ball is useless. It’s impossible to control.”
According to Goal, prior to the first knockout round in the 2010 World Cup, Maradona jumped over the barrier to embrace former Napoli team-mate Salvatore Bagni, a footballer turned pundit. Following the gregarious greeting, Bagni said: “Even knowing him as I have done all these years, Diego always does something to surprise you.”
After a dismal outing at the 2010 World Cup, Maradona had vehemently defended Lionel Messi when he said: “Anyone saying he didn’t have a great World Cup is an idiot.”
