The Legend of Maradona

Simply ... Scintillating, Swashbuckling, Sensational !!

Dear all,

There are 250 million people playing soccer in about 200 countries. Its audience parallels the Olympics. This is the story of Maradona. A mega-star sprang out from the outskirts of Buenos Aires on 25 September 1960.

Pele, Maradona, Platini, Crioff, Ronaldo, Messi, Neymar … are some of the big names in this wonderful sport. Each having their own theme of play.

Maradona was discovered by Fransico Cornjeo at 8 years old itself. He played for Newland boys, Boca Juniors by the age of 16. Recorded as the youngest player ever. His exuberant skills drew many a praise. He jumped up the ranks and led Boca Juniors to their first ever title. He produced a clear nutmeg (push the ball between the opponents legs ) which won accolades. Then he captained Argentina juniors and won the Youth FiFa world cup by the age of 20 years.

His first appearance in the 1982 world cup was not very fruitful. In the 1986 world cup at 25 years, Maradona had the world at his feet. He was in the limelight, most sought after player by the crowds, the cameras.

Worth mentioning is the hand of God goal he scored against England. The referee could not spot it correctly and the goal just stood. But right after that, Maradona from the right half, received the ball in his own half, brought the ball close to him, as the opponents came he turned 360 degrees, evaded no.2, swerved, jumped over the no.3, dodged past no.4 & no.5 (five in all). The acceleration rendered many speechless. Finally, he slipped the ball into the post with a little left touch. The whole world witnessed what is widely acclaimed as the best goal in FIFA history. The jubilant crowds, the ecstasy, the celebrations were on at cloud 9.

The semi-finals against Brazil when he was heavily marked, yet just a few moments of lapse and he gave a through pass to Valdano who converted into a handsome goal. In the match against Belgium the pure class, clinical ball control and magic of Maradona is clearly seen. These matches are watched again and again to this day. The final against West Germany was another great bonanza. Maradona went running to take a pass from a corner kick, about 3 defenders followed him leaving some player free at the post. The pass following was converted easily. The match ended with scores at 3-2. The strategy, the tactics, the dupe, the con, the skill, the acrobatism of Maradona was, is an extravaganza.

The following world cup in 1990, Argentina made it to the final, but lost 1-0. Maradona participated in 5 world cups. He scored 34 goals in 91 appearances for Argentina.

The world of soccer is not limited to International tournaments alone. The club matches are even more popular. There is actually more money in the Club matches so to speak. Maradona after winning the junior world cup was bought by spanish club Barcelona for $7.5 million. He scored 38 goals in 58 matches. He got wild at a riotous crowd for racsit remarks, head butted a player. This caused a riot that injured about 60 people. Unfortunately, he had to leave the Spanish league.

Soon after he was bought by the Italian club Napoli for a whopping $10 million. This was the lower club compared to the ones in Northern Italy which were wealthy. But Maradona won the title for them in 1987, runners up in the following year and again champions in 1990. Napoli became in dominant name in the Italian league.

But Maradona also fell into Cocaine addition amidst the outgoing lifestyle. He was tested positive and suffered a ban of 15 months. He spent this time in Spain and returned to Argentina. Later on he took up job as a TV host. He interviewed many famous people like Fidel Castro, Hugo Chavez, Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane and so on. Then he was given to manage the national side. He took them to quarters in 2010. He enjoyed great rapport with young stars like Lionel Messi.

Even after retirement Maradona was a stand out figure in the sidelines. His love for the game of ball was such. He underwent weight loss operations. He vowed to overcome Cocaine in the latter stages. But was unfortunately, unprecedentedly demised by heart attack. The pain, the sorrow, the sadness was seen on the streets of Buneos Aires as thousands poured out their condolences. Sir Armando Diego Maradona Franco left a legacy in the heart of every football lover. The world will forever miss him.

Some of his major achievements include 115 goals with Argentina juniors, 40 goals with Boca Juniors, 36 goals with Barcelona, 81 goals with Napoli, 26 with Sevilla … total 258 goals in 494 shows.

International scene he scored 34 goals in 91 appearances. But Maradona is more remembered for the opportunities he created for other players. He was of Roman Catholic faith. He turned away from masses during stressful times but was brought back by Pope Francis.

Starting from the slums, coming from a family of about 7, this man got the fame equalling of none other than the Great Pele whom we read about in our school books. A life full of action, glimmer, glamour on the world stage best describes him. He got married to Claudia Villafañe in 1984 and has two daughters.

Most of the time fearless stating afraid of nothing and no one. He passed out on 25 September 2020 in 60 years. No matter what country or caste or religion or creed. We pay our homage, salutations, deep respect and love to the departed soul. May his soul always rest in peace. 

Kind Regards,

jeeves.