Diego Maradona

Diego Maradona

Diego Maradona (30 October 1960 – 25 November 2020) was an Argentine professional football player and manager. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, he was one of the two joint winners of the FIFA Player of the 20th Century award.

Maradona's career began with Argentinos Juniors at the age of 16. He then moved to Boca Juniors, where he won the Metropolitano championship in 1981. In 1982, he was transferred to Barcelona for a then world record fee of £5 million. He spent two years at the club, winning the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup.

In 1984, Maradona moved to Napoli for a then world record fee of £6.9 million. He spent seven years at the club, winning two Serie A titles, the Coppa Italia, and the UEFA Cup. He also led Argentina to victory in the 1986 FIFA World Cup, where he scored the "Goal of the Century" against England.

After leaving Napoli, Maradona played for Sevilla, Newell's Old Boys, and Boca Juniors. He retired from playing in 1997.

Maradona made his international debut for Argentina in 1977. He represented his country in four FIFA World Cups, including the 1986 tournament where he captained Argentina to victory. Maradona scored 34 goals in 91 appearances for Argentina, making him the country's all-time leading goalscorer.

After retiring from playing, Maradona managed several clubs in Argentina, including Deportivo Mandiyu, Racing Club, and Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata. He also managed the Argentina national team from 2008 to 2010.

Maradona died of a heart attack on 25 November 2020, at the age of 60. He was widely mourned in Argentina and around the world.

Legacy

Maradona is considered one of the greatest footballers of all time. He was a gifted dribbler, passer, and scorer. He was also known for his aggressive style of play and his leadership skills.

Maradona's legacy is complex. He was a brilliant footballer, but he was also a flawed individual. He struggled with addiction and was often in trouble with the law. However, his achievements on the football pitch will never be forgotten. He is an icon of the sport and his name will forever be synonymous with greatness.

Personal life

Maradona was married twice. His first marriage, to Claudia Villafañe, lasted from 1989 to 2004. They had two daughters together, Dalma and Gianinna. Maradona's second marriage, to Rocío Oliva, lasted from 2014 to 2018.

Maradona had several children outside of marriage. He acknowledged eight children, including Diego Maradona Jr., Jana Maradona, and Diego Fernando Maradona.

Maradona struggled with addiction to drugs and alcohol for much of his life. He entered rehab on several occasions. In 2000, he nearly died of a heart attack.

Maradona was a controversial figure throughout his life. He was often in trouble with the law and was accused of domestic violence and drug trafficking. However, he remained a popular figure in Argentina and around the world.

Death

Maradona died of a heart attack on 25 November 2020, at the age of 60. He had been hospitalized for a brain blood clot earlier in the month.

Maradona's death was met with widespread mourning in Argentina and around the world. He was hailed as one of the greatest footballers of all time.

Tributes

Maradona's death was met with an outpouring of tributes from around the world.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said: "Diego Maradona was a legend. He was one of the greatest players of all time, and he will be sorely missed by fans all over the world."

Argentina President Alberto Fernández declared three days of national mourning. He said: "Diego Maradona gave us joy, he brought us together, and he made us feel invincible. He leaves us an enormous emptiness, but also an indelible mark."

Pelé, the Brazilian football legend, said: "Diego was a magical player. He was one of the best players I ever saw play. He will be missed by all who love football."

David Beckham, the former England captain, said: "Diego Maradona was a genius. He was one of the greatest players of all time. He will be sadly missed."

Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese football star, said: "Diego Maradona was my idol. He was the best player in the world. I will never forget him."

Lionel Messi, the Argentine football star, said: "Diego Maradona was my idol. He was the greatest player of all time. I will never forget him."

Maradona's death is a great loss to the world of football. He was a true legend of the game and he will be missed by fans all over the world.