Diego Maradona

Diego Maradona, born on October 30, 1960, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time. Known for his extraordinary dribbling skills, vision, and flair, Maradona’s career was marked by both brilliance on the pitch and controversy off it.

He began his professional career with Argentinos Juniors at just 15 years old, before moving to Boca Juniors in 1981, where he quickly became a fan favorite. His talent caught international attention, leading to a transfer to FC Barcelona in 1982. Despite showing flashes of brilliance, his time in Spain was plagued by injuries and clashes with management.

Maradona reached the peak of his club career with Napoli (1984–1991), where he became a legend. He led the underdog Italian club to its first-ever Serie A titles in 1987 and 1990, as well as a UEFA Cup victory in 1989. His impact on the city of Naples was monumental, turning him into a cult hero.

Internationally, Maradona’s most iconic moments came with the Argentina national team. He captained Argentina to victory in the 1986 FIFA World Cup, delivering unforgettable performances—including the infamous "Hand of God" goal and the "Goal of the Century" against England. He also led Argentina to the World Cup final in 1990, though they lost to West Germany.

His career declined in the 1990s due to personal struggles, including drug addiction, which led to suspensions and eventual retirement in 1997. After retirement, he remained a passionate and polarizing figure in football, coaching various teams, including a stint as Argentina’s national team manager at the 2010 World Cup.

Diego Maradona passed away on November 25, 2020, but his legacy endures as one of football’s most gifted—and complex—icons.