Diego Maradona

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Lore & Background

Maradona's international career with Argentina spanned 91 caps and 34 goals across four World Cups. His defining moment came at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, where he captained Argentina to victory. In the quarter final against England, he scored both goals in a 2–1 win. His first goal was an unpenalized handling foul known as the 'Hand of God,' while his second goal came after a 60-metre (66 yd) dribble past five England players; it was voted 'Goal of the Century' by FIFA.com voters in 2002. He won the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player. Maradona later became manager of the Argentina national team in November 2008, departing after the 2010 World Cup.

In Their Own Story

The sun beat down on the Azteca Stadium, the air thick with anticipation and dust. Maradona stood alone near the halfway line, the ball resting at his feet like an extension of his own will. As the English defense closed in, he didn't panic; instead, he smiled. With a sudden burst of acceleration, he glided past the first defender, then the second, weaving through the chaos with impossible grace. The roar of the crowd faded into a distant hum as he approached the final obstacle, leaving the world behind him for just one minute.

Reader's Guide

Maradona's most significant record is winning the 1986 FIFA World Cup with Argentina, where he was named the tournament's best player (Golden Ball). This achievement remains his crowning glory, as it marked the only time he lifted the world trophy. He led Argentina to victory as captain. 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 (66 yd) dribble past five England players; it was voted 'Goal of the Century' by FIFA.com voters in 2002. Maradona became the manager of the Argentina national team in November 2008, and departed after the 2010 World Cup.

Did You Know?

• Maradona was one of the two joint winners of the FIFA Player of the Century award, alongside Pelé.
• He earned 91 caps and scored 34 goals for Argentina.
• In the 1986 World Cup quarter final, he scored both goals in a 2–1 victory over England, including the 'Hand of God' and the 'Goal of the Century.'
• He 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.
• Maradona led Napoli to their first Serie A league title, and their second three years later.