Player Profile: Diego Armando Maradona

DIEGO ARMANDO MARADONA


Born: 30 October 1960 in Fiorito at Lanús.

Nickname: Pelusa, El Pibe de Oro.

Position: Left offensive midfield.

Caps:
Argentina 91 (1977-1994) / 34 goals

League Games:
Argentina 240 (1976-1982 & 1993-1997) / 151 goals
Spain 62 (1982-1984 & 1992-1993) / 27 goals
Italy 188 (1984-1991) / 81 goals

International Club Cup Games:
European Cups 13 (1982-1991) / 10 goals
UEFA-Cup 19 (1986-1990) / 3 goals
Supercopa 1 (1997) / 0 goal

South American Footballer of the Year: 1979 (winner), 1980 (winner), 1981 (2nd), 1982 (3rd), 1986 (winner), 1989 (winner), 1990 (winner), 1992 (winner), 1993 (8th), 1995 (2nd)

Argentine Football of the Year: 1979, 1980, 1981, 1986, 1990

Trophies & Tournaments:
World Cup: 1982, 1986 (winner), 1990, 1994
South American Championship: 1987, 1989
UEFA-Cup: 1989
Argentine Champion: 1981
Argentine runner-up: 1980
Spanish Champion: never
Spanish runner-up: never
Spanish Cup winner: 1983
Spanish Cup runner-up: 1984
Italian Champion: 1987, 1990
Italian runner-up: 1988, 1989
Italian Cup winner: 1987
Italian Cup runner-up: 1989
Top League Goal Scorer: 1978, 1979, 1980, 1988

Few players can divide opinion like Diego Maradona, yet while some call him a god and others a cheat, none would deny that he was one of the most breathtakingly exciting players the world has had the pleasure to witness.

Diego Maradona was born October 30, 1960, in the extremely poor and crime-infested Buenos Aires neighborhood of Villa Fiorito. He was the son of squatters who lived in a shantyhouse which his father had personally built out of scrap metal. Yet by the time he made his first division debut with Argentinos Juniors in 1976, ten days short of his 16th birthday, he was already a legend in Argentina.

Born with incredible talent, he had joined the junior club Cebollitas by the age of 10, and had amazed the soccer-crazy nation with his spectacular play while leading his junior team to an unbeaten record of 136 matches and an unprecedented hype for a team at that level. As a child prodigy, Maradona was often a feature as halftime entertainment during first division matches, electrifying the crowds with his many ball tricks, putting on a show which was compared favorably, by both fans and the media, to the matches themselves.

So, it didn't surprise anybody when young Maradona first entered the field in the second half of a match against Talleres, and proceeded to nutmeg an opponent with one of his first touches of the ball. After that first match, he became an undisputed starter and team leader, leading what was a mediocre bottom-of-the-table and often relegated club to not only remain in the top division but contend for the title. He played 166 matches and scored 116 goals for the humble team of La Paternal, with a best finish of second place in the league. In spite of his many later successes, fans of Argentinos Juniors will argue vehemently that they are the ones who got the best play from Diego Maradona.

In February of 1977, national team coach Cesar Menotti called the 16 year old Maradona for his first international match, a friendly against Hungary at Boca Juniors stadium. Sitting on the bench, Diego watched as Argentina built a 5-1 lead. But the crowd could only think of him, constantly chanting his name, pleading for his inclusion into the game. Twenty five minutes from the end Menotti gave in, and he amazingly took control of the match, coolly maneuvering through the Hungarian defense like a veteran and setting up several scoring chances. However, from the reaction of the crowd Menotti realized the pressure he'd be under to play Maradona, and since he'd already chosen his conductor in Mario Kempes, he decided to leave Maradona out of the squad which went on to win the World Cup in 1978. It is said that when Maradona found out that he was left out of the team, he cried uncontrollably for hours. It was small consolation for him that Menotti called him for the junior squad, and he went on to play brilliantly and win the youth cup for Argentina in 1979.

In 1981, Maradona was transfered for a record fee to Boca Juniors, one of the two historic 'big' clubs of Buenos Aires. At the time Boca was struggling and had not won a title in over four years. Although Boca had finished the previous season near the bottom, the expectation was that with Maradona's addition, along with a new coach in former Boca star Silvio Marzolini, the team was preordained to win the title. Maradona didn't dissapoint. Not only he led Boca to the Argentine championship, his first at the first division level, but he saved his best effort for the most important match, the 'superclasico' against archrival River Plate.

Boca vs River, April 10, 1981. That was the night which defined Diego Maradona forever as an idol and symbol of Boca Juniors. River had built an impressive team, led by several members of the 1978 world champions. But on that night, Maradona established himself as the superior player in Argentina. Boca trashed River 3-0, with Maradona scoring all three goals. One of them was perhaps the most brilliant goal of his career. Maradona took the ball from inside his own half and kept it close to his feet while effortlessly leaving his opponents, including WC stars Gallego, Pasarella and Tarantini, in his wake. He came face to face with legendary goalkeeper Fillol and dribbled around him. He needed one last faint, as Tarantini had managed to sneak behind the goalkeeper in a last defensive effort. And he left the hapless Tarantini spread-eagled at the goal line as he side-stepped one last time to walk the ball into the net. The crowd was sent into a frenzy, and the sheer emotion of the moment caused coach Silvio Marzolini to have a heart attack.

Marzolini survived and Boca won the title after a brilliant campaign. From midfield, Maradona continued to amaze. He led the team not only as a playmaker but as the top goalscorer. However, not all was good news. In the midst of an economic crisis, Boca was unable to keep the financial commitments it had made for Maradona, and the team was embroiled in lawsuits and financial troubles. Maradona was also beggining to show some strain and signs of physical and mental fatigue. And how could it have been otherwise? By the age of 20 he had already played over 200 first division matches, in addition to internationals and friendlies. He had scored nearly 140 goals. Of course, the scoring figure underestimates his contributions to the game, as a midfield general, creative force and generator of scoring chances for his teammates, as anybody who has watched him play can testify.

In 1982 Maradona was transfered to Barcelona FC of Spain, for another record fee. It was at Barcelona where Maradona began to show signs of succumbing to the pressure of his greatness. Although he played well and had his moments of brilliance, he never lived up to the high expectations. First he succumbed to a bout of hepatitis, and later he suffered a serious injury after a horrible agression by the aptly named 'Butcher of Bilbao', Andoni Goikoetxea, who was suspended for 10 matches fur the incident. Maradona severely broke his ankle and several tendons, but thanks to his strong determination he came back from the injury after only 106 days. His first match back, against Sevilla, he was spectacular, scoring two goals and leading his team to a 3-1 victory. Later he got his revenge against Goikoetxea and the physical Bilbao side, by scoring two goals in a 2-1 victory. However, Barcelona finished only third behind Bilbao and archrival Real Madrid. They were also eliminated from the European Winners Cup by Manchester United, while Maradona was unable to play due to yet another injury. One Spanish cup title was all he could show for his stint at Barcelona.

Maradona suffered another dissapointment at the 1982 World Cup in Spain. Argentina fielded a strong team which was expected to contend for the title. The 21 year old Maradona joined most of the veterans who had won the cup four years earlier in Buenos Aires. However, he was not in top physical condition, and some of his teammates were past their prime. In spite of his effort, Argentina was defeated 2-1 in the second round by eventual champion Italy, in a match in which defender Claudio Gentile ruthlessly marked and repeatedly fouled Maradona under the seemingly blind eye of the referee. Argentina had a chance to save face against archrival Brazil, but Maradona let his frustuations get to him, foolishly punching a Brazilian player and getting himself thrown out of the match. He had shown glimpses of greatness, particularly in a first round 3-1 victory over Hungary. But Maradona was earning a reputation as an underachiever at the highest stage.

That all changed in 1984. Maradona moved to Napoli, Italy, for yet another record fee, and it was there that his reputation was restored. His time at Napoli must rank up there with any in the history of football. Before Maradona, Napoli was a small provincial club with very little to show for its endeavours. The year Maradona arrived, they had been saved from relegation by just one point. By his second season, he led them to a third place finish, and in his third season they won their first Scudetto, after 60 years, leaving behind the powerful AC Milan. He also brought to Napoli a UEFA cup and another league title, and was adopted by the city as a favorite son. Against the best defenders in the world, he continued to amaze and dazzle the crowds with his cool moves, precise passes, amazing aceleration, and spectacular goals. He also set up countless chances for his teammates, including his sidekick, Brazilian striker Careca. At Napoli, Maradona was finally able to show at the highest stage the whole repertoire of his game, which fans in Argentina had known since his days as a child prodigy.

If there was still any doubt remaining about Maradona's ability to perform at the highest level, he shattered it with his performance at the Mexico World Cup. In 1986 Maradona was at his zenith and he played briliantly, leading a tactically sound but less than stellar Argentine side to the title.

The game against England in the quarterfinals will never be forgotten by football fans, as it demonstrated the two contrasting sides of Diego Maradona. Early in the second half of a still goalless match, Maradona took the ball and with his usual coolness got past four English players. He passed to Valdano and ran free for the goal. But Valdano's return pass was imprecise, leading to a divided ball with goalkeeper Shilton. Unable to win the ball by legal means, Maradona shocked Shilton and the whole stadium by punching it with his hand and into the goal. The English players were incensed, but the trick was missed by the Tunisian referee and his assistants, and so Argentina was able to break the game open. When asked about the goal later, Maradona replied that it was 'a little bit the head of Maradona, a little bit the hand of god'. Thus, the disputed goal will remain in football lore forever as the 'hand of god' goal. Only a few minutes later, Maradona received the ball in his own half of the field, and once again proceeded to beat defenders, getting past almost the entire English side. This time he ignored Valdano's run in the middle, and he didn't give up the ball until he legally beat Shilton and deposited it in the back of the net. The goal is often described as the most spectacular goal in the history of the world cup.

Maradona proceeded to score two more spectacular goals in the semifinal against Belgium. In the final, closely marked by German star Lothar Matthaeus, he was unable to score, but played a role in all three Argentine goals, including a brilliant pass to Burruchaga which led to the winning goal, right after Germany had come back from a 2-0 deficit to tie the match. Maradona's performance at the 1986 World Cup was one of the most dominant of all time. Perhaps nobody other than Pele has reached the heights at a World Cup tournament which Maradona reached in Mexico 86.

The 1990 World Cup in Italy was something of a letdown, following Maradona's exploits four years earlier. Although Argentina reached the final, Maradona was clearly out of shape and fighting injuries, and showed very little of his former self. His only high point was an inspiring run and pass to his friend Claudio Cannigia, which helped Argentina get past Brazil. In the semifinal, Maradona lost support as he begged the Neapolitan people (where the game was being held) to support him and Argentina instead of their own nation. They were not convinced, as shown by a large sign which read, 'Diego,we love you but we are Italians'. Italy took an early lead. However, Argentina became the first team to prize open Italy's watertight defense (which coming into the match had not allowed a goal and had hardly allowed any shots on goal). They were able to get an equalizer from Cannigia and eventually win on penalties, including one by Maradona. However, an abysmal final ending in a misleadingly close 1-0 loss to Germany, left Argentina in dissarray and an ineffective Maradona crying in defeat.

The following year, Maradona was banned for 15 months after testing positive for Cocaine. Although there had been rumors for years of Diego's drug use, many cynical fans attributed the suspension to a vendetta for his role in eliminating Italy from the World Cup.

After serving his suspension, Maradona went back to Spain, to play briefly for Sevilla. He also came back in time to play for Argentina at the 1994 World Cup in the USA. Without Maradona, Argentina had suffered a historic and humiliating 5-0 loss at home to Colombia, a talented squad led by Carlos Valderrama. The national team's qualification for the World Cup was in danger, and although Maradona had hardly played in almost two years, the fans and the media pressured coach Basile to bring him back as the savior. Visibly out of shape, he nevertheless played well enough to help lead Argentina past Australia in a playoff, and into the World Cup. By the time he arrived at the USA for the tournament, Maradona was surprisingly slim and seemingly in top shape, helped by the questionable training methods of Fernando Signorini, his controversial personal trainer.

As the tournament began, it appeared that the Maradona of old had returned. He led the team to spectacular victories, 4-0 over Greece and 2-1 over a very tough Nigeria. He scored a spectacular goal against Greece after a superb combination of passes with three teammates, and he set up countless opportunities for his old sidekick Claudio Cannigia and for young striker Gabriel Batistuta to convert. Led by Maradona, Argentina looked poised to make another run at the title. Sadly, after the Nigeria match Maradona tested positive for the banned substance ephedrine, a stimulant which causes weight loss and enhances performance, and he was suspended and disgraced. Without him, Argentina was eliminated in the second round, after a spirited and attractive match against Romania. Led by a great performance by Hagi, the Romanians defeated Argentina 3-2. For Maradona, the 1994 world cup was his last appearance at the game's highest level, and his international career came to a dissapointing end. Unrepentant and with his usual bluntness, a bitter Maradona never admitted wrongdoing, and claimed that FIFA 'has cut off my legs'.

After serving his latest suspension, Maradona continued playing in Argentina, and ended his career with his beloved Boca Juniors. Although adulated by fans, his last three years were bittersweet. Visibly overweight, and with his hair dyed to match the blue and yellow colors of Boca, he played slow and deliberate, a shadow of his former self. He lacked his former movement and acceleration, yet he still had enough left of his talent and guile to impact the game. He still made brilliant passes, he still led his team from midfield, he still scored some brilliant goals, and he still excited the crowds with his unpredictability and with his skill from set pieces. But although the team he led was competitive enough to contend, he was unable to bring to Boca Juniors another title, and he finally retired in 1997, at the age of 37, and over 21 years after his debut.

After his retirement Maradona tried his hand at coaching, without success. He continued to have serious problems controlling his ballooning weight, and with drug addiction. Several times he came close to death. At the present time, and after a detoxification program in Cuba, he claims to be drug-free, and he has lost significant weight. He is back working at Boca Juniors, as director of player personnel.

Almost a decade after his retirement, Maradona continues to be on e of the most recognized players in the world. He was voted by fans as FIFA's player of the 20th century, an award he shared with Pele. He is respected by players and loved by fans from all over the world. He is revered by many, paticularly in his native Argentina and in Napoli. Unfourtunately, because of his blunt style and his penchant for making controversial statements, as well as his well documented personal problems, he has been unable to become the great ambassador for the game which he could potentially be.

In spite of the controversy which sorrounded his career, Maradona will doubtlessly be remembered as one of the most brilliant, most talented, most skillful and most exciting players of all time. For sheer entertainment, few, if any, can rival him. And there will always be experts and common fans who will argue vehemently that Diego Maradona was the best to ever play the game.

Season - Club - Games – Goals

1976.... Argentinos Juniors Buenos Aires.....11 / 02
1977.... Argentinos Juniors Buenos Aires.....49 / 19
1978.... Argentinos Juniors Buenos Aires.....35 / 26
1979.... Argentinos Juniors Buenos Aires.....27 / 26
1980.... Argentinos Juniors Buenos Aires.....45 / 43
1981.... Boca Juniors Buenos Aires.............40 / 28
1982.... Boca Juniors Buenos Aires.............00 / 00
1982/83 FC Barcelona..............................20 / 11
1983/84 FC Barcelona..............................16 / 11
1984/85 SSC Napoli.................................30 / 14
1985/86 SSC Napoli.................................29 / 11
1986/87 SSC Napoli.................................29 / 10
1987/88 SSC Napoli.................................28 / 15
1988/89 SSC Napoli.................................26 / 09
1989/90 SSC Napoli.................................28 / 16
1990/91 SSC Napoli.................................18 / 06
1991/92 Suspended.
1992/93 Sevilla FC..................................26 / 05
1993.... Newell`s Old Boys Rosario.............03 / 00
1994.... Newell`s Old Boys Rosario.............00 / 00
1994/95 Suspended
1995.... Boca Juniors Buenos Aires.............11 / 03
1996.... Boca Juniors Buenos Aires.............13 / 02
1997.... Boca Juniors Buenos Aires.............06 / 02

Argentina 1976-1982: games and goals totals are merged from 'Metropolitana' and 'Nacional' Leagues.

International Club Matches

1982/83 FC Barcelona.. EC II..........04 / 05
1983/84 FC Barcelona...EC II..........03 / 03
1986/87 SSC Napoli.......EC II..........02 / 00
1987/88 SSC Napoli.......EC I...........02 / 00
1988/89 SSC Napoli.......EC III.........12 / 03
1989/90 SSC Napoli.......EC III.........05 / 00
1990/91 SSC Napoli.......EC-I...........04 / 02

 

As far as books, I thought 'Yo Soy El Diego', his autobiography, was very interesting. He doesn't go into all the controversies, and it is a bit self serving, but still a great read, especially if you admire him as a player.

There is also 'Hand of God' by Jimmy Burns. It is, I think, overly critical and focuses mostly on the negative aspects of his career. Maradona was very upset with this book. Also, I think some of the allegations in it have not been proved. But I did use some of it for my profile.

As far as DVD's, I loved 'Hero', about the 1986 World Cup. Probably the best DVD of any world cup, but of course I am biased. Also, 'Diego Maradona, his life' is a great DVD which covers his whole career. There are also a couple of Italian language DVD's of Maradona, which show lots of great highlights of his time at Napoli. I am trying to think of the names.