Editing Diego Maradona

{{Short description|Argentine football player and manager (1960–2020)}}
{{Redirect|Maradona}}
{{pp-semi-indef|small=yes}}
{{family name hatnote|Maradona|Franco|lang=Spanish}}
{{Use Oxford spelling|date=August 2024}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2023}}
{{Infobox football biography
| image = Argentina celebrando copa (cropped).jpg <!--See talk page before changing image-->
| caption = Maradona after winning the [[1986 FIFA World Cup]] with [[Argentina national football team|Argentina]]
| full_name = Diego Armando Maradona Franco<ref>{{Cite web|title=Diego Armando Maradona Franco stats|url=https://players.fcbarcelona.com/en/player/501-maradona-diego-armando-maradona-franco|website=[[FC Barcelona]]|language=en|access-date=9 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210617052747/https://players.fcbarcelona.com/en/player/501-maradona-diego-armando-maradona-franco|archive-date=17 June 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1960|10|30|df=yes}}
| birth_place = [[Lanús]], Argentina
| death_date = {{death date and age|2020|11|25|1960|10|30|df=yes}}
| death_place = [[Dique Luján]], Argentina
| height = 1.65 m<ref>{{cite web |title=Small is beautiful |url=https://www.fifa.com/news/small-beautiful-1055719 |website=[[FIFA]] |date=8 May 2009 |access-date=2 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200813091036/https://www.fifa.com/news/small-beautiful-1055719 |archive-date=13 August 2020 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| position = [[Attacking midfielder]], [[second striker]]<!--Do not delete second striker, it's well referenced-->
| youthyears1 = 1967&ndash;1969
| youthclubs1 = Estrella Roja
| youthyears2 = 1969–1976
| youthclubs2 = [[Argentinos Juniors]]
| years1 = 1976–1981
| clubs1 = [[Argentinos Juniors]]
| caps1 = 166
| goals1 = 116
| years2 = 1981–1982
| clubs2 = [[Boca Juniors]]
| caps2 = 40
| goals2 = 28
| years3 = 1982–1984
| clubs3 = [[FC Barcelona|Barcelona]]
| caps3 = 36
| goals3 = 22
| years4 = 1984–1991
| clubs4 = [[SSC Napoli|Napoli]]
| caps4 = 188
| goals4 = 81
| years5 = 1992–1993
| clubs5 = [[Sevilla FC|Sevilla]]
| caps5 = 26
| goals5 = 5
| years6 = 1993–1994
| clubs6 = [[Newell's Old Boys]]
| caps6 = 5
| goals6 = 0
| years7 = 1995–1997
| clubs7 = [[Boca Juniors]]
| caps7 = 30
| goals7 = 7
| totalcaps = 491
| totalgoals = 259
| nationalyears1 = 1977–1979
| nationalteam1 = [[Argentina national under-20 football team|Argentina U20]]
| nationalcaps1 = 15
| nationalgoals1 = 8
| nationalyears2 = 1977–1994
| nationalteam2 = [[Argentina national football team|Argentina]]
| nationalcaps2 = 91
| nationalgoals2 = [[List of international goals scored by Diego Maradona|34]]
| manageryears1 = 1994
| managerclubs1 = [[Deportivo Mandiyú]]
| manageryears2 = 1995
| managerclubs2 = [[Racing Club de Avellaneda|Racing Club]]
| manageryears3 = 2008–2010
| managerclubs3 = [[Argentina national football team|Argentina]]
| manageryears4 = 2011–2012
| managerclubs4 = [[Al-Wasl F.C.|Al-Wasl]]
| manageryears5 = 2013–2017
| managerclubs5 = [[Deportivo Riestra]] (assistant)
| manageryears6 = 2017–2018
| managerclubs6 = [[Fujairah FC|Fujairah]]
| manageryears7 = 2018–2019
| managerclubs7 = [[Dorados de Sinaloa]]
| manageryears8 = 2019–2020
| managerclubs8 = [[Club de Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata|Gimnasia de La Plata]]
| medaltemplates = {{MedalSport|Men's [[Association football|football]]}}
{{Medal|Country|{{fb|ARG}}}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[FIFA World Cup]]}}
{{Medal|W|[[1986 FIFA World Cup|1986 Mexico]]|}}
{{medal|RU|[[1990 FIFA World Cup|1990 Italy]]|}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[Copa América]]}}
{{Medal|3rd|[[1989 Copa América|1989 Brazil]]|}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[Finalissima]]}}
{{Medal|W|[[1993 Artemio Franchi Cup|1993 Argentina]]|}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[FIFA U-20 World Cup]]}}
{{Medal|W|[[1979 FIFA World Youth Championship|1979 Japan]]|}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[South American Youth Football Championship|South American U-20 Championship]]}}
{{Medal|RU|[[1979 South American U-20 Championship|1979 Uruguay]]|}}
}}
{{Diego Maradona series}}
'''Diego Armando Maradona Franco''' ({{IPA|es|ˈdjeɣo maɾaˈðona|lang}}; 30 October 1960{{spnd}}25 November 2020) was an Argentine professional [[association football|football]] player and manager. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, he was one of the two joint winners of the [[FIFA Player of the Century|FIFA Player of the 20th Century]] award, alongside [[Pelé]].

An [[advanced playmaker]] who operated in the [[Squad number (association football)|classic number 10 position]], Maradona's vision, passing, ball control, and [[Dribbling#Association football|dribbling]] skills were combined with his small stature, which gave him a low [[Center of mass|centre of gravity]] and allowed him to manoeuvre better than most other players. His presence and leadership on the field had a great effect on his team's general performance, while he would often be singled out by the opposition. In addition to his creative abilities, he possessed an eye for goal and was known to be a [[Free kick (association football)|free kick]] specialist. A precocious talent, Maradona was given the nickname '''{{lang|es|El Pibe de Oro}}''' ("The Golden Boy"), a name that stuck with him throughout his career.

Maradona was the first player to set the [[World football transfer record|world record transfer fee]] twice: in 1982 when he transferred to [[FC Barcelona|Barcelona]] for £5&nbsp;million, and in 1984 when he moved to [[S.S.C. Napoli|Napoli]] for a fee of £6.9&nbsp;million. He played for [[Argentinos Juniors]], [[Boca Juniors]], Barcelona, Napoli, [[Sevilla FC|Sevilla]] and [[Newell's Old Boys]] during his club career, and is most famous for his time at Napoli where he won numerous accolades and led the club to their first [[Serie A]] title win only to do it all over again one year later. Maradona also had a troubled off-field life and his time with Napoli ended after he was banned for taking cocaine.

In his international career with [[Argentina national football team|Argentina]], he earned 91 [[cap (sport)|caps]] and scored 34 goals. Maradona played in four [[FIFA World Cup]]s, including the [[1986 FIFA World Cup|1986 World Cup]] in Mexico, where he captained Argentina and led them to [[1986 FIFA World Cup final|victory over West Germany]] in the final, and won the [[Golden Ball (FIFA)|Golden Ball]] as the tournament's best player. In the [[Argentina v England (1986 FIFA World Cup)|1986 World Cup quarter final]], he scored both goals in a 2–1 victory over [[England national football team|England]] that entered football history for two different reasons. The first goal was an unpenalized handling foul known as the "[[The hand of God|Hand of God]]", while the second goal followed a {{convert|60|m|yd|0|abbr=on}} dribble past five England players, voted "[[Argentina v England (1986 FIFA World Cup)#The Goal of the Century|Goal of the Century]]" by ''FIFA.com'' voters in 2002.

Maradona also had a career in management. He became the coach of Argentina's national football team in November 2008. He was in charge of the team at the [[2010 FIFA World Cup|2010 World Cup]] in South Africa before leaving at the end of the tournament. He then coached [[Dubai]]-based club [[Al Wasl FC|Al Wasl]] in the [[UAE Pro-League]] for the 2011–12 season. In 2017, Maradona became the coach of [[Al-Fujairah SC|Fujairah]] before leaving at the end of the season. From May to September 2018, he was the chairman of Dynamo Brest. From September 2018 to June 2019, Maradona was coach of Mexican club [[Dorados de Sinaloa|Dorados]], and was the coach of Argentine Primera División club [[Club de Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata|Gimnasia de La Plata]] from September 2019 until his death in 2020. In 2022, he was ranked as the third best football player of all time by football magazine ''[[FourFourTwo]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Warrington |first1=Mark WhiteContributions from Declan |last2=Haugstad |first2=Thore |last3=Yokhin |first3=Michael |last4=Murray |first4=Andrew |last5=Stafford-Bloor |first5=Seb |last6=Spurling |first6=Jon |last7=Hess |first7=Alex |last8=Alves |first8=Marcus |last9=published |first9=Alex Reid |date=5 September 2023 |title=Ranked! The 100 best football players of all time |url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/ranked-the-100-best-football-players-of-all-time |access-date=10 November 2023 |website=fourfourtwo.com |language=en |archive-date=11 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221011152733/https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/ranked-the-100-best-football-players-of-all-time |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Early years==
Diego Armando Maradona was born on 30 October 1960, at the Policlínico (Polyclinic) Evita Hospital in [[Lanús]], [[Buenos Aires Province]], to a poor family that had moved from [[Corrientes Province]]; he was raised in [[Villa Fiorito]], a [[villa miseria|shantytown]] on the southern outskirts of [[Buenos Aires]], Argentina.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://football.guardian.co.uk/theknowledge/story/0,,1751019,00.html |title=The greatest rags-to-riches stories ever| first1=James|last1= Dart|first2=Paul|last2= Doyle |first3= Jon |last3=Hill|work=[[The Guardian]]|date= 12 April 2006|access-date=10 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220320061059/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2006/apr/12/theknowledge.sport|archive-date=20 March 2022|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Reuters2015"/> He was the first son after four daughters. He has two younger brothers, [[Hugo Maradona|Hugo]] (''el Turco'') and [[Raúl Maradona|Raúl]] (Lalo), both of whom were also professional football players.<ref>{{cite news |title=Hugo Maradona, younger brother of Diego, dies at 52 |url=https://apnews.com/article/soccer-sports-serie-a-italy-naples-dea3a5334630dbc21adbfceae3e51dd4 |access-date=25 November 2022 |work=AP News |date=28 December 2021 |language=en |archive-date=25 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221125034015/https://apnews.com/article/soccer-sports-serie-a-italy-naples-dea3a5334630dbc21adbfceae3e51dd4 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2012/jul/11/the-knowledge-diego-maradona-famous-brother|title=Does Diego Maradona have a more famous brother?|date=11 July 2012|author=Paul Doyle|work=The Guardian|access-date=25 November 2022|archive-date=19 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190419031549/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2012/jul/11/the-knowledge-diego-maradona-famous-brother|url-status=live}}</ref> His father Diego Maradona "Chitoro" (1927–2015), who worked at a chemicals factory, was of [[Guaraní people|Guaraní]] (Indigenous) and [[Galician Argentines|Galician]] ([[Spanish Argentines|Spanish]]) descent,<ref>{{cite news |title=El gallego Maradona |url=https://www.farodevigo.es/deportes/2020/11/26/gallego-maradona-25606557.html |newspaper=Faro de Vigo |date=26 November 2020 |access-date=29 December 2021 |archive-date=4 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211204014334/https://www.farodevigo.es/deportes/2020/11/26/gallego-maradona-25606557.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and his mother Dalma Salvadora Franco, "Doña Tota" (1930–2011), was of [[Italian Argentines|Italian]] and [[Croatian Argentines|Croatian]] descent.<ref name="GuardianOrbituary">{{cite news |title=Diego Maradona obituary |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/nov/25/diego-maradona-obituary |newspaper=The Guardian |last=Welch|first= Julie |date=25 November 2020 | access-date=26 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524143229/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/nov/25/diego-maradona-obituary|archive-date=24 May 2022|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Sinagra: ''Maradona ha origini italiane? Vi racconto cosa mi diceva Diego. Messi...'' |url=https://www.areanapoli.it/interviste/sinagra-maradona-ha-origini-italiane-vi-racconto-cosa-mi-diceva-diego-messi_485704.html |access-date=22 December 2022 |website=AreaNapoli.it |language=it |archive-date=22 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221222083714/https://www.areanapoli.it/interviste/sinagra-maradona-ha-origini-italiane-vi-racconto-cosa-mi-diceva-diego-messi_485704.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Los desconocidos orígenes croatas de Diego Maradona |url=https://www.ambito.com/deportes/diego-maradona/los-desconocidos-origenes-croatas-n5605237 |access-date=29 December 2022 |website=www.ambito.com |archive-date=29 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229113516/https://www.ambito.com/deportes/diego-maradona/los-desconocidos-origenes-croatas-n5605237 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=El volcánico partido de Maradona en Croacia: visita a la tumba de Petrovic, 0 a 0 arreglado y amenaza de renunciar al Mundial - TyC Sports |url=https://www.tycsports.com/al-angulo/mundial-de-qatar-2022-diego-maradona-seleccion-argentina-croacia-id481845.html |access-date=29 December 2022 |website=www.tycsports.com |date=13 December 2022 |language=es-AR |archive-date=29 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229113518/https://www.tycsports.com/al-angulo/mundial-de-qatar-2022-diego-maradona-seleccion-argentina-croacia-id481845.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Diego Armando Maradona er af kroatisk og galicisk afstamning |url=https://blog.myheritage.dk/2022/12/diego-armando-maradona-er-af-kroatisk-og-galicisk-afstamning/ |website=MyHeritage-blog |date=13 December 2022}}</ref>

{{Blockquote|When Diego came to Argentinos Juniors for trials, I was really struck by his talent and couldn't believe he was only eight years old. In fact, we asked him for his ID card so we could check it, but he told us he didn't have it on him. We were sure he was having us on because, although he had the physique of a child, he played like an adult. When we discovered he'd been telling us the truth, we decided to devote ourselves purely to him.|source=Francisco Cornejo, youth coach who discovered Maradona<ref name="Quotes"/>}}

[[File:Maradona torneos evita.jpg|thumb|left|Maradona playing at the Torneos Evita in 1973 (a national sporting event in Argentina) with the "Cebollitas"]]
Maradona's parents were both born and brought up in the town of [[Esquina, Corrientes|Esquina]] in the north-east province of [[Corrientes Province|Corrientes]] on the banks of the [[Corriente River]]. In the 1950s, they left Esquina and settled in Buenos Aires.<ref name="Reuters2015">{{cite news |title=Don Diego, father of Maradona, dies in Argentine clinic |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-soccer-maradona-idUKKBN0P52MK20150625 |access-date=25 November 2022 |work=Reuters |archive-date=25 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221125034014/https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-soccer-maradona-idUKKBN0P52MK20150625 |url-status=live }}</ref> Maradona received his first football as a gift at age three and quickly became devoted to the game.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Diego Maradona |url=https://www.biography.com/athlete/diego-maradona |access-date=26 November 2020 |website=Biography |language=en-us |archive-date=15 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115142555/https://www.biography.com/athlete/diego-maradona |url-status=live }}</ref> At age eight, he was spotted by a talent scout while he was playing in his local club Estrella Roja. In March 1969 he was recommended to ''Los Cebollitas'' (The Little Onions), the junior team of Buenos Aires's [[Argentinos Juniors]] by his close friend and football rival [[Gregorio Carrizo]] who had already been picked by coach Francis Gregorio Cornejo.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://90soccer.com/the-greatest-lost-soccer-talents-of-all-time/|title=Lost soccer talents: 6 players who sparked too early|website=90soccer.com|date=23 June 2022|access-date=7 December 2022|archive-date=30 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230830224623/https://90soccer.com/the-greatest-lost-soccer-talents-of-all-time/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eldestapeweb.com/deportes/serie-de-maradona/francis-cornejo-la-historia-del-descubridor-de-diego-maradona-20211028125554|title=The story of Francis Cornejo|website=eldestapeweb.com|date=28 October 2021|language=Spanish|access-date=7 December 2022|archive-date=7 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207125542/https://www.eldestapeweb.com/deportes/serie-de-maradona/francis-cornejo-la-historia-del-descubridor-de-diego-maradona-20211028125554|url-status=live}}</ref> Maradona became a star for the Cebollitas, and as a 12-year-old ball boy he amused spectators by showing his ball skills during the halftime breaks of Argentinos Juniors' first division games.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fundus.org/referat.asp?ID=12053 |title=The Hand of God|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060217163238/http://www.fundus.org/referat.asp?ID=12053 |archive-date=17 February 2006|url-status=dead}}</ref> During 1973 and 1974, Maradona led Cebollitas to two ''Evita Tournament'' wins and 141 undefeated games in a row, playing alongside players like [[Adrian Domenech]] and [[Claudio Rodríguez (footballer, born 1960)|Claudio Rodríguez]], in what is regarded as the best youth team in the history of Argentine football.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/47961674|title=Argentinos Juniors: The 'Argentinean Ajax'|website=BBC|date=2 May 2019|access-date=7 December 2022|archive-date=14 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190514203944/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/47961674|url-status=live}}</ref> Maradona named Brazilian playmaker [[Rivellino]] and [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]] winger [[George Best]] among his inspirations growing up.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/english/2005/1126/198627-bestg/ |title=Maradona hails 'inspirational' Best|work=[[RTÉ Sport]]|date=26 November 2005|access-date=10 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220410073225/https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2005/1126/198627-bestg/|archive-date=10 April 2022|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>"Football's Greatest – Rivelino". Pitch International LLP. 2012. Retrieved 8 May 2014</ref>

==Club career==

===Argentinos Juniors===
[[File:Maradona cano debut.jpg|thumb|left|Maradona's most famous [[nutmeg (association football)|nutmeg]] during his debut in the Primera División, 20 October 1976]]
On 20 October 1976, Maradona made his professional debut for [[Argentinos Juniors]], 10 days before his 16th birthday,<ref name="vivadiego">{{Cite web |title= A Summary of Maradona's Life |url=http://www.vivadiego.com/biogr.html |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131211202737/http://www.vivadiego.com/biogr.html |archive-date=11 December 2013 |website=vivadiego.com}}</ref> versus [[Talleres de Córdoba]]. He entered to the pitch wearing the number 16 jersey, and became the youngest player in the history of the [[Argentine Primera División]]. A few minutes into his debut, Maradona kicked the ball through the legs of [[Juan Domingo Cabrera]], a [[Nutmeg (association football)|nutmeg]] that would become symbolic of his talent.<ref name=asi>{{cite web|url=https://www.elgrafico.com.ar/articulo/1088/33691/maradona-asi-empezo-todo|title=Maradona. Así empezó todo|language=es|work=[[El Gráfico (Argentina)|El Gráfico]]|date=20 October 2021|access-date=12 October 2022|archive-date=29 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129103117/https://www.elgrafico.com.ar/articulo/1088/33691/maradona-asi-empezo-todo|url-status=live}}</ref> After the game, Maradona said: "That day I felt I had held the sky in my hands."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clarin.com/deportes/Diego-Argentinos_0_898110387.html |title=Diego, el de Argentinos|language=es|work=[[Clarín (Argentine newspaper)|Clarín]] |date=10 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304042638/http://www.clarin.com/deportes/Diego-Argentinos_0_898110387.html |archive-date=4 March 2016|url-status=dead }}</ref> Thirty years later, Cabrera remembered Maradona's debut: "I was on the right side of the field and went to press him, but he didn't give me a chance. He made the nutmeg and when I turned around, he was far away from me."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archivo.lavoz.com.ar/nota.asp?nota_id=111261|title=Murió Juan Domingo "el Chacho" Cabrera|website=lavoz.com.ar|language=es|date=4 September 2007|access-date=22 June 2019|archive-date=30 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730001217/http://archivo.lavoz.com.ar/nota.asp?nota_id=111261|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Maradona scored his first goal as a professional against [[Mar del Plata|Marplatense]] team San Lorenzo on 14 November 1976, two weeks after turning 16, and added another goal in the match as well.<ref>{{cite web |date=14 November 2012 |title=Los primeros gritos de D10S |url=http://laseleccion.com.ar/argentina/primeros-goles-argentinos-san-lorenzo-diego-maradona |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151008113712/http://laseleccion.com.ar/argentina/primeros-goles-argentinos-san-lorenzo-diego-maradona |archive-date=8 October 2015 |website=laseleccion.com.ar |language=es}} on La Selección website.</ref> Maradona made 11 appearances that season, with the two goals scored on his debut being the only ones he scored.

In the 1977 season, Maradona played 49 matches and scored 19 goals, and started to get on the radar of other South American clubs. In the 1978 season, Maradona scored 26 goals in 35 matches, and had the 1978 World Cup in his sights. However, when the squads were released on 19 May, he was not selected by coach [[César Luis Menotti|Cesar Luis Menotti]] to the surprise of many.<ref>{{Cite news |date=19 May 2023 |title=1978: el día que Diego se quedó sin Mundial |url=https://www.elgrafico.com.ar/articulo/maradona-y-el-grafico/5163/1978-el-dia-que-diego-se-quedo-sin-mundial |access-date=21 November 2024 |work=El Grafico}}</ref> Two days after being left out, he scored a brace in a victory against his Chacarita Juniors. In 1979, Maradona scored 26 goals in 26 games, and finished top scorer in both Metropolitan and Nacional tournaments. in 1980, he scored 43 goals in 45 appearances and was the top scorer again for the last four consecutive tournaments.<ref>{{Cite news |date=28 October 2010 |title=El día que el 'gordito' se transformó en verdugo de Boca y del Loco Gatti |url=https://www.elgrafico.com.ar/articulo/maradona-y-el-grafico/3142/el-dia-que-el-gordito-se-transformo-en-verdugo-de-boca-y-del-loco-gatti |access-date=21 November 2024 |work=EL Grafico}}</ref>

===Boca Juniors===
[[File:Diego Maradona celebrando la obtención del Torneo Metropolitano de 1981.jpg|thumb|right|Maradona being held aloft [[Boca Juniors]] supporters after winning the [[1981 Argentine Primera División|1981 Metropolitano]] title]]
Maradona spent five years at [[Argentinos Juniors]], from 1976 to 1981, scoring 115 goals in 167 appearances before his US$4-million transfer to [[Boca Juniors]] in February 1981.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://canchallena.lanacion.com.ar/1351900-aquella-jugada-que-llevo-a-maradona-a-boca|title=Aquella jugada que llevó a Maradona a Boca|language=es|first=Daniel |last=Arcucchi|date= 22 February 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150930101801/http://canchallena.lanacion.com.ar/1351900-aquella-jugada-que-llevo-a-maradona-a-boca|archive-date=30 September 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> Maradona received offers to join other clubs, including [[Club Atlético River Plate|River Plate]] who offered to make him the club's best paid player.<ref name="yosy">{{cite book|title=Yo Soy El Diego, autobiography of Diego Armando Maradona|author=Diego Maradona|date=1 May 2004|publisher=Booket |isbn=9871144628}}</ref> However, River decided to drop its bid due to its large payroll in keeping [[Daniel Passarella]] and [[Ubaldo Fillol]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Un mes sin el 10. Maradona era de Independiente, quiso jugar en River, terminó enojado con Boca, fue DT de Racing y admiraba a San Lorenzo |url=https://www.lanacion.com.ar/deportes/futbol/un-mes-sin-10-maradona-era-independiente-nid2551400/ |url-access=subscription |access-date=31 January 2022 |newspaper=[[La Nación]] |language=es|quote="Ahora lo más firme parece ser lo de Boca. Lo de River quedó un poquito muerto por el ofrecimiento que hizo Aragón Cabrera de ganar lo mismo que Fillol y Passarella, que son los que más ganan. Yo le dije que no tenía problema, Dios quiera que ellos ganen 5 millones de dólares de contrato. Yo no tengo problemas, pero en caso de que me den lo que yo les pido. Y me dijo que no, porque se le iba a hacer muy embromado todo para poder pagarles a todos... Las tratativas las hace Jorge, pero me entero de todo."}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

Maradona signed a contract with Boca Juniors on 20 February 1981. He made his debut two days later against [[Talleres de Córdoba]], scoring twice in the club's 4–1 win. On 10 April, Maradona played his first ''[[Superclásico]]'' against River Plate at [[La Bombonera]] stadium. Boca defeated River 3–0 with Maradona scoring a goal after dribbling past [[Alberto Tarantini]] and Fillol.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clarin.com/diario/2006/02/22/deportes/d-04801.htm|title=25 años de romance|language=es|work=[[Clarín (Argentine newspaper)|Clarín]]|date=22 February 2006|access-date=12 October 2022|archive-date=4 September 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100904062252/http://edant.clarin.com/diario/2006/02/22/deportes/d-04801.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> Despite the distrustful relationship between Maradona and Boca Juniors manager, [[Silvio Marzolini]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Maradona por Maradona |url=https://www.clarin.com/sociedad/maradona-maradona_0_S1CzqTYl0Yl.html |work=[[Clarín (Argentine newspaper)|Clarín]] |access-date=25 November 2020 |language=es |date=24 September 2000 |archive-date=25 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125184145/https://www.clarin.com/sociedad/maradona-maradona_0_S1CzqTYl0Yl.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Boca had a successful season, winning the [[1981 Argentine Primera División|league title]] after securing a point against [[Racing Club de Avellaneda|Racing Club]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesa/arg81.html|title=Argentina 1981 - Campeonato Metropolitano|first=Osvaldo José|last=Gorgazzi|work=[[RSSSF]]|access-date=2 February 2023|archive-date=5 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205154201/https://www.rsssf.org/tablesa/arg81.html|url-status=live}}</ref> That would be the only title won by Maradona in the Argentine domestic league.<ref name="Fifa profile">{{cite web |title=The Albiceleste underdog who conquered the world |url=http://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/players/player=174732/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140522040635/http://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/players/player=174732/ |archive-date=22 May 2014 |work=[[FIFA]]}}</ref>

===Barcelona===
{{Quote box|width=32%|align=right|quote="He had complete mastery of the ball. When Maradona ran with the ball or dribbled through the defence, he seemed to have the ball tied to his boots. I remember our early training sessions with him: the rest of the team were so amazed that they just stood and watched him. We all thought ourselves privileged to be witnesses of his genius."|source=—Barcelona teammate [[Francisco José Carrasco|Lobo Carrasco]]<ref>{{cite book|title=Barca: A People's Passion|first=Jimmy |last=Burns |pages=251|publisher=[[Bloomsbury Publishing]] |date=31 Jul 2009}}</ref>}}

After the [[1982 FIFA World Cup|1982 World Cup]], Maradona was transferred to [[FC Barcelona|Barcelona]] for a then [[World football transfer record|world record fee]] of £5&nbsp;million ($7.6&nbsp;million).<ref>[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/international/3278819/Life-and-crimes-of-Diego-Armando-Maradona-Football.html "Life and crimes of Diego Armando Maradona"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128152054/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/international/3278819/Life-and-crimes-of-Diego-Armando-Maradona-Football.html |date=28 November 2020 }}. ''The Telegraph''. Retrieved 15 October 2015</ref> In the [[1982–83 FC Barcelona season|1982–83 season]], under coach [[César Luis Menotti]], Barcelona and Maradona won two trophies, the [[1982–83 Copa del Rey|Copa del Rey]] and [[1983 Copa de la Liga|Copa de la Liga]], both of them coming against Real Madrid.

On 26 June 1983, in the 1st leg of the Copa de la Liga finals at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, Maradona scored and became the first Barcelona player to be applauded by arch-rival Real Madrid fans.<ref name="Clasico" /> Maradona dribbled past Madrid goalkeeper [[Agustín Rodríguez Santiago|Agustín]], and as he approached the empty goal, he stopped just as Madrid defender [[Juan José Jiménez Collar|Juan José]] came sliding in an attempt to block the shot. José ended up crashing into the post, before Maradona slotted the ball into the net.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/news/2012-2013/30-years-since-maradona-stunned-the-santiago-bernabeu |title=30 years since Maradona stunned the Santiago Bernabéu |publisher=[[FC Barcelona]] |date=25 June 1013 |access-date=12 October 2022 |archive-date=25 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625161538/https://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/news/2012-2013/30-years-since-maradona-stunned-the-santiago-bernabeu |url-status=live }}</ref> With the manner in which the goal was scored resulting in applause from opposition fans, only [[Ronaldinho]] (in November 2005) and [[Andrés Iniesta]] (in November 2015) have since been granted such an ovation as Barcelona players from Madrid fans at the [[Santiago Bernabéu Stadium|Santiago Bernabéu]].<ref name="Clasico">[https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/real-madrid-0-barcelona-3-bernabeu-forced-to-pay-homage-as-ronaldinho-soars-above-the-galacticos-516202.html "Real Madrid 0 Barcelona 3: Bernabeu forced to pay homage as Ronaldinho soars above the galacticos"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180109235502/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/real-madrid-0-barcelona-3-bernabeu-forced-to-pay-homage-as-ronaldinho-soars-above-the-galacticos-516202.html |date=9 January 2018 }}. ''The Independent''. Retrieved 29 November 2013</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://nesn.com/2015/11/real-madrid-fans-applaud-barcelonas-andres-iniesta-in-el-clasico-video/ |title=Real Madrid Fans Applaud Barcelona's Andres Iniesta In 'El Clasico' |first=Marcus |last=Kwesi O'Mard |work=[[New England Sports Network|NESN]] |date=21 November 2015 |access-date=28 January 2016 |archive-date=2 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160305/https://nesn.com/2015/11/real-madrid-fans-applaud-barcelonas-andres-iniesta-in-el-clasico-video/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Three days later, Barcelona won the second leg 2–1, with Maradona scoring a penalty and helping his club win another title against their [[El Clásico|archrivals]].

[[File:Goikoetxea lesiona maradona.jpg|thumb|left|Moment when Athletic Bilbao defender [[Andoni Goikoetxea]] injured Maradona on 24 September 1983]]
Due to illness and injury as well as controversial incidents on the field, Maradona had a difficult tenure in Barcelona.<ref Name=Guardian>{{cite web|url=http://observer.guardian.co.uk/osm/story/0,,1677834,00.html|title=That's one hell of a diet, Diego|date=8 January 2006|access-date=12 October 2022|work=[[The Observer]]|archive-date=13 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130413073031/http://observer.guardian.co.uk/osm/story/0,,1677834,00.html|url-status=live}}</ref> First a bout of [[hepatitis]], then a broken ankle in a [[La Liga]] game at the [[Camp Nou]] in September 1983 caused by a reckless tackle by Athletic Bilbao's [[Andoni Goikoetxea]]—nicknamed "the Butcher of Bilbao"—threatened to jeopardize Maradona's career, but with treatment and rehabilitation, it was possible for him to return to the pitch after a three-month recovery period.<ref Name=vivadiego/><ref name="Balague"/>

[[File:Maradona kempes spain.jpg|thumb|upright=0.9|Maradona with his fellow countryman [[Mario Kempes]] before a Barcelona match against [[CF Valencia|Valencia]] in 1982]]
Maradona was directly involved in a violent fight during the [[1984 Copa del Rey Final]] in Madrid against Athletic Bilbao.<ref name="butcher">{{cite news|title=Diego Maradona gives hot, hot heat to The Butcher of Bilbao|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2008/dec/05/joy-of-six-scott-murray|first=Scott|last=Murray|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|date=5 December 2008|access-date=12 October 2022|archive-date=28 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128145519/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2008/dec/05/joy-of-six-scott-murray|url-status=live}}</ref> After receiving another hard tackle by Goikoetxea, as well as being taunted with racist insults related to his father's Native American ancestry throughout the match by Bilbao fans, and being provoked by Bilbao's [[Miguel Ángel Sola|Miguel Sola]] at full time after Barcelona lost 1–0, Maradona snapped.<ref name="butcher"/> He aggressively got up, stood inches from Sola's face and the two exchanged words. This started a chain reaction of emotional reactions from both teams. Using expletives, Sola mimicked a gesture from the crowd towards Maradona by using a xenophobic term.<ref name="Calioli"/> Maradona then headbutted Sola, elbowed another Bilbao player in the face and kneed another player in the head, knocking him out cold.<ref name="butcher"/> The Bilbao squad surrounded Maradona to exact some retribution, with Goikoetxea connecting with a high kick to his chest, before the rest of the Barcelona squad joined in to help Maradona. From this point, Barcelona and Bilbao players brawled on the field with Maradona in the centre of the action, kicking and punching anyone in a Bilbao shirt.<ref name="butcher"/>

The mass brawl was played out in front of the Spanish [[King Juan Carlos]] and an audience of 100,000 fans inside the stadium, and more than half of Spain watching on television.<ref name="Bilbao"/> After fans began throwing solid objects on the field at the players, coaches and even photographers, sixty people were injured, with the incident effectively sealing Maradona's transfer out of the club in what was his last game in a Barcelona shirt.<ref name="Calioli">Luca Caioli (2013). "Messi: The Inside Story of the Boy Who Became a Legend"</ref> One Barcelona executive stated: "When I saw those scenes of Maradona fighting and the chaos that followed I realized we couldn't go any further with him."<ref name="Bilbao">Jimmy Burns. (2011). "Maradona: The Hand of God". pp.121–122. A&C Black</ref> Maradona got into frequent disputes with Barcelona executives, particularly club president [[Josep Lluís Núñez]], culminating with a demand to be transferred out of the Camp Nou in 1984. During his two injury-hit seasons at Barcelona, Maradona scored 38 goals in 58 games.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbc.ca/sports/columns/indepth/maradona_indepth.html |title=Backgrounder: Diego Maradona|work=[[CBC Sports]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100628054737/http://www.cbc.ca/sports/columns/indepth/maradona_indepth.html|archive-date=28 June 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref> Maradona transferred to [[S.S.C. Napoli|Napoli]] in Italy's [[Serie A]] for another world record fee, £6.9&nbsp;million ($10.48&nbsp;million).<ref name="Times">{{cite web|url=http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/sport/football/europe/article3325254.ece|title=Snapshot: Maradona is toast of the town after signing for Napoli|date=20 February 2012|access-date=12 October 2022|work=[[The Times]]|archive-date=10 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140910064936/http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/sport/football/europe/article3325254.ece|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Napoli===
[[File:Presentacion maradona napoli.jpg|thumb|right|upright=0.77|Maradona saluting the crowd at the [[Stadio San Paolo]] in Naples during his presentation on 5 July 1984]]

Maradona arrived in [[Naples]] and was presented to the world media as a Napoli player on 5 July 1984, where he was welcomed by 75,000 fans at his presentation at the [[Stadio San Paolo]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Cristiano Ronaldo welcomed by 80,000 fans at Real Madrid unveiling |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/jul/06/cristiano-ronaldo-real-madrid-bernabeu |work=The Guardian |location=London |date=6 July 2009 |access-date=12 October 2022 |archive-date=16 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131216085027/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/jul/06/cristiano-ronaldo-real-madrid-bernabeu |url-status=live }}</ref> Sports writer [[David Goldblatt (writer)|David Goldblatt]] commented, "They [the fans] were convinced that the saviour had arrived."<ref name="Naples"/> A local newspaper stated that despite the lack of a "mayor, houses, schools, buses, employment and sanitation, none of this matters because we have Maradona".<ref name="Naples">{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.co.uk/football/columns/story/_/id/1033038/rewind-to-1987:-maradona-brings-success-to-napoli|title=Maradona brings success to Napoli|work=[[ESPN]]|first=Jon|last=Carter|date=9 March 2012|access-date=12 October 2022|archive-date=10 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201010223539/https://www.espn.co.uk/football/columns/story/_/id/1033038/rewind-to-1987:-maradona-brings-success-to-napoli|url-status=dead}}</ref> Prior to Maradona's arrival, Italian football was dominated by teams from the north and centre of the country, such as [[AC Milan]], [[Juventus FC|Juventus]], [[Inter Milan]] and [[AS Roma|Roma]], and no team in the south of the [[Italian Peninsula]] had ever won a league title. This was perhaps the perfect scenario for Maradona and his working-class-sympathetic image, as he joined a once-great team that was facing relegation at the end of the 1983–84 Serie A season, in what was the toughest and most highly regarded football league in Europe.<ref name="Naples"/><ref>{{cite book|title=A History of the World Cup: 1930–2010|author=Clemente A. Lisi|pages= 193|publisher=Scarecrow Press|date= 28 March 2011}}</ref>

At Napoli, Maradona reached the peak of his professional career: he soon inherited the [[Captain (association football)|captain]]'s armband from Napoli veteran defender [[Giuseppe Bruscolotti]]<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.repubblica.it/rubriche/la-storia/2016/02/09/news/bruscolotti_verso_juventus_napoli-133032932/ |title=Bruscolotti, una vita in azzurro: "Napoli, ricorda quella partita dell'86" |newspaper=[[la Repubblica]] |language=it |first=Nicola |last=Sellitti |date=9 February 2016 |access-date=7 April 2016 |archive-date=2 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200802161212/https://www.repubblica.it/rubriche/la-storia/2016/02/09/news/bruscolotti_verso_juventus_napoli-133032932/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and quickly became an adored star among the club's fans; in his time there he elevated the team to the most successful era in its history.<ref name="Naples"/> Maradona played for Napoli at a period when north–south tensions in Italy were at a peak due to a variety of issues, notably the economic differences between the two.<ref name="Naples"/>

Led by Maradona, Napoli won their first ever [[Serie A|Serie A Championship]] in [[1986–87 Serie A|1986–87]].<ref name="Naples" /> Regarding the celebrations, Goldblatt wrote, "The celebrations were tumultuous. A rolling series of impromptu street parties and festivities broke out contagiously across the city in a round-the-clock carnival which ran for over a week. The world was turned upside down. The Neapolitans held mock funerals for Juventus and Milan, burning their coffins, their death notices announcing 'May 1987, the other Italy has been defeated. A new empire is born.'"<ref name="Naples" /> Murals of Maradona were painted on the city's ancient buildings, and newborn children were named in his honour.<ref name="Naples" /> Napoli completed a double that year, when they won the [[1987 Coppa Italia final]] on aggregate against Atalanta. Maradona had been one of the key players of the campaign, scoring seven goals in ten matches, including a brace in the team's first group game against [[SPAL]].<ref>{{Cite web |date= |title=Diego Maradona &raquo; Coppa Italia 1986/1987 |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/diego-maradona/ita-coppa-italia-1986-1987/ssc-napoli/3/ |access-date=2024-11-21 |website=worldfootball.net |language=en}}</ref>

The following season, the team's prolific attacking trio, formed by Maradona, [[Bruno Giordano]], and [[Careca]], was later dubbed the "Ma-Gi-Ca" (''magical'') front-line.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2007/04/03/serie_as_comeback_kid_eyes_ano.html |title=Serie A's comeback kid eyes another miracle |work=Guardian Unlimited |last=Richardson |first=James |date=3 April 2007 |access-date=23 March 2016 |author-link=James Richardson (television presenter) |archive-date=10 February 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080210020827/http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2007/04/03/serie_as_comeback_kid_eyes_ano.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Despite the team's failing to defend their league title, losing out to [[AC Milan]] after a collapse in the final four matches, Maradona was the Serie A top scorer in the [[1987–88 Serie A#Top Scorers|1987–88]] season with 15 goals, and was the [[SSC Napoli#Overall Top Scorers|all-time leading goalscorer for Napoli]], with 115 goals,<ref name="Stats" /> until his record was broken by [[Marek Hamšík]] in 2017.<ref name="Fifa profile" /><ref>{{cite web |last=Shepherd |first=Robert |date=16 February 2014 |title=Diego Maradona Has Appealed to European Union |url=http://guardianlv.com/2014/02/diego-maradona-has-appealed-to-european-union/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803054234/https://guardianlv.com/2014/02/diego-maradona-has-appealed-to-european-union/ |archive-date=3 August 2020 |access-date=12 October 2022 |work=Guardian Liberty Voice}}</ref><ref name="Hamsik">{{cite web |date=23 December 2017 |title=Marek Hamsik breaks Diego Maradona's Napoli scoring record |url=http://www.espn.com/soccer/napoli/story/3322199/marek-hamsik-breaks-diego-maradonas-napoli-scoring-record?src=com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180728191008/http://www.espn.com/soccer/napoli/story/3322199/marek-hamsik-breaks-diego-maradonas-napoli-scoring-record?src=com |archive-date=28 July 2018 |access-date=23 December 2017 |publisher=ESPN FC}}</ref> He was also the top scorer for [[1987–88 Coppa Italia|that season's Coppa Italia]], scoring six goals,<ref>{{Cite web |date= |title=Diego Maradona &raquo; Coppa Italia 1987/1988 |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/diego-maradona/ita-coppa-italia-1987-1988/ssc-napoli/3/ |access-date=2024-11-21 |website=worldfootball.net |language=en}}</ref> despite being eliminated in the quarter-finals by Torino, with Maradona's two goals in the second leg not enough to prevent the elimination.<ref>{{Cite web |title=SSC Napoli - Torino FC 2:3 (Coppa Italia 1987/1988, Quarter-finals) |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/report/coppa-italia-1987-1988-viertelfinale-ssc-napoli-torino-fc/ |access-date=2024-11-21 |website=worldfootball.net |language=en}}</ref> In the [[1988–89 SSC Napoli season|1988–89]] season, Napoli finished runner-up in the [[1988–89 Serie A|league]] and in the Coppa Italia, losing to Sampdoria in [[1989 Coppa Italia final|the final]]. However the team avenged these runner-up finishes with the UEFA Cup title, won over two legs in the [[1989 UEFA Cup final|final]] against [[VfB Stuttgart|Stuttgart]]. During the second leg of the quarterfinals against rivals Juventus, Maradona scored a penalty, and Napoli eventually qualified to the next round after extra time.<ref>{{Cite web |title=SSC Napoli - Juventus 3:0 (Europa League 1988/1989, Quarter-finals) |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/report/europa-league-1988-1989-viertelfinale-ssc-napoli-juventus/ |access-date=2024-11-21 |website=worldfootball.net |language=en}}</ref> During the first leg of the finals, Maradona scored from a penalty in a 2–1 home victory and later assisted Careca's match-winning goal,<ref>{{cite web |title=Napoli–Stuttgart |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/match/926--napoli-vs-stuttgart/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128145758/https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/match/926--napoli-vs-stuttgart/ |archive-date=28 November 2020 |access-date=29 June 2020 |work=[[UEFA]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Sica |first1=Jvan |date=18 April 2019 |title=Quando il Napoli vinse la Coppa UEFA |url=https://www.ultimouomo.com/napoli-coppa-uefa-1988-89/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128145813/https://www.ultimouomo.com/napoli-coppa-uefa-1988-89/ |archive-date=28 November 2020 |access-date=29 June 2020 |publisher=L'Ultimo Uomo |language=it}}</ref> while in the second leg on 17 May—a 3–3 away draw—he assisted [[Ciro Ferrara]]'s goal with a header.<ref>{{cite web |date=1 June 1989 |title=1988/89: Maradona leads the way for Napoli |url=http://en.archive.uefa.com/competitions/uefacup/history/season=1988/intro.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100624211000/http://en.archive.uefa.com/competitions/uefacup/history/season=1988/intro.html |archive-date=24 June 2010 |access-date=29 June 2020 |publisher=[[UEFA]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Mocciaro |first1=Gaetano |date=17 May 2016 |title=17 maggio 1989, Napoli trionfa in Europa: a Stoccarda arriva la Coppa Uefa |url=https://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/accadde-oggi/17-maggio-1989-napoli-trionfa-in-europa-a-stoccarda-arriva-la-coppa-uefa-830676 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128145837/https://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/accadde-oggi/17-maggio-1989-napoli-trionfa-in-europa-a-stoccarda-arriva-la-coppa-uefa-830676 |archive-date=28 November 2020 |access-date=29 June 2020 |publisher=Tutto Mercato Web |language=it}}</ref>

Napoli would win their second league title in [[1989–90 Serie A|1989–90]], and later won the 1990 [[Supercoppa Italiana|Italian Supercup]], beating rivals Juventus 5–1.<ref name="Naples" /> When asked who was the toughest player he ever faced, AC Milan central defender [[Franco Baresi]] stated it was Maradona, a view shared by his Milan teammate [[Paolo Maldini]].<ref name="Baresi: One-on-One">{{cite news |url=http://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/franco-baresi-one-one#JPCgrGHigE3eRrU0.99 |title=Franco Baresi: One-on-One |magazine=Four Four Two |date=1 November 2009 |access-date=19 January 2015 |archive-date=21 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021125510/https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/franco-baresi-one-one#JPCgrGHigE3eRrU0.99 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/8/main/2008/10/04/895828/maradona-and-ronaldo-best-ever-maldini |title=Maradona and Ronaldo Best Ever |publisher=Goal.com |last=Landolina |first=Salvatore |date=4 October 2008 |access-date=7 February 2015 |archive-date=23 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923023026/http://www.goal.com/en/news/8/main/2008/10/04/895828/maradona-and-ronaldo-best-ever-maldini |url-status=live }}</ref>

Although Maradona was successful on the field during his time in Italy, his personal problems increased. His [[cocaine]] use continued, and he received US$70,000 in fines from his club for missing games and practices, ostensibly because of "stress".<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D0CE3D6153EF930A25752C0A967958260 |work=The New York Times |title=Sports People; Maradona Fined |date=13 January 1991 |access-date=1 April 2010 |archive-date=7 December 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081207212902/http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D0CE3D6153EF930A25752C0A967958260 |url-status=live }}</ref> He faced a scandal there regarding an illegitimate [[Diego Sinagra|son]], and he was also the object of some suspicion over an alleged friendship with the [[Camorra]] crime syndicate.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/3639425.stm |work=BBC News |title=Maradona's fall from grace |date=19 April 2004 |access-date=1 April 2010 |first=John |last=May |archive-date=4 April 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100404045852/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/3639425.stm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/after-the-fall-the-world-cup-dream-is-over-for-diego-maradona-but-there-may-be-worse-to-come--a-little-matter-of-pounds-500000worth-of-smuggled-cocaine-and-the-naples-mafia-paul-greengrass-and-toby-follett-report-1411755.html |work=The Independent |location=London |title=After the fall: The World Cup dream is over for Diego Maradona, but there may be worse to come – a little matter of pounds 500,000-worth of smuggled cocaine, and the Naples mafia. Paul Greengrass and Toby Follett report |first1=Paul |last1=Greengrass|first2=Toby |last2=Follett|date=5 July 1994 |access-date=1 April 2010 |archive-date=15 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115145613/https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/after-the-fall-the-world-cup-dream-is-over-for-diego-maradona-but-there-may-be-worse-to-come-a-1411755.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1999/gennaio/02/Camorra_arrestato_boss_amico_Maradona_co_0_9901021353.shtml |title=Camorra, arrestato il boss amico di Maradona |language=it |work=[[Corriere della Sera]] |date=24 December 2009 |access-date=12 June 2010 |archive-date=25 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160125005230/http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1999/gennaio/02/Camorra_arrestato_boss_amico_Maradona_co_0_9901021353.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/si_online/news/2002/01/14/prima_dona/ |publisher=CNN |date=14 January 2002 |author=Telander, Rick |title=At his best, Diego Maradona can be as graceful as Michael Jordan. At his worst, he can be as disgraceful as John McEnroe. The question is, which Maradona will show for the World Cup? |access-date=1 September 2009 |archive-date=3 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103094208/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/si_online/news/2002/01/14/prima_dona/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> He also faced intense backlash and harassment from some local fans after the [[1990 FIFA World Cup|1990 World Cup]], in which he and Argentina beat Italy in a semi-final match at the San Paolo stadium.

In 2000, the [[Squad number (association football)|number 10 jersey]] of Napoli was officially [[List of retired numbers in association football#Retired numbers|retired]], but in 2011, Maradona stated that he wanted [[Ezequiel Lavezzi]] to use it.<ref>{{cite web |last=Landolina |first=Salvatore |date=14 January 2011 |title=Diego Maradona Backs Ezequiel Lavezzi To Earn Napoli Number 10 Shirt |url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/10/italy/2011/01/14/2305148/diego-maradona-backs-ezequiel-lavezzi-to-earn-napoli-numberl |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140608022708/http://www.goal.com/en/news/10/italy/2011/01/14/2305148/diego-maradona-backs-ezequiel-lavezzi-to-earn-napoli-numberl |archive-date=8 June 2014 |access-date=31 March 2013 |publisher=[[Goal (website)|Goal]]}}</ref> In a poll on [[Il Mattino]], 54% of fans voted to keep the shirt retired, and the change ultimately did not occur.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2010-11-02 |title=Maradona gives Lavezzi No 10 shirt |url=https://football-italia.net/maradona-gives-lavezzi-no-10-shirt/ |access-date=2024-11-20 |website=football-italia.net |language=en-GB}}</ref> On 4 December 2020, nine days after Maradona's death, Napoli's home stadium was renamed Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.<ref name="Stadium renamed">{{cite news |title=Napoli plays first match at the newly renamed Stadio Diego Armando Maradona |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2020/12/10/football/napoli-stadio-diego-armando-maradona-spt-intl/index.html |first=Matias |last=Grez |date=11 December 2020 |access-date=16 December 2020 |agency=CNN |archive-date=16 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201216021134/https://edition.cnn.com/2020/12/10/football/napoli-stadio-diego-armando-maradona-spt-intl/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Late career===
After serving a 15-month ban for failing a [[drug test]] for cocaine, Maradona left Napoli in disgrace in 1992. Despite interest from Real Madrid and [[Olympique de Marseille|Marseille]], he signed for [[Sevilla FC|Sevilla]], where he stayed for one year.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/sport-in-short-football-1533258.html |title=Sport in Short: Football – Sport |work=The Independent |location=UK |date=15 July 1992 |access-date=6 May 2011 |archive-date=25 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925034737/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/sport-in-short-football-1533258.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 1993, he played for [[Newell's Old Boys]] and in 1995 returned to Boca Juniors for a two-year stint.<ref Name=vivadiego/> Maradona also appeared for [[Tottenham Hotspur F.C.|Tottenham Hotspur]] in a [[testimonial match]] for [[Osvaldo Ardiles]] against Internazionale, shortly before the [[1986 FIFA World Cup|1986 World Cup]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/blogs/early-doors/maradona-contender-replace-avb-tottenham-132124009.html |title=Maradona 'a main contender to replace Villas-Boas at Tottenham'|date=13 December 2013|work=[[Yahoo]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714180636/https://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/blogs/early-doors/maradona-contender-replace-avb-tottenham-132124009.html |archive-date=14 July 2014|url-status=dead }}</ref> In 1996, he played in a friendly match alongside his brother [[Raúl Maradona|Raul]] for [[Toronto Italia]] against the [[Canadian National Soccer League]] All-Stars.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Strong |first=Gregory |date=25 November 2020 |title=Magical Day: A memorable Canadian one-off with the mighty Maradona |url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/soccer/2020/11/25/magical-day-a-memorable-canadian-one-off-with-the-mighty-maradona.html |access-date=26 November 2020 |website=thestar.com |publisher=[[Toronto Star]] |language=en |archive-date=4 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204041549/https://www.thestar.com/sports/soccer/2020/11/25/magical-day-a-memorable-canadian-one-off-with-the-mighty-maradona.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2000, he captained Bayern Munich in a friendly against the German national team in the farewell game of [[Lothar Matthäus]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Diego Maradona führt FC Bayern bei Matthäus-Abschied als Kapitän an |url=https://www.sport1.de/news/fussball/2020/11/diego-maradona-fuehrt-fc-bayern-bei-matthaeus-abschied-als-kapitaen-an |access-date=9 July 2022 |website=SPORT1 |date=27 November 2020 |language=de |archive-date=9 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220709193622/https://www.sport1.de/news/fussball/2020/11/diego-maradona-fuehrt-fc-bayern-bei-matthaeus-abschied-als-kapitaen-an |url-status=live }}</ref> Maradona was himself given a testimonial match on 10 November 2001, played between an all-star World XI and the Argentina national team, scoring two penalty kicks in a 6–3 win at La Bombonera.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2001/nov/10/sport.comment |title=Maradona finishes on a personal high |work=The Guardian |date=10 November 2001 |access-date=29 July 2018 |first=Dan |last=Rookwood |archive-date=29 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729225946/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2001/nov/10/sport.comment |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/argworld.html|title=Diego Armando Maradona's farewell match|work=[[RSSSF]]|first=Frank|last=Ballestero|date=23 November 2001|access-date=11 October 2022|archive-date=4 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004033738/https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/argworld.html|url-status=live}}</ref> 
{{Clear}}

==International career==
[[File:Arg vs urss 1979.jpg|thumb|right|Maradona on the ball against the [[Soviet Union national under-20 football team|Soviet Union]] in the [[1979 FIFA World Youth Championship Final]] in Japan]]

=== Debut at age 16 ===
Maradona made his full international debut at age 16, against [[Hungary national football team|Hungary]], on 27 February 1977, only four months after his professional debut for Argentinos Juniors.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://dailysports.net/news/on-this-day-the-legendary-diego-maradona-played-his-first-match-for-the-argentina-national-team/ |title=On this day. The legendary Diego Maradona played his first match for the Argentina national team |website=dailysports.net |date=27 February 2024 |accessdate=24 October 2024}}</ref>

He was left off the Argentine squad for the [[1978 FIFA World Cup|1978 World Cup]] on home soil by coach [[César Luis Menotti]] who felt he was too young at age 17.<ref name="Britannica">{{Britannica|686139}}</ref> On 3 November 1978, just a few days after turning 18, Maradona played for the U20 Argentina team in a friendly match against [[Franz Beckenbauer]]'s [[New York Cosmos (1970–1985)|New York Cosmos]], scoring twice in a 2–1 win.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nycosmos.com/news/2020/11/26/cosmos-recall-the-other-10 |title=Cosmos Lament The Death of Maradona |website=www.nycosmos.com |date=26 November 2020 |accessdate=24 October 2024}}</ref>

=== 1979 World Youth Championship and Copa América ===
At age 18, Maradona played the [[1979 FIFA World Youth Championship]] in Japan and emerged as the star of the tournament, shining in Argentina's 3–1 final win over the [[Soviet Union national football team|Soviet Union]], scoring a total of six goals in six appearances in the tournament.<ref name="1979Youth">{{cite web |title=FIFA World Youth Tournament 1979 Technical Study Report |url=https://www.fifa.com/mm/document/afdeveloping/technicaldevp/50/06/61/wyc_79_tr_211.pdf |website=[[FIFA]] |access-date=23 October 2020 |pages=97–109 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140712120606/https://www.fifa.com/mm/document/afdeveloping/technicaldevp/50/06/61/wyc_79_tr_211.pdf |archive-date=12 July 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref> On 2 June 1979, Maradona scored his first senior international goal in a 3–1 win against [[Scotland national football team|Scotland]] at [[Hampden Park]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theherald.co.uk/sport/headlines/display.var.2464361.0.Maradona_to_receive_Hampden_welcome.php|title= Maradona to receive Hampden welcome|last=MacPherson|first=Graeme |date=30 October 2008|work=[[The Herald (Glasgow)|The Herald]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081207131534/http://www.theherald.co.uk/sport/headlines/display.var.2464361.0.Maradona_to_receive_Hampden_welcome.php|archive-date=7 December 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> He went on to play for Argentina in two [[1979 Copa América]] ties during August 1979, a 2–1 loss against [[Brazil national football team|Brazil]] and a 3–0 win over [[Bolivia national football team|Bolivia]] in which he scored his side's third goal.<ref name="RSSSF" /> Speaking thirty years later on the impact of Maradona's performances in 1979, [[FIFA]] President [[Sepp Blatter]] stated, "Everyone has an opinion on Diego Armando Maradona, and that's been the case since his playing days. My most vivid recollection is of this incredibly gifted kid at the second FIFA U-20 World Cup in Japan in 1979. He left everyone open-mouthed every time he got on the ball."<ref name="Maradona FIFA"/> Maradona and his compatriot [[Lionel Messi]] are the only players to win the Golden Ball at both the [[FIFA U-20 World Cup]] and [[FIFA World Cup]]. Maradona did so in [[1979 FIFA World Youth Championship|1979]] and [[1986 FIFA World Cup|1986]], which Messi emulated in [[2005 FIFA World Youth Championship|2005]] and [[2014 FIFA World Cup|2014]] (and again in [[2022 FIFA World Cup|2022]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/fifa-awards.html|title=FIFA Under-20 World Championships Awards|first=José Luis |last=Pierrend|work=[[RSSSF]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160112042845/http://www.rsssf.com/miscellaneous/fifa-awards.html |archive-date=12 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=World Cup final: Lionel Messi named best player as Kylian Mbappe wins Golden Boot |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/64019023 |access-date=4 January 2023 |work=BBC Sport |date=18 December 2022 |archive-date=3 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230103083407/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/64019023 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Maradona appeared at the [[1979 Copa América]], where Argentina had a poor performance, being knocked out in the first round. Maradona exited the tournament having scored once in a 3–0 victory against Bolivia.{{cn|date=May 2025}}

===1982 World Cup===
Maradona played his first [[1982 FIFA World Cup|World Cup]] tournament in 1982 in his new country of residence, Spain. Argentina played [[Belgium national football team|Belgium]] in the opening game of the 1982 Cup at the Camp Nou in [[Barcelona]]. Maradona did not perform to expectations,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.planetworldcup.com/CUPS/1982/wc82story.html|title=1982 – Story of Spain '82|work=Planet World Cup|access-date=12 October 2012|archive-date=4 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120404035221/http://www.planetworldcup.com/CUPS/1982/wc82story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> as Argentina, the defending champions, lost 1–0. Although the team convincingly beat both Hungary and [[El Salvador national football team|El Salvador]] in [[Alicante]] to progress to the second round, there were internal tensions within the team, with the younger, less experienced players at odds with the older, more experienced players. With a team that also included such players as [[Mario Kempes]], [[Osvaldo Ardiles]], [[Ramón Díaz]], [[Daniel Bertoni]], [[Alberto Tarantini]], [[Ubaldo Fillol]] and [[Daniel Passarella]], the Argentine side was defeated in the second round by [[Brazil national football team|Brazil]] and by eventual winners [[Italy national football team|Italy]]. The Italian match is renowned for Maradona being aggressively [[Marking (association football)|man-marked]] by [[Claudio Gentile]], as Italy beat Argentina at the [[Sarrià Stadium]] in Barcelona, 2–1.<ref name="Gentile">{{cite web|url=https://backpagefootball.com/claudio-gentile-story-diego-maradonas-first-world-cup/75863/|title=Claudio Gentile and the story of Diego Maradona's first World Cup|first=David|last=Elkin|date=29 May 2014|access-date=13 October 2022|website=backpagefootball.com|archive-date=13 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221013024419/https://backpagefootball.com/claudio-gentile-story-diego-maradonas-first-world-cup/75863/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Maradona played in all five matches without being substituted, scoring twice against Hungary. He was fouled repeatedly in all five games and particularly in the last one against Brazil at the Sarrià, a game that was blighted by poor officiating and violent fouls. With Argentina already down 3–0 to Brazil, Maradona's temper eventually got the better of him and he was sent off with five minutes remaining for a serious retaliatory foul against [[João Batista da Silva|Batista]].<ref name="autogenerated1"/><ref name="Gentile"/>

===1986 World Cup===
[[File:Maradona shilton mano dios.jpg|thumb|216x216px|The moment when Maradona flicks the ball with the hand past the outstretched arm of Peter Shilton, also known as the "[[The hand of God|Hand of God]]"]]
Maradona captained the Argentine national team to victory in the [[1986 FIFA World Cup|1986 World Cup]] in Mexico, winning the final in [[Mexico City]] against [[Germany national football team|West Germany]].<ref name="espn">{{cite web|url=http://espnfc.com/feature/_/id/696773/world-cup-history?cc=5901|title=World Cup 1986|work=[[ESPN]]|first1=John|last1= Brewin|first2=Martin|last2= Williamson|date=10 November 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140126041410/http://espnfc.com/feature/_/id/696773/world-cup-history|archive-date=26 January 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> Throughout the tournament, Maradona asserted his dominance and was the most dynamic player of the competition. He played every minute of every Argentina game, scoring five goals and making five assists; three of the assists came in the opening match against [[South Korea national football team|South Korea]] at the [[Estadio Olímpico Universitario|Olímpico Universitario Stadium]] in [[Mexico City]]. His first goal of the tournament came against Italy in the second group game in [[Puebla]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/edition=68/results/matches/match=394/report.html |title=1986 FIFA World Cup Mexico: Italy – Argentina|work=[[FIFA]]| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121216144554/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/edition%3D68/results/matches/match%3D394/report.html |archive-date=16 December 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Argentina eliminated [[Uruguay national football team|Uruguay]] in the first knockout round in Puebla, setting up a match against [[England national football team|England]] at the [[Estadio Azteca|Azteca Stadium]], also in Mexico City.

After scoring two contrasting goals in the [[Argentina v England (1986 FIFA World Cup)|2–1 quarter-final win]] against England, his legend was cemented.<ref name="Balague">{{cite news |title=Diego Maradona dies: Guillem Balague on 'the magician, the cheat, the god, the flawed genius' |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55084504 |access-date=26 November 2020 |work=BBC Sport |publisher=BBC |archive-date=29 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129105301/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55084504 |url-status=live }}</ref> The majesty of his second goal and the notoriety of his first led to the French newspaper ''[[L'Équipe]]'' describing Maradona as "half-angel, half-devil".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0253-0d818e7ae229-235c7915f403-1000--30-years-on-maradona-s-hand-of-god/|title=30 years on: Maradona's 'hand of God'|first=Chris|last=Burke|date=22 June 2016|access-date=12 October 2022|work=[[UEFA]]|archive-date=30 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230830230525/https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0253-0d818e7ae229-235c7915f403-1000--30-years-on-maradona-s-hand-of-god/|url-status=live}}</ref> This match was played with the background of the [[Falklands War]] between Argentina and the United Kingdom.<ref>{{cite news |title=The reason we English dislike Maradona so much is because we've never got over the Falklands War |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/diego-maradona-world-cup-argentina-england-falklands-war-patriotism-a8419006.html |work=The Independent |date=27 June 2018 |access-date=13 April 2020 |archive-date=26 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126142629/https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/diego-maradona-world-cup-argentina-england-falklands-war-patriotism-a8419006.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Replays showed that the first goal was scored by striking the ball with his hand. Maradona was coyly evasive, describing it as "a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God".<ref name="espn"/> It became known as the "[[The hand of God|Hand of God]]". Ultimately, on 22 August 2005, Maradona acknowledged on his television show that he had hit the ball with his hand purposely, and no contact with his head was made, and that he immediately knew the goal was illegitimate. This became known as an international fiasco in World Cup history. The goal stood, much to the wrath of the English players.<ref>McCarthy, David (18 November 2008).{{cite web|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/scotland/2008/11/18/terry-butcher-maradona-robbed-england-of-world-cup-glory-86908-20904447/ |title=Terry Butcher: Maradona robbed England of World Cup glory|first=David |last=McCarthy|date=18 November 2008|access-date=12 October 2012|work=[[Daily Record (Scotland)|Daily Record]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100527135636/http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/scotland/2008/11/18/terry-butcher-maradona-robbed-england-of-world-cup-glory-86908-20904447/ |archive-date=27 May 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref>

{{Quote box|width=27%|align=right|quote="Maradona, turns like a little eel and comes away from trouble, little squat man... comes inside Butcher and leaves him for dead, outside Fenwick and leaves him for dead, and puts the ball away... and that is why Maradona is the greatest player in the world."|source=—Bryon Butler's [[BBC Radio]] commentary on Maradona's [[Argentina v England (1986 FIFA World Cup)#The Goal of the Century|second goal]] against England.<ref>{{cite book|title=Motson's World Cup Extravaganza|first=John|last=Motson|author-link=John Motson| pages=103|publisher=Robson Books}}</ref>}}

Maradona's second goal, just four minutes after the hotly disputed hand-goal, was later voted by [[FIFA]] as the greatest goal in the history of the World Cup. He received the ball in his own half, swivelled around and with 11 touches ran more than half the length of the field, [[Dribbling#Association football|dribbling]] past five English outfield players ([[Peter Beardsley]], [[Steve Hodge]], [[Peter Reid]], [[Terry Butcher]] and [[Terry Fenwick]]) before he left goalkeeper [[Peter Shilton]] on his backside with a [[Dummy (football)|feint]], and slotted the ball into the net.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup/6700645/Top-10-World-Cup-goals.html?mobile=basic|title=Top 10 World Cup goals|work=[[The Daily Telegraph|The Telegraph]]|first=Harriet|last=Alexander|date=2 December 2009|access-date=12 October 2022|archive-date=11 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200811015935/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup/6700645/Top-10-World-Cup-goals.html?mobile=basic|url-status=live}}</ref> This goal was voted "[[Goal of the Century]]" in a 2002 online poll conducted by FIFA.<ref name="voted">{{cite web|url=http://www.fifa.com/newscentre/news/newsid=82406/index.html |title=Diego Maradona goal voted the FIFA World Cup Goal of the Century|work=[[FIFA]] |date=30 May 2002|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120523231346/http://www.fifa.com/newscentre/news/newsid=82406/index.html|archive-date=23 May 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> A 2002 Channel 4 poll in the UK saw his performance ranked number 6 in the list of the [[100 Greatest (TV series)#Episodes|100 Greatest Sporting Moments]].<ref name="Channel4 Greatest">{{Cite web |url=http://www.channel4.com/entertainment/tv/microsites/G/greatest_sporting/results.html |title=100 Greatest Sporting Moments – Results |year=2002 |publisher=[[Channel 4]] |location=London|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020204090913/http://www.channel4.com/entertainment/tv/microsites/G/greatest_sporting/results.html|archive-date=4 February 2002|url-status=dead|access-date=8 August 2019}}</ref>

[[File:Maradona gol a inglaterra.jpg|thumb|left|Maradona right before scoring the "Goal of the Century" (four minutes after his "[[The hand of God|Hand of God]]" goal) against England in Mexico 1986. In 2022, his shirt sold for £7.1 million ($9.3 million), the highest for a piece of sports memorabilia.<ref>{{cite news |title=Diego Maradona: Argentina legend's 'Hand of God' shirt sells for £7.1m at auction |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61321555 |access-date=5 May 2022 |agency=BBC |date=4 May 2022 |archive-date=5 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220505052536/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61321555 |url-status=live }}</ref>]]
Maradona followed this with two more goals in a semi-final match against Belgium at the Azteca, including another virtuoso dribbling display for the second goal. In the final match, West Germany attempted to contain him by double-marking him, but in the 84th minute he nevertheless found space past West German player [[Lothar Matthäus]] to give the final pass to [[Jorge Burruchaga]] for the winning goal. [[1986 FIFA World Cup final|Argentina beat West Germany 3–2]] in front of 115,000 fans at the Azteca with Maradona lifting the World Cup as captain.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1064996/index.htm?eref=sisf |title=Tango Argentino! Superstar Diego Maradona fast-stepped Argentina to the World Cup championship over West Germany in Mexico City|first=Clive|last= Gammon|date=7 July 1986|magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]] | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140514062120/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1064996/index.htm?eref=sisf |archive-date=14 May 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>

During the tournament, Maradona attempted or created more than half of Argentina's shots, attempted a tournament-best 90 dribbles—three times more than any other player—and was fouled a record 53 times, winning his team twice as many free kicks as any player.<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/1863/world-cup-2010/2010/06/10/1968349/castrol-world-cup-legends-diego-maradona-1986l|title=Castrol World Cup Legends: Diego Maradona - 1986|date=10 June 2010|access-date=12 October 2022|first=James|last=Darby|work=[[Goal (website)|Goal]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220409002157/https://www.goal.com/en/news/1863/world-cup-2010/2010/06/10/1968349/castrol-world-cup-legends-diego-maradona-1986l|archive-date=9 April 2022|url-status=bot: unknown}}</ref> Maradona scored or assisted ten of Argentina's 14 goals (71%), including the assist for the winning goal in the final, ensuring that he would be remembered as one of the greatest names in football history.<ref name="autogenerated1"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/spain-s-2010-conquerors-in-numbers-2904843 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180607103350/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/spain-s-2010-conquerors-in-numbers-2904843 |url-status=dead |archive-date=7 June 2018 |title=Spain's 2010 conquerors in numbers |publisher=FIFA.com |date=22 August 2017 |access-date=18 May 2020}}</ref> By the end of the World Cup, Maradona went on to win the Golden Ball as the best player of the tournament by unanimous vote and was widely regarded to have won the World Cup virtually single-handedly, something that he later stated he did not entirely agree with.<ref name="autogenerated1"/><ref>{{cite web |title=Argentina's Road to the World Title |url=https://www.fifa.com/mm/document/afdeveloping/technicaldevp/50/09/00/fwc_mexico_1986_en_part4_279.pdf |website=fifa.com |publisher=FIFA |access-date=26 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100614213621/https://www.fifa.com/mm/document/afdeveloping/technicaldevp/50/09/00/fwc_mexico_1986_en_part4_279.pdf |archive-date=14 June 2010 |page=228}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/southafrica2010/awards/goldenball/previouswinners.html |title=Adidas Golden Ball Previous Winners |work=[[FIFA]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120517021852/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/southafrica2010/awards/goldenball/previouswinners.html |archive-date=17 May 2012|url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="number 10">{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/newscentre/news/newsid=76134.html|title= Pelé and Maradona – two very different number tens|work=[[FIFA]]|date= 25 January 2001|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140717094841/http://www.fifa.com/newscentre/news/newsid=76134.html |archive-date=17 July 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Zinedine Zidane]], watching the 1986 World Cup as a 14-year-old, stated Maradona "was on another level".<ref>{{cite news |title=Maradona was on another level – Zidane |url=http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/7138/goal-hall-of-fame/2014/11/12/6070971/maradona-was-on-another-level-zidane |access-date=20 August 2018 |work=Goal |archive-date=6 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201206013751/https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/7138/goal-hall-of-fame/2014/11/12/6070971/maradona-was-on-another-level-zidane |url-status=live }}</ref> In a tribute to him, Azteca Stadium authorities built a statue of him scoring the "Goal of the Century" and placed it at the entrance of the stadium.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://worldrec.info/2007/04/28/messis-goal-better-than-maradonas-goal-of-the-century |title=Messi's Goal Better Than Maradona's Goal of the Century|website=worldrec.info|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100609185309/http://worldrec.info/2007/04/28/messis-goal-better-than-maradonas-goal-of-the-century |archive-date=9 June 2010 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[File:Maradona-Mundial 86 con la copa.JPG|thumb|264x264px|Maradona holding the FIFA World Cup trophy after winning the final to West Germany.]]
Regarding Maradona's performance at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, in 2014, Roger Bennett of ''[[ESPN FC]]'' described it as "the most virtuoso performance a World Cup has ever witnessed,"<ref name="spectacular to scandalous"/> while Kevin Baxter of the ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' called it "one of the greatest individual performances in tournament history,"<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/soccer/la-sp-world-cup-baxter-20140705-story.html |title=Argentina's Lionel Messi still has one man to beat |work=[[The Los Angeles Times]] |last1=Baxter |first1=Kevin |date=4 July 2014 |access-date=17 April 2020 |archive-date=30 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730145039/https://www.latimes.com/sports/soccer/la-sp-world-cup-baxter-20140705-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> with Steven Goff of ''[[The Washington Post]]'' dubbing his performance as "one of the finest in tournament annals."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/dcunited/its-argentina-vs-belgium-in-the-world-cup-but-always-lionel-messi-vs-diego-maradona/2014/07/04/d0c0d87c-03cb-11e4-8e9a-8f02626a2ac0_story.html |title=It's Argentina vs. Belgium in the World Cup, but always Lionel Messi vs. Diego Maradona |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |last1=Goff |first1=Steven |date=4 July 2014 |access-date=17 April 2020 |archive-date=12 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141112152836/http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/dcunited/its-argentina-vs-belgium-in-the-world-cup-but-always-lionel-messi-vs-diego-maradona/2014/07/04/d0c0d87c-03cb-11e4-8e9a-8f02626a2ac0_story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2002, Russell Thomas of ''[[The Guardian]]'' described Maradona's second goal against England in the 1986 World Cup quarter-finals as "arguably the greatest individual goal ever."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/jun/06/worldcupfootball2002.sport11 |title=England's past four World Cup clashes with Argentina |work=[[The Guardian]] |last1=Thomas |first1=Russell |date=6 June 2002 |access-date=17 April 2020 |archive-date=29 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729212307/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/jun/06/worldcupfootball2002.sport11 |url-status=live }}</ref> In a 2009 article for ''[[CBC Sports]]'', John Molinaro described the goal as "the greatest ever scored in the tournament – and, maybe, in soccer."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/1986-world-cup-the-diego-maradona-show-1.813202 |title=1986 World Cup: The Diego Maradona Show |work=CBC Sports |last1=Molinaro |first1=John F. |date=21 November 2009 |access-date=17 April 2020 |archive-date=9 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171009105956/http://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/1986-world-cup-the-diego-maradona-show-1.813202 |url-status=live }}</ref> In a 2018 article for ''[[Sportsnet]]'', he added: "No other player, not even [[Pelé|Pel[é]]] in [[1958 FIFA World Cup|1958]] nor [[Paolo Rossi]] in 1982, had dominated a single competition the way Maradona did in Mexico." He also went on to say of Maradona's performance: "The brilliant Argentine artist single-handedly delivered his country its second World Cup." Regarding his two memorable goals against England in the quarter-finals, he commented: "Yes, it was Maradona's hand, and not God's, that was responsible for the first goal against England. But while the '[[The hand of God|Hand of God]]' goal remains one of the most contentious moments in World Cup history, there can be no disputing that his second goal against England ranks as the greatest ever scored in the tournament. It transcended mere sports – his goal was pure art."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/1986-world-cup-maradona-puts-on-one-man-show/ |title=History of the World Cup: 1986 – Maradona puts on a show in Mexico |work=[[Sportsnet]] |last1=Molinaro |first1=John |date=9 June 2018 |access-date=17 April 2020 |archive-date=29 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129105351/https://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/1986-world-cup-maradona-puts-on-one-man-show/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== 1987 and 1989 Copa América ===
At the [[1987 Copa América]] in Argentina, he scored three goals in four matches, including a brace in a 3–0 victory against Ecuador, but Argentina lost the semi-final 0–1 against eventual winners Uruguay.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2024-06-24 |title=What Maradona and Pele didn't win |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/live-blogs/usmnt-bolivia-live-updates-2024-copa-america-score-result/mF5kqXKnHmnV/lG7Ctl7E9ZuC/ |access-date=2024-07-15 |website=The Athletic |language=en-US}}</ref>

In the [[1989 Copa América]] in Brazil, Maradona played six games but would not score any goals. Argentina would finish the tournament third.

===1990 World Cup===
Maradona captained Argentina again in the [[1990 FIFA World Cup|1990 World Cup]] in Italy to yet another World Cup final. An ankle injury affected his overall performance, and he was much less dominant than four years earlier, and the team were missing three of their best players due to injury. After losing their opening game to [[Cameroon national football team|Cameroon]] at the [[San Siro]] in [[Milan]], Argentina were almost eliminated in the group stage, only qualifying in third position from their group. In the round of 16 match against Brazil in [[Turin]], [[Claudio Caniggia]] scored the only goal after being set up by Maradona.<ref name="Fifa90">{{cite web|url=http://www.espnfc.com/feature/_/id/696774?cc=5739|title=World Cup 1990|work=[[ESPN]]|first1=John |last1=Brewin |first2=Martin |last2=Williamson|date=10 November 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203171920/http://espnfc.com/feature/_/id/696774|archive-date=3 February 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In the quarter-final, Argentina faced [[Yugoslavia national football team|Yugoslavia]] in [[Florence]]; the match ended 0–0 after 120 minutes, with Argentina advancing in a penalty shootout even though Maradona's kick, a weak shot to the goalkeeper's right, was saved. The semi-final against the host nation Italy at Maradona's club stadium in Naples, the Stadio San Paolo, was also resolved on penalties after a 1–1 draw. This time, however, Maradona was successful with his effort, daringly rolling the ball into the net with an almost exact replica of his unsuccessful kick in the previous round. At the [[1990 FIFA World Cup Final|final]] in [[Rome]], Argentina lost 1–0 to West Germany, the only goal being a controversial penalty scored by [[Andreas Brehme]] in the 85th minute, after [[Rudi Völler]] was adjudged to be fouled.<ref name="Fifa90"/> At the final whistle, Maradona burst into tears and blamed the referee for the loss.<ref name="washingtonpost.com">[https://web.archive.org/web/20140714153923/http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/dcunited/argentina-germany-have-rich-world-cup-history/2014/07/11/2b3c1b6e-092f-11e4-ba5b-b9d8a4daba13_story.html The Washington Post]</ref>

=== 1993 Artemio Franchi Cup ===

On 24 February 1993, Maradona returned to the national team when Argentina played the [[1993 Artemio Franchi Cup]] against [[Denmark national football team|Denmark]] in [[Mar del Plata]]. Argentina won 5–4 in a [[penalty shoot-out (association football)|penalty shoot-out]] after a 1–1 draw.<ref>[http://www.afa.org.ar/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3901:Copa%20Artemio%20Franchi%201993 Artemio Franchi Cup details at AFA website]</ref>

=== 1994 World Cup ===
At the [[1994 FIFA World Cup|1994 World Cup]] in the United States, Maradona played in only two games (both at the [[Foxboro Stadium]] near [[Boston]]), scoring one goal against [[Greece national football team|Greece]], before being sent home after failing a [[drug test]] for [[ephedrine]] [[doping (sport)|doping]].<ref>{{cite news |title=After Second Test, Maradona Is Out of World Cup |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/07/01/sports/world-cup-94-after-second-test-maradona-is-out-of-world-cup.html |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |date=July 1994 |access-date=2 February 2017 |last1=Verhovek |first1=Sam Howe |archive-date=29 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129103032/https://www.nytimes.com/1994/07/01/sports/world-cup-94-after-second-test-maradona-is-out-of-world-cup.html |url-status=live }}</ref> After scoring Argentina's third goal against Greece, Maradona had one of the most remarkable World Cup [[goal celebration]]s as he ran towards one of the sideline cameras shouting with a distorted face and bulging eyes, in sheer elation of his return to international football.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.inquirer.com/soccer/diego-maradona-world-cup-goal-greece-1994-20201125.html|title=From our archives: Diego Maradona scored his last World Cup goal in the United States|first=Mike|last=Jensen|work=[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]]|date=22 July 1994|access-date=13 October 2022|archive-date=13 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221013025400/https://www.inquirer.com/soccer/diego-maradona-world-cup-goal-greece-1994-20201125.html|url-status=live}}</ref> This turned out to be Maradona's last international goal for Argentina.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bostonherald.com/2020/12/06/it-was-completely-electric-how-diego-maradonas-legendary-argentina-career-came-to-dramatic-end-at-foxboro-stadium/|title='Completely electric': How Diego Maradona's legendary Argentina career came to dramatic end at Foxboro Stadium|first=Steve|last=Hewitt|work=[[Boston Herald]]|date=6 December 2020|access-date=11 October 2022|archive-date=11 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221011024409/https://www.bostonherald.com/2020/12/06/it-was-completely-electric-how-diego-maradonas-legendary-argentina-career-came-to-dramatic-end-at-foxboro-stadium/|url-status=live}}</ref> In the second game, a 2–1 victory over Nigeria which was to be his last game for Argentina, he set up both of his team's goals on free kicks, the second an assist to Caniggia, in what were two very strong showings by the Argentine team.<ref>{{cite news|title=Diego Maradona: how his genius shone in his last Argentina game|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/africa/55080174|first=Ben|last=Sutherland|date=26 November 2020|access-date=11 October 2022|publisher=[[BBC]]|archive-date=30 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221130112554/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/africa/55080174|url-status=live}}</ref>

In his autobiography, Maradona argued that the test result was due to his personal trainer giving him the energy drink Rip Fuel.<ref name="RipFuel">{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1994/08/24/fifa-to-decide-maradonas-status/750625a5-27dd-4539-b3c3-706318a2bdd6/|title=FIFA to Decide Maradona's Status|first=Keyvan Antonio|last= Heydari|date=24 August 1994|access-date=11 October 2022|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]}}</ref> His claim was that the U.S. version, unlike the Argentine one, contained the chemical and that, having run out of his Argentine dosage, his trainer unwittingly bought the U.S. formula.<ref name="RipFuel"/> FIFA expelled him from USA '94, and Argentina were subsequently eliminated in the round of 16 by [[Romania national football team|Romania]] in [[Los Angeles]], having been a weaker team without Maradona, even with players like [[Gabriel Batistuta]] and [[Claudio Caniggia]] on the squad.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jun/26/world-cup-best-game-argentina-romania-usa-94-hagi|title=The best ever World Cup match? Romania 3-2 Argentina at USA 94|first=Craig|last=McCracken|date=26 June 2018|access-date=11 October 2022|work=[[The Guardian]]|archive-date=11 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221011024407/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jun/26/world-cup-best-game-argentina-romania-usa-94-hagi|url-status=live}}</ref> Maradona also separately claimed that he had an agreement with FIFA, on which the organization reneged, to allow him to use the drug for weight loss before the competition in order to be able to play.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://worldsoccer.about.com/od/soccerhistory/p/diegomaradona.htm|title= Diego Maradona - Career History|last=Hylands|first= Alan|website=about.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090330155023/http://worldsoccer.about.com/od/soccerhistory/p/diegomaradona.htm|archive-date=30 March 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref> His failed drug test at the 1994 World Cup signalled the end of his international career, which lasted 17 years and yielded 34 goals from 91 games, including one winner's medal and one runners-up medal in the World Cup.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/1646832.stm|title=Argentina's tribute to Maradona|publisher=[[BBC]]|date=9 November 2001|access-date=11 October 2022|archive-date=26 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126010937/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/1646832.stm|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Unofficial internationals===

Alongside official internationals, Maradona also played and scored for an Argentina XI against the [[World XI]] in 1978 to mark the first anniversary of their first World Cup win,<ref name="factsheet">{{cite web|url=https://digitalhub.fifa.com/m/40936034f9e3d5d5/original/s7puddxetpvmidgf7hxd-pdf.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210908121719/https://digitalhub.fifa.com/m/40936034f9e3d5d5/original/s7puddxetpvmidgf7hxd-pdf.pdf |archive-date=8 September 2021 |url-status=live|title=FIFA World Stars Games at a glance|access-date=11 October 2022|publisher=[[FIFA]]}}</ref><ref name="rsssffifa" /> scored for The Americas against the World in a [[UNICEF]] fundraiser a short time after the 1986 triumph,<ref name="factsheet" /><ref name="rsssffifa">{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/fifa-xi.html|title=FIFA XI´s Matches - Full Info|work=[[RSSSF]]|first=Marcelo|last=Leme de Arruda|date=2001|access-date=11 October 2022|archive-date=17 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117033752/http://www.rsssf.com/miscellaneous/fifa-xi.html|url-status=live}}</ref> a year after that captained the 'Rest of the World' against the English [[Football League XI]] to celebrate the organization's centenary (after reportedly securing a £100,000 appearance fee)<ref name="bore">{{cite web|url=https://thesefootballtimes.co/2017/08/05/100-years-bore-the-arduous-and-elongated-football-league-centenary-celebrations/|title=100 years bore: the arduous and elongated Football League centenary celebrations in 1988|first=Matthew|last=Crist|date=8 May 2017|work=These Football Times|access-date=3 December 2020|archive-date=25 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171025185057/https://thesefootballtimes.co/2017/08/05/100-years-bore-the-arduous-and-elongated-football-league-centenary-celebrations/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://englandmemories.com/2015/08/07/when-the-football-league-took-on-the-world/amp/ |title=When the Football League took on the world...|work=England Memories|date= 7 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191105080919/https://englandmemories.com/2015/08/07/when-the-football-league-took-on-the-world/amp/|archive-date=5 November 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Player profile==
===Style of play===
{{See also|Creole football}}
[[File:Maradona entrenando napoli.jpg|thumb|200px|Maradona exhibiting his ball control before a match against Lazio. [[Michel Platini]] stated, "Diego was capable of things no one else could match. The things I could do with a football, he could do with an orange."<ref name="Quotes"/>]]
Described as a "[[Squad number (association football)|classic number 10]]" in the media,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.goal.com/en-ie/news/what-is-a-false-nine-messi-hazard-how-the-attacking-role/sjo7n8fc6ubh17h538ws6tx1b |title=What is a false nine? Messi, Hazard & how the attacking role works |publisher=Goal.com |last1=Siregar |first1=Cady |date=11 June 2019 |access-date=12 April 2020 |archive-date=18 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200818091042/https://www.goal.com/en-ie/news/what-is-a-false-nine-messi-hazard-how-the-attacking-role/sjo7n8fc6ubh17h538ws6tx1b |url-status=live }}</ref> Maradona was a traditional [[playmaker]] who usually played in a free role, either as an [[attacking midfielder]] behind the forwards, or as a [[second striker]] in a front–two,<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/soccer/world-cup-2010/writers/jonathan_wilson/05/27/argentina.1986/index.html|title= Diego Maradona dominated 1986 World Cup after position switch|first=Jonathan |last=Wilson|magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]]|date=27 May 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100530121734/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/soccer/world-cup-2010/writers/jonathan_wilson/05/27/argentina.1986/index.html|archive-date=30 May 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://theviewspaper.net/diego-maradona-%E2%80%98the-soccer-guru%E2%80%99/|title= Diego Maradona: 'The Soccer Guru'|first=Manisha|last= Adlakha|date=25 June 2010|work= The Viewspaper|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202222239/http://theviewspaper.net/diego-maradona-%E2%80%98the-soccer-guru%E2%80%99/ |archive-date=2 December 2013|url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://worldsoccer.about.com/od/players/a/Maradonaprofile.htm|title= Diego Maradona – Profile of Soccer Player Diego Maradona|first=Stewart|last= Coggin|website=worldsoccer.about.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203001839/http://worldsoccer.about.com/od/players/a/Maradonaprofile.htm|archive-date=3 December 2013|url-status=usurped}}</ref> although he was also deployed as an offensive–minded [[central midfielder]] in a [[Formation (association football)#4–4–2|4–4–2 formation]] on occasion.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.si.com/more-sports/2010/05/27/argentina-1986 |title=Maradona the coach can learn from experience of Maradona the player |publisher=Sports Illustrated |last1=Wilson |first1=Jonathan |date=27 May 2010 |access-date=12 April 2020 |archive-date=29 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729211435/https://www.si.com/more-sports/2010/05/27/argentina-1986 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2008/nov/19/argentina-napoli |title=The Question: is 3–5–2 dead? |work=The Guardian |last1=Wilson |first1=Jonathan |date=19 November 2008 |access-date=12 April 2020 |archive-date=18 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171118203045/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2008/nov/19/argentina-napoli |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/soccer/article-lionel-messi-plays-for-argentina-but-he-is-not-a-traditional-argentine/ |title=Lionel Messi plays for Argentina but he is not a traditional Argentine player |work=[[The Globe and Mail]] |last1=Doyle |first1=John |date=29 June 2018 |access-date=12 April 2020 |archive-date=29 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729221904/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/soccer/article-lionel-messi-plays-for-argentina-but-he-is-not-a-traditional-argentine/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2014/07/germany-vs-argentina-shows-the-world-cup-isnt-for-the-world-why-america-wont-be-a-soccer-superpower-anytime-soon/374312/ |title=Germany, Argentina, and What Really Makes a World Cup Team |work=[[The Atlantic]] |last1=Barra |first1=Allen |date=12 July 2014 |access-date=12 April 2020 |archive-date=28 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200628154543/https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2014/07/germany-vs-argentina-shows-the-world-cup-isnt-for-the-world-why-america-wont-be-a-soccer-superpower-anytime-soon/374312/ |url-status=live }}</ref> A precocious talent, Maradona was given the nickname "'''''El Pibe de Oro'''''{{-"}} ("The Golden Boy"), a name that stuck with him throughout his career.<ref name="Pibe">{{cite web |url=http://www.repubblica.it/2008/10/sezioni/sport/calcio/maradona-ct-argentina/maradona-ct-argentina/maradona-ct-argentina.html |title=La nuova vita del Pibe de Oro Maradona ct dell'Argentina |publisher=[[la Repubblica]] |access-date=3 February 2015 |archive-date=2 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200802150515/https://www.repubblica.it/2008/10/sezioni/sport/calcio/maradona-ct-argentina/maradona-ct-argentina/maradona-ct-argentina.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He was renowned for his [[Dribbling#Association football|dribbling]] ability, vision, close ball control, passing and creativity, and is considered to have been one of the most skilful players in the sport.<ref name="number 10"/><ref name="Political Psychology">{{cite book|title=Political Psychology: Situations, Individuals, and Cases|first=David Patrick|last= Houghton |date=2008|pages=43|publisher=[[Routledge]]}}</ref><ref name="People on People">{{cite book|title=People on People: The Oxford Dictionary of Biographical Quotations|first=Susan |last=Ratcliffe|date=2001|pages= 234|publisher=[[Oxford University Press]]}}</ref> He had a compact physique, and with his strong legs, low [[Center of mass|center of gravity]], and resulting balance, he could withstand physical pressure well while running with the ball, despite his small stature,<ref name="spectacular to scandalous">[https://www.espn.com/soccer/blog/name/93/post/1851646/headline "From spectacular to scandalous: Maradona's World Cup legacy"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130051755/https://www.espn.com/soccer/blog/name/93/post/1851646/headline |date=30 November 2020 }}. ESPN. Retrieved 14 May 2014</ref><ref name="Perfect 10s">{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/core/world-cup/story/_/page/worldcup101-05142010/ce/us/ruud-gull-all-time-no-10s |title=Perfect 10s |publisher=ESPN FC |last1=Gullit |first1=Ruud |date=14 May 2010 |access-date=8 April 2020 |archive-date=28 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728113958/https://www.espn.com/core/world-cup/story/_/page/worldcup101-05142010/ce/us/ruud-gull-all-time-no-10s |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2014/06/in-soccer-being-short-can-help/372617/ |title=Why Being Short Can Help in Soccer |work=The Atlantic |last1=Khazan |first1=Olga |date=12 June 2014 |access-date=14 April 2020 |archive-date=29 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729204639/https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2014/06/in-soccer-being-short-can-help/372617/ |url-status=live }}</ref> while his acceleration, quick feet, and agility, combined with his dribbling skills and close control at speed, allowed him to change direction quickly, making him difficult for opponents to defend against.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://montrealgazette.com/sports/soccer/maradona-really/ |title=Maradona? Really? |work=[[Montreal Gazette]] |date=29 October 2008 |access-date=11 April 2020 |archive-date=11 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200411172136/https://montrealgazette.com/sports/soccer/maradona-really/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.esquire.com/uk/culture/news/a6353/world-cup-legends-2-diego-maradona/ |title=World Cup Legends #1: Diego Maradona |work=Esquire |last1=Burns |first1=Jimmy |date=9 July 2014 |access-date=11 April 2020 |archive-date=29 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729211918/https://www.esquire.com/uk/culture/news/a6353/world-cup-legends-2-diego-maradona/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/06/23/sports/world-cup-94-maradona-lets-feet-talk-for-him.html |title=WORLD CUP '94; Maradona Lets Feet Talk for Him |work=[[The New York Times]] |last1=Yannis |first1=Alex |date=23 June 1994 |access-date=11 April 2020 |archive-date=11 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200411194838/https://www.nytimes.com/1994/06/23/sports/world-cup-94-maradona-lets-feet-talk-for-him.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1981/08/09/maradona/167d4752-8af3-4631-a418-4e8a92e4b6ff/ |title=!Maradona! |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |last1=Gorney |first1=Cynthia |date=9 August 1981 |access-date=11 April 2020 |archive-date=11 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200411172141/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1981/08/09/maradona/167d4752-8af3-4631-a418-4e8a92e4b6ff/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:Argentina v belgica 1986.jpg|thumb|left|Viewed as one of the best dribblers in the game, Maradona (pictured on the ball against Belgium in 1986) would often go on runs against the opposition.]]
On his dribbling ability, former Dutch player [[Johan Cruyff]] saw similarities between Maradona and [[Lionel Messi]] with the ball seemingly attached to their boot.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Lionel-Messi-hailed-as-world-treasure-by-Johan-Cruyff-fellow-Barcelona-legend-article881245.html |title=Messi's a world treasure says Johan Cruyff| first=Neil |last=McLeman |date=21 March 2012|work=The Mirror|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426041440/http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Lionel-Messi-hailed-as-world-treasure-by-Johan-Cruyff-fellow-Barcelona-legend-article881245.html |archive-date=26 April 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Greatest Dribblers">{{cite web |url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1037524-50-greatest-dribblers-in-world-football-history |title=50 Greatest Dribblers in World Football History |website=Bleacher Report |first=Allan |last=Jiang |date=25 January 2012 |access-date=22 December 2017 |archive-date=23 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171223102830/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1037524-50-greatest-dribblers-in-world-football-history |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Joy of Six">{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2010/oct/15/the-joy-of-six-great-dribbles |title=The Joy of Six: Great dribbles |newspaper=The Guardian |first=Scott |last=Murray |date=15 October 2010 |access-date=14 February 2017 |archive-date=24 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160924010036/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2010/oct/15/the-joy-of-six-great-dribbles |url-status=live }}</ref> His physical strengths were illustrated by his two goals against Belgium in the 1986 World Cup. Although he was known for his penchant for undertaking individual runs with the ball,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/sports/nbcsports/we-missed-the-premier-league-too-the-legendary-career-of-thierry-henry/2343423/ |title=We Missed the Premier League, Too: The Legendary Career of Thierry Henry |work=NBC4 Washington |date=24 June 2020 |access-date=29 June 2020 |archive-date=29 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629130612/https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/sports/nbcsports/we-missed-the-premier-league-too-the-legendary-career-of-thierry-henry/2343423/ |url-status=live }}</ref> he was also a strategist and an intelligent team player, with excellent spatial awareness, as well as being highly technical with the ball. He was effective in limited spaces, and would attract defenders only to quickly dash out of the melee (as in the second goal against England in 1986),<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/photo_galleries/3639075.stm Maradona's World Cup magic] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120323034307/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/photo_galleries/3639075.stm |date=23 March 2012 }}. BBC Sport (19 April 2004). Retrieved 18 August 2006.</ref><ref name="Recall the best not the worst of Maradona">{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/apr/20/sport.comment1 |title=Recall the best not the worst of Maradona, says David Lacey |work=The Guardian |date=19 April 2004 |access-date=29 June 2020 |archive-date=29 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629130614/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/apr/20/sport.comment1 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.goal.com/en/news/mythbuster-messi-maradona-win-world-cup/p2c79lru48oi1b2cbsdvazjy4 |title=Mythbuster: 'Messi is not Maradona' – Did Diego win the World Cup on his own? |publisher=Goal.com |last1=Doyle |first1=Mark |date=27 March 2020 |access-date=29 June 2020 |archive-date=29 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629130620/https://www.goal.com/en/news/mythbuster-messi-maradona-win-world-cup/p2c79lru48oi1b2cbsdvazjy4 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Lowenstein |first1=Stephen |title=My First Movie, Take Two: Ten Celebrated Directors Talk About Their First Film |date=2009 |publisher=Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group |isbn=978-1-4000-7990-2 |page=xi |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7GR4VNVYyO0C&q=maradona+%22spatial+awareness%22&pg=PR11 |access-date=29 June 2020 |language=en |archive-date=30 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030215156/https://books.google.com/books?id=7GR4VNVYyO0C&q=maradona+%22spatial+awareness%22&pg=PR11#v=snippet&q=maradona%20%22spatial%20awareness%22&f=false |url-status=live }}</ref> or give an [[Assist (association football)|assist]] to a free teammate. Being short, but strong, he could hold the ball long enough with a defender on his back to wait for a teammate making a run or to find a gap for a quick shot. He showed leadership qualities on the field and captained Argentina in their World Cup campaigns of 1986, 1990 and 1994.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2014/may/29/world-cup-top-100-pele-maradona|title=World Cup's top 100 footballers: how to choose between Pelé and Maradona?|work=[[The Guardian]]|first=Barney|last=Ronay|date=29 May 2014|access-date=10 October 2022|archive-date=8 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221008055851/https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2014/may/29/world-cup-top-100-pele-maradona|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>John H Kerr (2004). {{cite book|title=Motivation And Emotion in Sport|first=John H|last=Kerr|pages=2|date=2004|publisher=[[Taylor & Francis]]}}</ref> While he was primarily a creative playmaker, Maradona was also known for his finishing and goalscoring ability.<ref name="number 10"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://medium.com/sportstalkfeed/top-20-soccer-players-of-all-time-5342c4fd56bf |title=Top 20 Soccer Players of All-Time |publisher=Medium |last1=Zavala |first1=Steve |date=17 August 2017 |access-date=11 April 2020 |archive-date=11 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200411184727/https://medium.com/sportstalkfeed/top-20-soccer-players-of-all-time-5342c4fd56bf |url-status=live }}</ref> Former Milan manager [[Arrigo Sacchi]] also praised Maradona for his defensive work-rate off the ball in a 2010 interview with ''[[Il Corriere dello Sport]]''.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.corrieredellosport.it/serie_a/napoli/2010/10/30-136383/Sacchi:+«Maradona+il+più+grande.+Il+Milan+voleva+prenderlo» |title=Sacchi: "Maradona il più grande Il Milan voleva prenderlo" |work=[[Corriere dello Sport – Stadio]] |language=it |date=30 October 2010 |access-date=12 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131026005429/http://www.corrieredellosport.it/serie_a/napoli/2010/10/30-136383/Sacchi%3A+%C2%ABMaradona+il+pi%C3%B9+grande.+Il+Milan+voleva+prenderlo%C2%BB |archive-date=26 October 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

The [[Captain (association football)|team leader]] on and off the field – he would speak up on a range of issues on behalf of the players – Maradona's ability as a player and his overpowering personality had a major positive effect on his team, with his 1986 World Cup teammate [[Jorge Valdano]] stating:

{{blockquote|Maradona was a technical leader: a guy who resolved all difficulties that may come up on the pitch. Firstly, he was in charge of making the miracles happen, that's something that gives team-mates a lot of confidence. Secondly, the scope of his celebrity was such that he absorbed all the pressures on behalf of his team-mates. What I mean is: one slept soundly the night before a game not just because you knew you were playing next to Diego and Diego did things no other player in the world could do, but also because unconsciously we knew that if it was the case that we lost then Maradona would shoulder more of the burden, would be blamed more, than the rest of us. That was the kind of influence he exercised on the team.<ref>{{cite news|title=Does Diego still have the touch of a leader?|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2008/nov/18/diego-maradona-argentina|first=Marcela|last=Mora y Araujo|date=18 November 2008|access-date=10 October 2022|work=The Guardian|archive-date=4 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220704211632/https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2008/nov/18/diego-maradona-argentina|url-status=live}}</ref>}} Lauding the "charisma" of Maradona, another of his Argentina teammates, prolific striker [[Gabriel Batistuta]], stated, "Diego could command a stadium, have everyone watch him. I played with him and I can tell you how technically decisive he was for the team".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/messi-lacks-maradonas-charisma-claims-batistuta#5TvMcZMsZqydgcwd.99 |title=Messi lacks Maradona's charisma, claims Batistuta |work=Four Four Two |date=23 March 2018 |access-date=15 August 2018 |archive-date=15 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180815232833/https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/messi-lacks-maradonas-charisma-claims-batistuta#5TvMcZMsZqydgcwd.99 |url-status=live }}</ref> Napoli's former president – Corrado Ferlaino – commented on Maradona's leadership qualities during his time with the club in 2008, describing him as "a coach on the pitch."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://st.ilsole24ore.com/art/SoleOnLine4/Sport/graffiti-di-sport/graffiti-sport-30-ottobre_PRN.shtml |title=Maradona, il ct dei sogni che può vincere il Mondiale |work=Il Sole 24 Ore |language=it |last1=Genta |first1=Carlo |date=30 October 2008 |access-date=13 April 2020 |archive-date=29 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729225515/https://st.ilsole24ore.com/art/SoleOnLine4/Sport/graffiti-di-sport/graffiti-sport-30-ottobre_PRN.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref>

{{Quote box|width=28%|align=left|quote="Even if I played for a million years, I'd never come close to Maradona. Not that I'd want to anyway. He's the greatest there's ever been."|source=—Lionel Messi, the player most closely identified with the "[[New Maradona]]" label.<ref name="Maradona FIFA">{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/news/maradona-others-see-him-1326223 |title=Maradona, as others see him|publisher=[[FIFA]]|date=30 October 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129102947/https://www.fifa.com/news/maradona-others-see-him-1326223 |archive-date=29 November 2020 |url-status=dead}}</ref> }}

One of Maradona's trademark moves was dribbling full-speed on the right wing, and on reaching the opponent's goal line, delivering accurate passes to his teammates. Another trademark was the ''[[rabona]]'', a reverse-cross pass shot behind the leg that holds all the weight.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fifa.com/news/y=2011/m=10/news=enraptured-rabonas-1527054.html |title=Enraptured by 'rabonas' |publisher=FIFA.com |date=24 October 2014 |access-date=9 April 2016 |archive-date=8 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160408040323/http://www.fifa.com/news/y=2011/m=10/news=enraptured-rabonas-1527054.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> This manoeuvre led to several assists, such as the cross for [[Ramón Díaz]]'s header against Switzerland in 1980.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espnfc.us/story/1300129/first-xi-the-art-of-rabona |title=The art of rabona |publisher=ESPN FC |first=Robin |last=Hackett |date=17 January 2013 |access-date=9 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160131140916/http://www.espnfc.us/story/1300129/first-xi-the-art-of-rabona|archive-date=31 January 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> Moreover, he was also a well–known proponent of the ''[[Marseille turn|roulette]]'', a feint which involved him dragging the ball back first with one foot and then the other, while simultaneously performing a 360° turn; due to his penchant for using this move, it has even occasionally been described as the "Maradona turn" in the media.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2006/mar/08/theknowledge.sport |title=Sprechen sie Fußball? |work=The Guardian |last1=Doyle |first1=Paul |date=8 March 2006 |access-date=21 April 2021 |archive-date=21 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210421020106/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2006/mar/08/theknowledge.sport |url-status=live }}</ref> He was also a dangerous [[Free kick (association football)|free kick]] and [[Penalty kick (association football)|penalty kick]] taker, who was renowned for his ability to [[Curl (association football)|bend]] the ball from [[Corner kick|corners]] and direct [[Set piece (football)|set pieces]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/us-soccer-world-maradona-idUSTRE65I0RB20100619 |title=Free kick expert Maradona leads by example|date=19 June 2010|work=[[Reuters]]|first=Ken |last=Ferris|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307034137/http://uk.reuters.com/article/us-soccer-world-maradona-idUSTRE65I0RB20100619|archive-date=7 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fifa.com/news/y=2009/m=7/news=tension-from-yards-1086121.html |title=Tension from 12 yards |publisher=FIFA.com |date=31 July 2009 |access-date=9 April 2016 |archive-date=8 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160408112957/http://www.fifa.com/news/y=2009/m=7/news=tension-from-yards-1086121.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1986-06-25-8602150468-story.html |title=Soccer Celebrates its 'San' Diego |work=[[Chicago Tribune]] |last1=Hersh |first1=Phil |date=25 June 1986 |access-date=8 April 2020 |archive-date=25 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225112031/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1986-06-25-8602150468-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Regarded as one of the best dead-ball specialists of all time,<ref name="Kings">{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/newscentre/features/news/newsid=1551015/index.html |title=Kings of the free-kick|work=[[FIFA]]|date=2 December 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150512114927/http://www.fifa.com/newscentre/features/news/newsid=1551015/index.html |archive-date=12 May 2015 |url-status=dead}}. FIFA.com. Retrieved 20 May 2014</ref><ref name="Greatest Free-Kick Takers of All Time">{{cite web |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2686617-where-does-lionel-messi-rank-among-the-greatest-free-kick-takers-of-all-time#slide6 |title=Where Does Lionel Messi Rank Among the Greatest Free-Kick Takers of All Time? |publisher=bleacherreport.com |first=Karl |last=Matchett |date=6 February 2017 |access-date=30 April 2019 |archive-date=30 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190430212752/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2686617-where-does-lionel-messi-rank-among-the-greatest-free-kick-takers-of-all-time#slide6 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="completo">{{cite news |url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/1999/gennaio/26/Zola_applaude_Mihajlovic_piu_completo_ga_0_990126710.shtml |title=Zola applaude Mihajlovic: "E' il piu' completo" |trans-title=Zola applauds Mihajlovic: "He is the most complete" |work=[[La Gazzetta dello Sport]] |language=it |last1=Giancarlo |first1=Galavotti |date=26 January 1999 |access-date=8 April 2020 |archive-date=30 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730031733/http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/1999/gennaio/26/Zola_applaude_Mihajlovic_piu_completo_ga_0_990126710.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="best freekick takers in football history">{{cite web |url=https://www.marca.com/en/football/barcelona/2018/09/20/5ba2969c268e3e35188b45ad.html |title=Messi and the other best freekick takers in football history |publisher=Marca |last1=Lara |first1=Lorenzo |last2=Mogollo |first2=Álvaro |last3=Wilson |first3=Emily |date=20 September 2018 |access-date=8 April 2020 |archive-date=10 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200610214908/https://www.marca.com/en/football/barcelona/2018/09/20/5ba2969c268e3e35188b45ad.html |url-status=live }}</ref> his free kick technique, which often saw him raise his knee at a high angle when striking the ball, thus enabling him to lift it high over the wall, allowed him to score free kicks even from close range, within 22 to 17 yards (20 to 16 metres) from the goal, or even just outside the penalty area.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1995/ottobre/24/Del_Piero_Tira_alla_Platini_co_0_951024456.shtml |title=Del Piero? Tira alla Platini |newspaper=[[Corriere della Sera]]|language=it |date=24 October 1995 |page=44|archive-url=https://archive.today/20151106152619/http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1995/ottobre/24/Del_Piero_Tira_alla_Platini_co_0_951024456.shtml|archive-date=6 November 2015}}</ref> His style of taking free kicks influenced several other specialists, including [[Gianfranco Zola]],<ref name="completo"/> [[Andrea Pirlo]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.football-italia.net/46640/free-kick-master-pirlo |title=Free-kick master Pirlo |publisher=Football Italia |last=Cetta |first=Luca |date=19 March 2014 |access-date=8 April 2020 |archive-date=26 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626000926/https://www.football-italia.net/46640/free-kick-master-pirlo |url-status=dead }}</ref> and Lionel Messi.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomsanderson/2019/11/10/dead-ball-genius-how-messi-learned-from-maradona-ronaldinho-and-deco-to-become-the-games-greatest-free-kick-taker/#67633c24679b |title=Dead Ball Genius: How Messi Learned From Maradona, Ronaldinho And Deco To Become The Game's Greatest Free-Kick Taker |work=Forbes |last1=Sanderson |first1=Tom |date=10 November 2019 |access-date=8 April 2020 |archive-date=30 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730004051/https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomsanderson/2019/11/10/dead-ball-genius-how-messi-learned-from-maradona-ronaldinho-and-deco-to-become-the-games-greatest-free-kick-taker/#67633c24679b |url-status=live }}</ref>

Maradona was famous for his cunning personality.<ref name="elmaestro">{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/oct/30/argentina-maradona-football-manager-rehab|title=El maestro Maradona: football legend to be Argentina manager|work=[[The Guardian]]|first1=Robert|last1=Booth|first2=Sam|last2=Jones|date=30 October 2008|access-date=10 October 2022|archive-date=4 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220704211426/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/oct/30/argentina-maradona-football-manager-rehab|url-status=live}}</ref> Some critics view his controversial "[[The hand of God|Hand of God]]" goal at the 1986 World Cup as a clever manoeuvre, with one of the opposition players, [[Glenn Hoddle]], admitting that Maradona had disguised it by flicking his head at the same time as palming the ball.<ref>Geoff Tibballs (2003). "Great Sporting Scandals". p. 227. Robson, 2003</ref> The goal itself has been viewed as an embodiment of the Buenos Aires shanty town Maradona was brought up in and its concept of ''viveza criolla''—"cunning of the [[Criollo people|criollos]]".<ref>[http://www.smh.com.au/sport/football/maradona-scores-1800aseat-ticket-sales-proving-the-bad-boys-of-sport-are-hard-to-match-20120511-1yi1y.html#ixzz327PbCwNs "Maradona scores $1800-a-seat ticket sales, proving the bad boys of sport are hard to match"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140705105233/http://www.smh.com.au/sport/football/maradona-scores-1800aseat-ticket-sales-proving-the-bad-boys-of-sport-are-hard-to-match-20120511-1yi1y.html#ixzz327PbCwNs |date=5 July 2014 }}. Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 19 May 2014</ref> Although critical of the illegitimate first goal, England striker [[Gary Lineker]] conceded, "When Diego scored that second goal against us, I felt like applauding. It was impossible to score such a beautiful goal. He's the greatest player of all time, by a long way. A genuine phenomenon."<ref name="Quotes">{{cite web |title=Diego Maradona - I was there |url=http://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/players/player=174732/quotes.html |website=[[FIFA]] |access-date=3 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071015051839/http://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/players/player=174732/quotes.html |archive-date=15 October 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Maradona used his hand in the 1990 World Cup, again without punishment, and this time on his own goal line, to prevent the Soviet Union from scoring.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/jun/13/diego-maradona-other-hand-ball|title=13 June 1990: Diego Maradona's other World Cup handball"|work=The Guardian|date=13 June 2009|access-date=10 October 2022|archive-date=24 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221124143437/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/jun/13/diego-maradona-other-hand-ball|url-status=live}}</ref> A number of publications have referred to Maradona as the [[Artful Dodger]], the urchin pickpocket from [[Charles Dickens]]' ''Oliver Twist''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.esquire.co.uk/culture/sport/6353/world-cup-legends-2-diego-maradona/ |title=World Cup Legends #1: Diego Maradona| work=[[Esquire (magazine)|Esquire]]|date=9 July 2014|first=Jimmy |last=Burns |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150203100233/http://www.esquire.co.uk/culture/sport/6353/world-cup-legends-2-diego-maradona/ |archive-date=3 February 2015|url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/international/3459830/Diego-Maradona-writes-another-chapter-in-a-turbulent-life-Football.html|title=Argentina coach Diego Maradona writes another chapter in a turbulent life|work=The Telegraph|first=Jimmy|last=Burns|date=15 November 2008|access-date=10 October 2022|archive-date=5 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220705194954/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/international/3459830/Diego-Maradona-writes-another-chapter-in-a-turbulent-life-Football.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2005/nov/06/sport.argentina|title=A Big Hand|work=The Guardian|last=Taylor|first=Chris|date=9 November 2005|access-date=10 October 2022|archive-date=17 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220917155717/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2005/nov/06/sport.argentina|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Maradona: The Hand of God|first=Jimmy|last=Burns|pages=17|date=18 February 2021|publisher=[[A & C Black]]}}</ref>

Maradona was dominantly left-footed, often using his left foot even when the ball was positioned more suitably for a right-footed connection.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2006/11/13/rabona-tocco-magico-di-diego.html |title=Rabona, ' o tocco magico di Diego |trans-title=Rabona, Diego's magic touch |newspaper=[[la Repubblica]] |language=it |first=Marco |last=Azzi |date=13 November 2006 |access-date=9 April 2016 |archive-date=24 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160424035338/http://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2006/11/13/rabona-tocco-magico-di-diego.html |url-status=live }}</ref> His first goal against Belgium in the 1986 World Cup semi-final is a worthy indicator of such; he had run into the inside right channel to receive a pass but let the ball travel across to his left foot, requiring more technical ability. During his run past several England players in the previous round for the "Goal of the Century" he did not use his right foot once, despite spending the whole movement on the right-hand side of the pitch. In the [[1990 FIFA World Cup|1990 World Cup]] second-round tie against Brazil, he used his right foot to set up the winning goal for [[Claudio Caniggia]] due to two Brazilian markers forcing him into a position that made use of his left foot less practical.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Story of the World Cup: The Essential Companion to South Africa 2010|first=Brian |last=Glanville|pages=320|date=1 April 2010|publisher= [[Faber and Faber]]}}</ref>

===Reception===
{{Blockquote|[[Pelé]] scored more goals. Lionel Messi has won more trophies. Both have lived more stable lives than the overweight former cocaine addict who tops this list, whose relationship with football became increasingly strained the longer his career continued. If you've seen Diego Maradona with a football at his feet, you'll understand.|Andrew Murray on Maradona topping ''[[FourFourTwo]]'' magazine's "100 Greatest Footballers Ever" list, July 2017.<ref name="Murray">{{cite news |url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/fourfourtwos-100-greatest-footballers-ever-no1-diego-maradona |title=FourFourTwo's 100 Greatest Footballers EVER: No.1, Diego Maradona |magazine=[[FourFourTwo]] |last=Murray |first=Andrew |date=26 September 2017 |access-date=29 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170929135411/https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/fourfourtwos-100-greatest-footballers-ever-no1-diego-maradona |archive-date=29 September 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref>}}

[[File:Maradona messi creacion adan.jpg|thumb|upright=1.22|Maradona (right) and Lionel Messi in ''The [[Sistine Chapel of Football]]'' painting, on a ceiling of a sports club in [[Barracas, Buenos Aires]]]]
Maradona is widely regarded as the best player of his generation.<ref name="Recall the best not the worst of Maradona"/> He is considered one of the greatest players of all time by pundits, players, and managers,<ref name="Maradona FIFA"/><ref name="SI"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/jonathanstevenson/2010/10/pele_or_maradona_who_is_the_gr.html |title=Pele or Maradona, who is the greatest? |publisher=BBC Sport |date=22 October 2010 |access-date=5 June 2020 |archive-date=22 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200422164335/https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/jonathanstevenson/2010/10/pele_or_maradona_who_is_the_gr.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and by some as the best player ever.<ref name="Murray"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/diego-maradona-best-moments-argentina-napoli-barcelona-greatest-player-all-time |title=10 of Diego Maradona's best moments: the greatest player of all time? |publisher=[[FourFourTwo]] |last1=Brewin |first1=Joe |date=25 February 2020 |access-date=5 June 2020 |archive-date=5 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605142241/https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/diego-maradona-best-moments-argentina-napoli-barcelona-greatest-player-all-time |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/6784-pel-or-diego-maradona-who-is-the-greatest-soccer-player-of-all-time |title=Pelé or Diego Maradona: Who is the Greatest Soccer Player of All Time? |publisher=Bleacher Report |last1=Vinay |first1=Adarsh |date=16 January 2008 |access-date=5 June 2020 |archive-date=5 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605142912/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/6784-pel-or-diego-maradona-who-is-the-greatest-soccer-player-of-all-time |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.eurosport.com/football/the-top-five-players-of-all-time-where-does-johan-cruyff-rank-on-our-list-of-greats_sto5380373/story.shtml |title=The top five players of all time – where does Johan Cruyff rank on our list of greats? |publisher=Eurosport |last1=Kane |first1=Desmond |date=23 March 2016 |access-date=5 June 2020 |archive-date=30 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030215349/https://www.eurosport.com/geoblocking.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref> Known as one of the most skilful players in the game, he is regarded as one of the greatest dribblers<ref name="spectacular to scandalous"/><ref name="Perfect 10s"/><ref name="Greatest Dribblers"/><ref name="Joy of Six"/> and free kick takers in history.<ref name="Kings"/><ref name="Greatest Free-Kick Takers of All Time"/><ref name="completo"/><ref name="best freekick takers in football history"/> A precocious talent in his youth,<ref name="Pibe"/> in addition to his playing ability, Maradona also drew praise from his former manager Menotti for his dedication, determination, and the work-ethic he demonstrated in order to improve the technical aspect of his game in training, despite his natural gifts, with the manager noting: "I'm always cautious about using the word 'genius'. I find it hard to apply that even to Mozart. The beauty of Diego's game has a hereditary element – his natural ease with the ball – but it also owes a lot to his ability to learn: a lot of those brushstrokes, those strokes of 'genius', are in fact a product of his hard work. Diego worked very hard to be the best."<ref name="diet">{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/observer/osm/story/0,,1677834,00.html |title=That's one hell of a diet, Diego |work=The Guardian |date=8 January 2006 |access-date=13 April 2020 |archive-date=13 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130413073031/http://observer.guardian.co.uk/osm/story/0,,1677834,00.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Maradona's former Napoli manager – [[Ottavio Bianchi]] – also praised his discipline in training, commenting: "Diego is different to the one that they depict. When you got him on his own he was a very good kid. It was beautiful to watch him and coach him. They all speak of the fact that he did not train, but it was not true because Diego was the last person to leave the pitch, it was necessary to send him away because otherwise he would stay for hours to invent free kicks."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://napoli.repubblica.it/sport/2018/05/08/news/i_mille_colori_di_maradona_in_bianco_e_nero-195826443/ |title=I mille colori di Maradona in bianco e nero |work=La Repubblica |language=it |last1=Marino |first1=Giovanni |date=8 May 2018 |access-date=13 April 2020 |archive-date=29 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729215047/https://napoli.repubblica.it/sport/2018/05/08/news/i_mille_colori_di_maradona_in_bianco_e_nero-195826443/ |url-status=live }}</ref> However, although, as Bianchi noted, Maradona was known for making "great plays" and doing "unimaginable" and "incredible things" with the ball during training sessions,<ref name="racconta"/><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bresciaoggi.it/home/sport/brescia-calcio/bianchi-passione-e-rigore-di-un-vincente-1.6804924 |title=Bianchi, passione e rigore di un vincente |work=Brescia Oggi |language=it |last1=Corbetta |first1=Vincenzo |date=4 October 2018 |access-date=14 April 2020 |archive-date=29 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729212819/https://www.bresciaoggi.it/home/sport/brescia-calcio/bianchi-passione-e-rigore-di-un-vincente-1.6804924 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.tuttonapoli.net/le-interviste/bianchi-messi-gioca-in-un-barcellona-perfetto-mentre-diego-86837 |title=Bianchi: "Messi? Gioca in un Barcellona perfetto, mentre Diego..." |work=Tutto Napoli |language=it |date=9 March 2012 |access-date=14 April 2020 |archive-date=29 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729211435/https://www.tuttonapoli.net/le-interviste/bianchi-messi-gioca-in-un-barcellona-perfetto-mentre-diego-86837 |url-status=live }}</ref> and would even go through periods of rigorous exercise, he was equally known for his limited work-rate in training without the ball, and even gained a degree of infamy during his time in Italy for missing training sessions with Napoli, while he often trained independently instead of with his team.<ref name="racconta">{{cite web |url=https://sport.sky.it/calcio/serie-a/2018/02/12/napoli-carnevale-maradona-partita- |title=Napoli, Carnevale racconta: "Maradona una volta si presentò un'ora prima di giocare" |publisher=sport.sky.it |language=it |date=12 February 2018 |access-date=13 April 2020 |archive-date=29 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729221413/https://sport.sky.it/calcio/serie-a/2018/02/12/napoli-carnevale-maradona-partita- |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/05/27/magazine/soccer-s-little-big-man.html |title=Soccer's Little Big Man |work=The New York Times |last1=Vecsey |first1=George |date=27 May 1990 |access-date=13 April 2020 |archive-date=1 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200901210502/https://www.nytimes.com/1990/05/27/magazine/soccer-s-little-big-man.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/3276/serie-a/2011/06/10/2526528/diego-maradona-made-excuses-to-dodge-napoli-training-luciano |title=Diego Maradona made excuses to dodge Napoli training – Luciano Moggi |publisher=Goal.com |last1=Landolina |first1=Salvatore |date=10 June 2011 |access-date=13 April 2020 |archive-date=18 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200818014500/https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/3276/serie-a/2011/06/10/2526528/diego-maradona-made-excuses-to-dodge-napoli-training-luciano |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/marcel-desailly-perfect-xi |title=Marcel Desailly: Perfect XI |publisher=[[FourFourTwo]] |last1=Moore |first1=Nick |date=30 June 2007 |access-date=13 April 2020 |archive-date=29 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729214625/https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/marcel-desailly-perfect-xi |url-status=live }}</ref>

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In a 2019 documentary film on his life, ''[[Diego Maradona (film)|Diego Maradona]]'', Maradona confessed that his weekly regime consisted of "playing a game on Sunday, going out until Wednesday, then hitting the gym on Thursday." Regarding his inconsistent training regimen, the film's director, [[Asif Kapadia]], commented in 2020: "He had a [[metabolism]]. He would look so incredibly out of shape, but then he'd train like crazy and sweat it off by the time matchday came along. His body shape just didn't look like a footballer, but then he had this ability and this balance. He had a way of being, and that idea of talking to him honestly about how a typical week transpired was pretty amazing." He also revealed that Maradona was ahead of his time in the fact that he had a personal fitness coach – Fernando Signorini – who trained him in a variety of areas, in addition to looking after his physical conditioning, adding: "While he [Maradona] was in a football team he had his own regime. How many players would do that? How many players would even know to think like that? 'I'm different to anyone else so I need to train at what I'm good at and what I'm weak at.' Signorini is very well read and very intelligent. He would literally say, 'This is the way I'm going to train you, read this book.' He would help him psychologically, talk to him about philosophy, and things like that."<ref name="Maradona movie">{{cite web |url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/us/features/diego-maradona-movie-watch-napoli-argentina-drugs-when-the-poorest-city-in-italy-bought-worlds-most-expensive-player |title=When the poorest city in Italy bought the world's most expensive player: What the Diego Maradona movie teaches us about one of football's greats |publisher=FourFourTwo |last1=Hill |first1=Steve |date=10 April 2020 |access-date=13 April 2020 |archive-date=12 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200412212405/https://www.fourfourtwo.com/us/features/diego-maradona-movie-watch-napoli-argentina-drugs-when-the-poorest-city-in-italy-bought-worlds-most-expensive-player |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Maradona film">{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2020/03/22/maradona-magic-madness-takeaways-diegomaradona-film-channel/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2020/03/22/maradona-magic-madness-takeaways-diegomaradona-film-channel/ |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Maradona, the magic, the madness: takeaways from Diego Maradona film on Channel 4 |work=The Telegraph |last1=Tyers |first1=Alan |date=22 March 2020 |access-date=14 April 2020}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Moreover, Maradona was notorious for his poor diet and extreme lifestyle off the pitch, including his use of illicit drugs and [[alcohol abuse]], which along with personal issues, his metabolism, medication that he was prescribed, and periods of inactivity due to injuries and suspensions, led to his significant weight–gain and physical decline as his career progressed; his lack of discipline and difficulties in his turbulent personal life are thought by some in the sport to have negatively impacted his performances and longevity in the later years of his playing career.<ref name="diet"/><ref name="tragedy">{{cite news |url=https://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/the-tragedy-of-diego-maradona-one-of-soccers-greatest-stars |title=The Tragedy of Diego Maradona, One of Soccer's Greatest Stars |magazine=[[The New Yorker]] |last1=Alarcón |first1=Daniel |date=13 October 2019 |access-date=13 April 2020 |archive-date=22 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191022020829/https://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/the-tragedy-of-diego-maradona-one-of-soccers-greatest-stars |url-status=live }}</ref>

A controversial figure in the sport, while he earned critical acclaim from players, pundits and managers over his playing style, he also drew criticism in the media for his temper and confrontational behaviour, both on and off the pitch.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/diego-maradona-world-cup-argentina-england-falklands-war-patriotism-a8419006.html |title=The reason we English dislike Maradona so much is because we've never got over the Falklands War |work=The Independent |last1=Gore |first1=Will |date=27 June 2018 |access-date=13 April 2020 |archive-date=26 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126142629/https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/diego-maradona-world-cup-argentina-england-falklands-war-patriotism-a8419006.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/germany-hammers-argentina-4-0-to-reach-world-cup-semis-1.528881 |title=Germany hammers Argentina 4–0 to reach World Cup semis |work=CTV News |date=3 July 2010 |access-date=13 April 2020 |archive-date=29 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729211251/https://www.ctvnews.ca/germany-hammers-argentina-4-0-to-reach-world-cup-semis-1.528881 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.corriere.it/sette/comportamenti/19_novembre_29/diego-maradona-fenomenologia-campione-contraddizioni-ecb71ac2-0ed9-11ea-b3dc-1023409a22e2.shtml |title=Diego Maradona, fenomenologia del campione delle contraddizioni |work=[[Corriere della Sera]] |language=it |last1=Pellizzari |first1=Tommaso |date=29 November 2019 |access-date=13 April 2020 |archive-date=4 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210304040115/https://www.corriere.it/sette/comportamenti/19_novembre_29/diego-maradona-fenomenologia-campione-contraddizioni-ecb71ac2-0ed9-11ea-b3dc-1023409a22e2.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref> However, in 2005, [[Paolo Maldini]] described Maradona both as the greatest player he ever faced, and also as the most honest, stating: "He was a model of good behaviour on the pitch – he was respectful of everyone, from the great players down to the ordinary team member. He was always getting kicked around and he never complained – not like some of today's strikers."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/evergreen-maldini-still-the-soul-of-the-rossoneri-1.407203 |title=Evergreen Maldini still the soul of the Rossoneri |newspaper=The Irish Times |last1=Agnew |first1=Paddy |date=18 January 2005 |access-date=13 April 2020 |archive-date=4 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204075228/https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/evergreen-maldini-still-the-soul-of-the-rossoneri-1.407203 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Franco Baresi]] stated when he was asked who was his greatest opponent: "Maradona; when he was on form, there was almost no way of stopping him,"<ref name="Baresi: One-on-One"/> while fellow former Italy defender [[Giuseppe Bergomi]] described Maradona as the greatest player of all time in 2018.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.corrieredellosport.it/news/calcio/serie-a/inter/2018/11/22-50234858/ho_pianto_per_radice_maradona_il_piu_forte_di_sempre_ma_a_van_basten_e_stato_ancora_piu_difficile_prendere_la_palla/ |title=Ho pianto per Radice. Maradona il più forte di sempre, ma a Van Basten è stato ancora più difficile prendere la palla |work=Il Corriere dello Sport |language=it |date=22 November 2018 |access-date=4 November 2019 |archive-date=4 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191104235334/https://www.corrieredellosport.it/news/calcio/serie-a/inter/2018/11/22-50234858/ho_pianto_per_radice_maradona_il_piu_forte_di_sempre_ma_a_van_basten_e_stato_ancora_piu_difficile_prendere_la_palla/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Zlatan Ibrahimović]] said that his off-field antics did not matter, and that he should only be judged for the impact he made on the field. "For me Maradona is more than football. What he did as a footballer, in my opinion, he will be remembered forever. When you see number 10 who do you think about? Maradona. It is a symbol, even today there are those who choose that number for him."<ref>{{cite news|title=Ibrahimovic: Maradona's off-field antics don't matter|url=https://www.goal.com/en/news/ibrahimovic-maradonas-off-field-antics-dont-matter/1l8kf7vp6yvla1k39qbx3b0j3p|first=James|last=Westwood|date=28 November 2020|access-date=12 October 2022|work=[[Goal (website)|Goal]]|archive-date=10 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220810203229/https://www.goal.com/en/news/ibrahimovic-maradonas-off-field-antics-dont-matter/1l8kf7vp6yvla1k39qbx3b0j3p|url-status=live}}</ref>

{{Blockquote|Today his skills would afford him greater protection. Back then they merely served as the red rag of provocation that would guarantee he would be the victim of brutal challenges wherever he played. The rules changed as a direct result of some of the injuries Maradona received. When I interviewed him a few years ago, he told me he thought players such as Lionel Messi owed him a great deal because some of the tackles he had endured would never be allowed today.|[[Guillem Balagué]] writing for the [[BBC]] in 2020 on 'the magician, the cheat, the god, the flawed genius'.<ref name="Balague"/>}}

In 1999, Maradona was placed second behind [[Pelé]] by ''[[World Soccer (magazine)|World Soccer]]'' in the magazine's list of the "100 Greatest Players of the 20th Century".<ref name="World Soccer Players of the Century">{{cite web |url=http://www.englandfootballonline.com/TeamHons/HonsWldSocPlyrsCent.html |title=World Soccer Players of the Century |publisher=World Soccer |access-date=29 August 2014 |archive-date=4 April 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210404034430/http://www.englandfootballonline.com/TeamHons/HonsWldSocPlyrsCent.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Along with Pelé, Maradona was one of the two joint winners of the "FIFA Player of the Century" award in 2000,<ref name="FIFA Player of the Century">{{cite web |title=FIFA Player of the Century |url=http://en03.touri.com/Berichte/FIFA-Spieler/MalePlayer.pdf |website=touri.com |access-date=26 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426005029/http://en03.touri.com/Berichte/FIFA-Spieler/MalePlayer.pdf |archive-date=26 April 2012 |date=11 December 2000 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="SI">{{cite web|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/soccer/news/2000/12/10/maradona_pele_ap/ |title=Maradona or Pele?|date=10 December 2000|work=[[CNN/SI]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140218160740/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/soccer/news/2000/12/10/maradona_pele_ap/ |archive-date=18 February 2014|url-status=dead }}</ref> and also placed fifth in "[[IFFHS]]' Century Elections".<ref name="IFFHS' Century Elections"/> In a 2014 [[FIFA]] poll, Maradona was voted the second-greatest number 10 of all time, behind only Pelé,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Estero/02-03-2014/pele-piu-forte-maradona-zidane-3-baggio-9-migliori-10-secondo-fifa-80158538791.shtml |title=Pelè è più forte di Maradona, Zidane 3°, Baggio 9°: i migliori 10 secondo la Fifa |trans-title=Pelè better than Maradona, Zidane 3rd, Baggio 9th: the best 10s according to FIFA |newspaper=La Gazzetta dello Sport |language=it |date=2 March 2014 |access-date=24 September 2014 |archive-date=9 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150809154807/http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Estero/02-03-2014/pele-piu-forte-maradona-zidane-3-baggio-9-migliori-10-secondo-fifa-80158538791.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref> and later that year, was ranked second in ''The Guardian''{{'}}s list of the 100 greatest World Cup players of all time, ahead of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, once again behind Pelé.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/2014/may/29/the-world-cups-top-100-footballers-by-nationality-goals-scored-and-votes |title=The World Cup's top 100 footballers: by nationality, goals scored and votes |newspaper=The Guardian |author1=George Arnett |author2=Ami Sedghi |date=29 May 2014 |access-date=3 December 2016 |archive-date=20 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220190740/https://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/2014/may/29/the-world-cups-top-100-footballers-by-nationality-goals-scored-and-votes |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2017, ''FourFourTwo'' ranked him in first place in their list of "100 greatest players",<ref name="Murray"/> while in 2018 he was ranked in first place by the same magazine in their list of the "Greatest Football Players in World Cup History";<ref name="Greatest Football Players in World Cup History"/> in March 2020, he was also ranked first by Jack Gallagher of ''[[90min.com]]'' in their list of "Top 50 Greatest Players of All Time".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.90min.com/posts/6583929-diego-maradona-the-extremes-of-footballing-morality-the-greatest-of-all-time |title=Diego Maradona: The Extremes of Footballing Morality & the Greatest of All Time |publisher=www.90min.com |last1=Gallagher |first1=Jack |date=27 March 2020 |access-date=5 June 2020 |archive-date=5 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605142242/https://www.90min.com/posts/6583929-diego-maradona-the-extremes-of-footballing-morality-the-greatest-of-all-time |url-status=live }}</ref> In May 2020, [[Sky Sports]] ranked Maradona as the best player never to have won the UEFA Champions League/European Cup.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.skysports.com/transfer/news/11096/11996951/25-1-best-players-never-to-win-champions-league |title=Ronaldo, Eric Cantona, Zlatan Ibrahimovic: The best players never to win Champions League 25–1 |publisher=Sky Sports |last1=Solhekol |first1=Kaveh |last2=Sheth |first2=Dharmesh |date=30 May 2020 |access-date=1 June 2020 |archive-date=28 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728114012/https://www.skysports.com/transfer/news/11096/11996951/25-1-best-players-never-to-win-champions-league |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Retirement and tributes==
[[File:Maradona Barcelona shirt.jpg|thumb|right|Diego Maradona's ''blaugrana'' shirt on display in the [[FC Barcelona Museum]]]]
Hounded for years by the press, Maradona once fired a [[air rifle|compressed-air rifle]] at reporters whom he claimed were invading his privacy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/112074.stm|title=Maradona sentenced for shooting reporters|date=13 June 1998|access-date=10 October 2022|publisher=[[BBC]]|archive-date=28 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928142604/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/112074.stm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-02-03-sp-18434-story.html|title=Reporters Accuse Maradona of Firing an Air Gun at Them|date=3 February 1994|access-date=10 October 2022|work=[[Los Angeles Times|LA Times]]|archive-date=10 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221010035802/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-02-03-sp-18434-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> This quote from former teammate [[Jorge Valdano]] summarises the feelings of many:
{{blockquote|He is someone many people want to emulate, a controversial figure, loved, hated, who stirs great upheaval, especially in Argentina... Stressing his personal life is a mistake. Maradona has no peers inside the pitch, but he has turned his life into a show, and is now living a personal ordeal that should not be imitated.<!--Es un personaje al que mucha gente quiere imitar, un personaje polémico, amado, odiado, que provoca gran convulsión social, sobre todo en Argentina... El error está en poner el acento sobre su vida privada. Maradona es incomparable dentro de un campo de juego, pero también ha convertido en espectáculo su vida y ahora está viviendo un drama personal que conviene no imitar.--><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.el-mundo.es/larevista/num103/textos/valdano1.html|title=Interview with Jorge Valdano|language=es|publisher=[[El Mundo (Spain)|El Mundo]]|access-date=21 June 2005|archive-date=27 September 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927185514/http://www.el-mundo.es/larevista/num103/textos/valdano1.html|url-status=live}}</ref>}}

In 1990, the [[Konex Foundation]] from Argentina granted him the Diamond [[Konex Award]], one of the most prestigious culture awards in Argentina, as the most important personality in sports in the last decade in his country.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/70-facts-about-argentina-legend-diego-maradona/1vuskowl7b15v1l15s750cf3cn|title=70 facts about Argentina legend Diego Maradona|date=28 May 2020|access-date=12 October 2022|work=[[Goal (website)|Goal]]|archive-date=12 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221012031206/https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/70-facts-about-argentina-legend-diego-maradona/1vuskowl7b15v1l15s750cf3cn|url-status=live}}</ref>

In April 1996, Maradona had a three-round exhibition boxing match with [[Santos Laciar]] for charity.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://talksport.com/sport/boxing/794409/diego-maradona-boxing-match/ |title=ICON: When Diego Maradona fought an exhibition boxing match for charity back in 1996 and jokingly attacked the referee |website=talksport.com |date=25 November 2020 |access-date=25 November 2020 |archive-date=25 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125174530/https://talksport.com/sport/boxing/794409/diego-maradona-boxing-match/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2000, Maradona published his autobiography ''Yo Soy El Diego'' ("I am ''The Diego''"), which became a bestseller in Argentina.<ref>[https://archive.today/20030512214724/http://www.wndu.com/sports/122000/sports_5111.php Maradona 'tells all' in autobiography]. Associated Press. 20 December 2000.</ref> Two years later, Maradona donated the Cuban royalties of his book to "the [[Cuba]]n people and [[Fidel Castro|Fidel]]".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.granma.cu/ingles/febrero02-3/8diego-i.html|title=Maradona donates royalties from Cuban edition of his book|last=Garcia|first=Anne-Marie|date=21 February 2002|work=[[Granma (newspaper)|Granma]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061013215035/http://www.granma.cu/ingles/febrero02-3/8diego-i.html|archive-date=13 October 2006|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 2000, he won [[FIFA Player of the Century]] award which was to be decided by votes on their official website, their official magazine and a grand jury. Maradona won the Internet-based poll, garnering 53.6% of the votes against 18.53% for [[Pelé]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/soccer/news/2000/12/10/maradona_pele_ap/ |title=Maradona or Pele?|date=10 December 2000|work=[[CNN/SI]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140218160740/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/soccer/news/2000/12/10/maradona_pele_ap/ |archive-date=18 February 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> In spite of this, and shortly before the ceremony, FIFA added a second award and appointed a "Football Family" committee composed of football journalists that also gave to Pelé the title of best player of the century to make it a draw. Maradona also came fifth in the vote of the [[International Federation of Football History & Statistics|IFFHS (International Federation of Football History and Statistics)]].<ref name="IFFHS' Century Elections">{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/iffhs-century.html|title=IFFHS' Century Elections|first=Karel|last=Stokkermans|access-date=13 October 2022|work=[[RSSSF]]|archive-date=3 March 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090303065744/http://www.rsssf.com/miscellaneous/iffhs-century.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2001, the [[Argentine Football Association]] (AFA) asked FIFA for authorization to [[Retired numbers in football (soccer)|retire]] the [[jersey number]] 10 for Maradona. FIFA did not grant the request, even though Argentine officials have maintained that FIFA hinted that it would.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://worldcup.espnsoccernet.com/story?id=211993&lang=us|title=Argentina can't retire Maradona's shirt|date=26 May 2002|publisher=[[ESPN Inc.]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030325180425/http://worldcup.espnsoccernet.com/story?id=211993&lang=us |archive-date=25 March 2003|url-status=dead }}</ref>

Maradona has topped a number of fan polls, including a 2002 FIFA poll in which his second goal against England was chosen as the [[Goal of the Century|best goal ever scored in a World Cup]]; he also won the most votes in a poll to determine the All-Time Ultimate World Cup Team. On 22 March 2010, Maradona was chosen number 1 in 'The Greatest 10 [[FIFA World Cup|World Cup]] Players of All Time' by the [[London]]-based newspaper ''[[The Times]]''.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/international/article7070370.ece |work=[[The Times]] |location=London |title=The ten greatest World Cup playersbr No 1 Diego Maradona Argentina |date=22 March 2010 |access-date=1 April 2010 |first=Fiona |last=Hamilton |archive-date=30 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030215351/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Asociación Atlética Argentinos Juniors|Argentinos Juniors]] named its [[Estadio Diego Armando Maradona|stadium]] after Maradona on 26 December 2003. In 2003, Maradona was employed by the Libyan footballer [[Al-Saadi Gaddafi]], the third son of Colonel [[Muammar Gaddafi]], as a "technical consultant", while Al-Saadi was playing for the Italian club, [[Perugia Calcio|Perugia]], which was playing in Serie A at the time.<ref>White, Duncan (29 October 2011). "Jay Bothroyd puts good times with playboy Saadi Gaddafi, son of dead Libya tyrant Colonel Gaddafi, behind him". ''National Post''. Retrieved 31 March 2012</ref>
[[File:Maradona CRS.jpg|thumb|right|Maradona in [[Kolkata]], India, in December 2008. Maradona laid the foundation stone for a football academy in the eastern suburbs of the city, and was greeted by over 100,000 fans in [[Salt Lake Stadium]].<ref name="India">{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/7770851.stm|title=Maradona sends Calcutta into frenzy|first=Subir|last=Bhaumik|publisher=[[BBC]]|date=8 December 2008|access-date=10 October 2022|archive-date=17 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220217021441/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/7770851.stm|url-status=live}}</ref>]]
On 22 June 2005, it was announced that Maradona would return to former club Boca Juniors as a sports vice-president in charge of managing the First Division roster (after a disappointing [[2004–05 in Argentine football|2004–05]] season, which coincided with Boca's centenary).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://espndeportes.espn.com/story?id=349221|title=El Diez emprende dos nuevos desafíos|language=es|date=28 July 2005|access-date=10 October 2022|publisher=[[ESPN Deportes]]|archive-date=4 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604152653/http://espndeportes.espn.go.com/story?id=349221|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2005-06-23/maradona-joins-boca-juniors/1599826|title=Maradona joins Boca Juniors|date=23 June 2005|access-date=13 October 2022|work=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]]|archive-date=13 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221013021617/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2005-06-23/maradona-joins-boca-juniors/1599826|url-status=live}}</ref> His contract began 1 August 2005, and one of his first recommendations proved to be very effective: advising the club to hire [[Alfio Basile]] as the new coach.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/international/basile-s-team-ready-for-brazil-in-first-of-many-friendlies-414324.html|title=Basile's team ready for Brazil in first of many friendlies|date=2 September 2006|access-date=13 October 2022|first=Glenn|last=Moore|work=[[The Independent]]|archive-date=13 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221013021617/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/international/basile-s-team-ready-for-brazil-in-first-of-many-friendlies-414324.html|url-status=live}}</ref> With Maradona fostering a close relationship with the players, Boca won the 2005 [[Apertura]], the 2006 [[Clausura]], the [[Copa Sudamericana 2005|2005 Copa Sudamericana]], and the [[Recopa Sudamericana 2005|2005 Recopa Sudamericana]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Boca pull off world record victory |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2006/SPORT/football/09/15/argentina.club/ |access-date=23 April 2023 |agency=CNN |archive-date=22 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422110227/http://edition.cnn.com/2006/SPORT/football/09/15/argentina.club/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 15 August 2005, Maradona made his debut as host of a talk-variety show on Argentine television, [[La Noche del 10|''La'' ''Noche del 10'']] ("The Night of the no. 10"). His main guest on opening night was Pelé; the two had a friendly chat, showing no signs of past differences.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2005/aug/17/football.argentina|title=Maradona reinvents himself as chatshow host|first=Uki|last=Goni|date=17 August 2005|access-date=13 October 2022|work=[[The Guardian]]|archive-date=13 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221013021609/https://www.theguardian.com/media/2005/aug/17/football.argentina|url-status=live}}</ref> However, the show also included a cartoon villain with a clear physical resemblance to Pelé. In subsequent evenings, ''La Noche del 10'' led the ratings on all occasions but one. Most guests were drawn from the worlds of football and show business, including [[Ronaldo (Brazilian footballer)|Ronaldo]] and [[Zinedine Zidane]], but also included interviews with other notable friends and personalities such as Cuban leader [[Fidel Castro]] and boxers [[Roberto Durán]] and [[Mike Tyson]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mensual.prensa.com/mensual/contenido/2005/09/21/hoy/deportes/345641.html|title=Roberto Durán estuvo con Diego Maradona|language=es| date=21 September 2005|publisher=[[La Prensa (Panama City)|La Prensa]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903102804/http://mensual.prensa.com/mensual/contenido/2005/09/21/hoy/deportes/345641.html |archive-date=3 September 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Maradona gave each of his guests a signed Argentina jersey, which Tyson wore when he arrived in Brazil, Argentina's biggest rivals.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/11/11/AR2005111101352.html|title=Tyson Must Return to Brazil for Trial|date=11 November 2005|access-date=10 October 2022|newspaper=[[Washington Post]]|archive-date=5 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305193555/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/11/11/AR2005111101352.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In November 2005, however, Maradona rejected an offer to work with Argentina's national football team.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/10/sports/soccer/maradona-rejects-role-with-argentina-team.html |title=Maradona Rejects Role With Argentina Team |agency=Reuters |date=10 November 2005 |access-date=10 October 2022 |work=[[The New York Times]] |archive-date=4 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220704211850/https://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/10/sports/soccer/maradona-rejects-role-with-argentina-team.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

In May 2006, Maradona agreed to take part in UK's [[Soccer Aid]] (a program to raise money for [[UNICEF]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/060528/1/6y4e.html|title=Maradona scores but England win UNICEF match|date=28 May 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070318213807/http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/060528/1/6y4e.html |archive-date=18 March 2007 }}</ref> In September 2006, Maradona, in his famous blue and white number 10, was the captain for Argentina in a three-day World Cup of Indoor Football tournament in Spain. On 26 August 2006, it was announced that Maradona was quitting his position in the club Boca Juniors because of disagreements with the AFA, who selected [[Alfio Basile]] to be the new coach of the Argentina national team.<ref>{{cite web |title=Remembering Diego Maradona's time at Boca Juniors |url=https://www.overlyzer.com/en/football/remembering-diego-maradonas-time-at-boca-juniors/ |website=Overlyzer |access-date=28 March 2022 |archive-date=5 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220705115527/https://www.overlyzer.com/en/football/remembering-diego-maradonas-time-at-boca-juniors/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2008, Serbian filmmaker [[Emir Kusturica]] made ''[[Maradona by Kusturica|Maradona]]'', a documentary about Maradona's life.<ref name="Film">{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/reviews/maradona-by-kusturica-831757.html|title=Maradona by Kusturica|first=Kaleem|last=Aftab|date=21 May 2008|access-date=10 October 2022|work=[[The Independent]]|archive-date=9 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220709195926/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/reviews/maradona-by-kusturica-831757.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 1 September 2014, Maradona, along with many current and former footballing stars, took part in the "Match for Peace", which was played at the [[Stadio Olimpico]] in Rome, with the proceeds being donated entirely to charity.<ref>{{cite web |title=Interreligious Match for Peace: 1/9/2014 |url=http://www.matchforpeace.org/?lang=en |access-date=1 September 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903092935/http://www.matchforpeace.org/?lang=en |archive-date=3 September 2014 }}</ref> Maradona set up a goal for [[Roberto Baggio]] during the first half of the match, with a chipped through-ball over the defence with the outside of his left foot.<ref name="Gazetta"/> Unusually, both Baggio and Maradona wore the number 10 shirt, despite playing on the same team.<ref name="Gazetta">{{cite web |title=Il Papa a Maradona: "Ti aspettavo". Diego show con Baggio, poi si infuria: "Icardi non-doveva giocare" |url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/01-09-2014/calcio-partita-pace-baggio-dinho-eto-o-campo-il-papa-90323482706.shtml?rlabs=1 |access-date=1 September 2014 |work=La Gazzetta dello Sport |archive-date=3 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903122242/http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/01-09-2014/calcio-partita-pace-baggio-dinho-eto-o-campo-il-papa-90323482706.shtml?rlabs=1 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 17 August 2015, Maradona visited [[Ali Bin Nasser]], the Tunisian referee of the Argentina–England quarter-final match at the 1986 World Cup where Maradona scored his [[The hand of God|Hand of God]], and paid tribute to him by giving him a signed Argentine jersey.<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.marca.com/en/2015/08/17/en/football/international_football/1439845054.html |title=29 Years on from the Infamous Argentina-England Match, Maradona holds up his hands in apology |date=17 August 2015 |access-date=10 October 2022 |work=[[Marca (newspaper)|MARCA]] |archive-date=1 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201215946/https://www.marca.com/en/2015/08/17/en/football/international_football/1439845054.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{citation|url=http://elpais.com/elpais/2015/08/18/inenglish/1439899213_516413.html|title=Maradona visits Tunisian referee who awarded him 1986 "Hand of God" goal|first=Alejandro|last=Rebossio|date=18 August 2015|access-date=10 October 2022|work=[[El País]]|archive-date=21 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191021033929/https://elpais.com/elpais/2015/08/18/inenglish/1439899213_516413.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Managerial career==

===Club management===
[[File:Maradona at Karama-1.JPG|thumb|Maradona greeting fans after being appointed manager of Dubai club [[Al Wasl FC|Al Wasl]] in 2011]]
Maradona began his managerial career alongside former [[Argentinos Juniors]] midfield teammate [[Carlos Fren]]. The pair led [[Textil Mandiyú|Mandiyú]] of [[Corrientes Province|Corrientes]] in 1994 and [[Racing Club de Avellaneda|Racing Club]] in 1995, with little success.<ref name="elmaestro" /><ref name="factfile">{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/oct/29/argentina-bocajuniors|title=Diego Maradona factfile|first=Rebecca|last=Adams|date=29 October 2008|access-date=12 October 2022|work=[[The Guardian]]|archive-date=18 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210218032948/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/oct/29/argentina-bocajuniors|url-status=live}}</ref> In May 2011 he became manager of Dubai club [[Al Wasl F.C.|Al Wasl FC]] in the [[United Arab Emirates]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/maradona-hired-to-coach-uae-club-al-wasl-1.1081658|title=Maradona hired to coach UAE club Al Wasl|date=16 May 2011|access-date=12 October 2022|work=[[CBC Sports]]|archive-date=12 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221012042306/https://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/maradona-hired-to-coach-uae-club-al-wasl-1.1081658|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/sports/soccer/news/_/id/6555272/diego-maradona-hired-coach-dubai-club-al-wasl-add-caliber|title=Diego Maradona to coach Dubai club|date=16 May 2011|access-date=12 October 2022|work=[[ESPN]]|archive-date=12 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221012042306/http://www.espn.com/sports/soccer/news/_/id/6555272/diego-maradona-hired-coach-dubai-club-al-wasl-add-caliber|url-status=live}}</ref>
Maradona was sacked on 10 July 2012.<ref>{{cite news |title=Diego Maradona sacked as manager of Al Wasl |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/18791134 |work=[[BBC]] |date=10 July 2012 |access-date=10 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127221330/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/18791134|archive-date=27 January 2022|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/Maradona-wants-to-hold-talks-to-save-Al-Wasl-job/articleshow/14832834.cms |title=Maradona wants to hold talks to save Al Wasl job |date=12 July 2012 |newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120712163940/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/Maradona-wants-to-hold-talks-to-save-Al-Wasl-job/articleshow/14832834.cms|archive-date=12 July 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2012/jul/10/diego-maradona-sacked-al-wasl|title=Diego Maradona sacked by new board at Al-Wasl after disappointing season|date=10 July 2012|access-date=12 October 2022|work=[[The Guardian]]|archive-date=12 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221012042306/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2012/jul/10/diego-maradona-sacked-al-wasl|url-status=live}}</ref> In August 2013, Maradona moved on to become 'spiritual coach' at Argentine club [[Deportivo Riestra]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/08/diego-maradona-fifa-vice-president?CMP=gu_com|title=Diego Maradona: I have many chances to become Fifa's new vice-president|date=8 June 2015|access-date=12 October 2022|work=[[The Guardian]]|archive-date=12 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221012042308/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/08/diego-maradona-fifa-vice-president?CMP=gu_com|url-status=live}}</ref> Maradona departed this role in 2017 to become the head coach of [[Al-Fujairah SC|Fujairah]], in the [[UAE First Division League|UAE second division]], before leaving at the end of the season upon failure to secure promotion at the club.<ref name="2017 coach">{{cite news |title=Diego Maradona leaves job in UAE after failing to secure automatic promotion |url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/11349642/diego-maradona-leaves-job-in-uae-after-failing-to-secure-automatic-promotion |agency=Sky Sports |date=6 May 2018 |access-date=7 May 2018 |archive-date=9 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109043655/http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/11349642/diego-maradona-leaves-job-in-uae-after-failing-to-secure-automatic-promotion |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/43930845|title=Diego Maradona leaves Al Fujairah after failing to secure automatic promotion|date=27 April 2018|access-date=12 October 2022|work=[[BBC]]|archive-date=12 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221012042306/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/43930845|url-status=live}}</ref> In May 2018, Maradona was announced as the new chairman of [[Belarus]]ian club [[FC Dynamo Brest|Dynamo Brest]].<ref name="Brest">{{cite web|url=https://en.dynamo-brest.by/item/1082-da-diego-s-nami |title=Yes, Diego is with us!|work=[[Dynamo Brest]]|date= 16 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180518055356/https://en.dynamo-brest.by/item/1082-da-diego-s-nami |archive-date=18 May 2018 |url-status=dead}}.. Retrieved 23 July 2018</ref> He arrived in Brest and was presented by the club to start his duties in July.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/44848780|title=Diego Maradona presented as Dinamo Brest chairman|work=[[BBC Sport]]|date=16 July 2018|access-date=14 October 2022|archive-date=9 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109031832/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/44848780|url-status=live}}</ref> In September 2018, he was appointed manager of Mexican second division side [[Dorados de Sinaloa|Dorados]].<ref name="Mexican team">{{cite news |title=Diego Maradona's 'rebirth' at coaching job at Mexican side Dorados |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-45482066 |access-date=10 September 2018 |agency=BBC |archive-date=9 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109023923/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-45482066 |url-status=live }}</ref> He made his debut with Dorados on 17 September with a 4–1 victory over [[Cafetaleros de Tapachula]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Staff |title=Angulo hat-trick helps get Maradona off to winning start in Mexico |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/sport/angulo-hat-trick-helps-get-maradona-off-to-winning-start-in-mexico-10731728 |website=Channel NewsAsia |access-date=18 September 2018 |archive-date=19 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180919122726/https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/sport/angulo-hat-trick-helps-get-maradona-off-to-winning-start-in-mexico-10731728 |url-status=dead }}</ref> On 13 June 2019, after Dorados failed to clinch promotion to the Mexican top flight, Maradona's lawyer announced that he would be stepping down from the role, citing health reasons.<ref>{{cite news|title=Maradona out as Dorados manager, cites health|url=https://www.espn.co.uk/football/dorados-de-sinaloa/story/3875493/maradona-out-as-dorados-managercites-health|first=Tom|last=Marshall|work=[[ESPN]]|date=14 June 2019|access-date=25 June 2019|archive-date=28 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128150728/https://www.espn.co.uk/football/dorados-de-sinaloa/story/3875493/maradona-out-as-dorados-managercites-health|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 5 September 2019, Maradona was unveiled as the new head coach of [[Club de Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata|Gimnasia de La Plata]], signing a contract until the end of the season.<ref name="gimnasia">{{cite news |title=¡Diego, bienvenido al Lobo! |url=http://www.gimnasia.org.ar/diego-bienvenido-al-lobo/ |access-date=6 September 2019 |date=5 September 2019 |language=es |work=[[Club de Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata|Gimnasia de La Plata]] |archive-date=28 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128151027/http://www.gimnasia.org.ar/diego-bienvenido-al-lobo/ |url-status=live }}</ref> After two months in charge he left the club on 19 November.<ref>{{cite news |title=Diego Maradona leaves Gimnasia de La Plata after just two months |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/12026/11865340/diego-maradona-leaves-gimnasia-y-esgrima-after-just-two-months |access-date=20 November 2019 |work=Sky Sports |archive-date=28 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128151054/https://www.skysports.com/football/news/12026/11865340/diego-maradona-leaves-gimnasia-y-esgrima-after-just-two-months |url-status=live }}</ref> However, two days later, Maradona rejoined the club as manager saying that "we finally achieved political unity in the club".<ref>{{cite news |title=Diego Maradona announces Gimnasia return – two days after quitting |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50514092 |access-date=22 November 2019 |publisher=BBC |archive-date=28 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128151113/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50514092 |url-status=live }}</ref> Maradona insisted that Gabriel Pellegrino remain club president if he were to stay with Gimnasia de La Plata.<ref name=pellegrino /><ref name=pellegrinoer /> However it was still not clear if Pellegrino, who declined to run for re-election,<ref name=pellegrino /><ref name=pellegrinoer /> would stay on as club President.<ref name=pellegrino>{{cite news |url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-soccer-argentina-maradona/maradona-to-stay-on-at-gimnasia-idUKKBN1XV2NE |title=Maradona to stay on at Gimnasia |first=Ramiro |last=Scandolo |publisher=Reuters |date=21 November 2019 |access-date=26 November 2019 |archive-date=28 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128151205/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-soccer-argentina-maradona/maradona-to-stay-on-at-gimnasia-idUKKBN1XV2NE |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=pellegrinoer>{{cite news |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/maradona-returns-gimnasia-head-coach-095808541.html |title=Maradona returns as Gimnasia head coach, two days after stepping down |publisher=Yahoo Sports |date=22 November 2019 |access-date=26 November 2019 |archive-date=29 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729225248/https://sports.yahoo.com/maradona-returns-gimnasia-head-coach-095808541.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> Originally scheduled to be held on 23 November,<ref name=pellegrino /> the election was delayed 15 days.<ref name=pellegrinoer /> On 15 December, Pellegrino, who was encouraged by Maradona to seek re-election, was re-elected to a three-year term.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2019-12/16/c_138634325.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191216070100/http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2019-12/16/c_138634325.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 December 2019 |title=Maradona pledges future to Gimnasia after club elections – Xinhua &#124; English.news.cn |website=www.xinhuanet.com}}</ref> Despite having a bad record during the 2019–20 season, Gimnasia renewed Maradona's contract on 3 June 2020 for the 2020–21 season.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/gimnasia-y-esgrima/story/4105921/maradona-keeps-gimnasia-gig-despite-season-struggles |title=Maradona keeps Gimnasia gig despite struggles |date=3 June 2020 |website=ESPN.com |access-date=11 June 2020 |archive-date=18 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200818184201/https://www.espn.com/soccer/gimnasia-y-esgrima/story/4105921/maradona-keeps-gimnasia-gig-despite-season-struggles |url-status=live }}</ref> In November 2020, Maradona died in post. His coaching staff resigned from the club following his death.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.co.uk/football/gimnasia-la-plata/story/4246982/maradonas-coaching-staff-at-gimnasia-y-la-plata-resign-following-his-death|title=Maradona's coaching staff at Gimnasia y La Plata resign following his death|first=Adriana|last=Garcia|date=27 November 2020|access-date=14 October 2022|work=[[ESPN]]|archive-date=14 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221014005430/https://www.espn.co.uk/football/gimnasia-la-plata/story/4246982/maradonas-coaching-staff-at-gimnasia-y-la-plata-resign-following-his-death|url-status=live}}</ref>

===International management===
[[File:DiegoMaradona.jpg|thumb|upright|left|Maradona as coach of Argentina in 2009. He left the position after the [[2010 FIFA World Cup]] in South Africa.]]
After the resignation of [[Argentina national football team|Argentina national team]] coach Alfio Basile in 2008, Maradona immediately proposed his candidacy for the vacant role.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eurosport.com/football/world-cup-2010-qualifying/2010/bianchi-favourite-for-job_sto1734699/story.shtml|title=Bianchi Favourite For Job|work=[[Eurosport]]|date=22 October 2008|access-date=12 October 2022|archive-date=30 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030215349/https://www.eurosport.com/geoblocking.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> According to several press sources, his major challengers included; [[Diego Simeone]], [[Carlos Bianchi]], [[Miguel Ángel Russo]], and [[Sergio Batista]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/soccer-latam-argentina-coach-idUKLM34938120081022|title=Soccer-Bianchi favourite for Argentina, Maradona in the hunt|work=[[Reuters]]|first=Brian|last=Homewood|date=22 October 2008|access-date=12 October 2022|archive-date=12 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221012042306/https://www.reuters.com/article/soccer-latam-argentina-coach-idUKLM34938120081022|url-status=live}}</ref> On 29 October 2008, AFA chairman [[Julio Grondona]] confirmed that Maradona would be the head coach of the national team.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/7701071.stm|title=Maradona named as Argentina coach|work=[[BBC]]|date=4 November 2008|access-date=12 October 2022|archive-date=11 December 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081211180143/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/7701071.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> On 19 November, Maradona managed Argentina for the first time when they played against [[Scotland national football team|Scotland]] at [[Hampden Park]] in [[Glasgow]], which Argentina won 1–0.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/internationals/7731484.stm |title=Scotland 0–1 Argentina |first=Andy |last=Campbell |date=19 November 2008 |work=BBC Sport |access-date=7 July 2010 |archive-date=28 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128151536/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/internationals/7731484.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>

After winning his first three matches as the coach of the national team, he oversaw a 6–1 defeat to [[Bolivia national football team|Bolivia]], equalling the team's worst ever margin of defeat.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/7978041.stm|title=Maradona's Argentina hit for six|date=1 April 2009|access-date=12 October 2022|work=[[BBC]]|archive-date=15 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230415072208/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/7978041.stm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/apr/01/diego-maradona-argentina-bolivia-world-cup-2010-qualifier|title='Every goal was like a stab in my heart,' says Diego Maradona|first=Gregg|last=Roughley|work=[[The Guardian]]|date=1 April 2009|access-date=12 October 2022|archive-date=12 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221012042306/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/apr/01/diego-maradona-argentina-bolivia-world-cup-2010-qualifier|url-status=live}}</ref> With two matches remaining in the [[2010 FIFA World Cup qualification (CONMEBOL)|qualification tournament]] for the 2010 World Cup, Argentina was in fifth place and faced the possibility of failing to qualify, but victory in the last two matches secured qualification for the finals.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=230075&cc=5739&league=FIFA.WORLDQ.CONMEBOL |title=Last-gasp Palermo wins it in the rain |date=10 October 2009 |publisher=ESPN |access-date=15 October 2009 |archive-date=23 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023144432/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=230075&cc=5739&league=FIFA.WORLDQ.CONMEBOL |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/10/14/football.samerica/index.html |title=Late winner puts Argentina in World Cup finals |date=14 October 2009 |publisher=CNN |access-date=15 October 2009 |archive-date=15 October 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091015024246/http://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/10/14/football.samerica/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> After Argentina's qualification, Maradona used abusive language at the live post-game press conference, telling members of the media to "suck it and keep on sucking it".<ref>{{cite web |author=World Cup 2010 |url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/1863/world-cup-2010/2009/10/15/1562544/diego-maradona-tells-press-to-suck-it-after-argentina |title=Diego Maradona Tells Press To 'Suck It' After Argentina Triumph Over Uruguay |publisher=Goal.com |date=15 October 2009 |access-date=12 June 2010 |archive-date=4 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151104040354/http://www.goal.com/en/news/1863/world-cup-2010/2009/10/15/1562544/diego-maradona-tells-press-to-suck-it-after-argentina |url-status=live }}</ref> FIFA responded with a two-month ban on all footballing activity, which expired on 15 January 2010, and a [[Swiss franc|CHF]] 25,000 fine, with a warning as to his future conduct.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/internationals/8311013.stm |title=Maradona hit with two-month ban |work=BBC Sport |access-date=15 November 2009 |date=15 November 2009 |location=London |archive-date=11 January 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100111044151/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/internationals/8311013.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> The friendly match scheduled to take place at home to the [[Czech Republic national football team|Czech Republic]] on 15 December, during the period of the ban, was cancelled. The only match Argentina played during Maradona's ban was a friendly away to [[Catalonia national football team|Catalonia]], which they lost 4–2.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lacapital.com.ar/ovacion/la-seleccioacuten-argentina-perdioacute-4-2-catalunya-partido-vibrante-n321134.html|title=La selección argentina perdió 4 a 2 ante Catalunya en partido vibrante|trans-title=The Argentine team lost 4 to 2 against Catalonia in a vibrant match|language=es|work=[[La Capital]]|date=22 December 2009|access-date=12 October 2022|archive-date=12 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221012042306/https://www.lacapital.com.ar/ovacion/la-seleccioacuten-argentina-perdioacute-4-2-catalunya-partido-vibrante-n321134.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

At the [[2010 FIFA World Cup]], Argentina started by winning 1–0 against [[Nigeria national football team|Nigeria]], followed by a 4–1 victory over [[South Korea national football team|South Korea]] on the strength of a [[Gonzalo Higuaín]] hat-trick.<ref>{{cite news |first=Phil |last=Dawkes |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2010/matches/match_04/default.stm |title=Argentina 1–0 Nigeria |date=12 June 2010 |work=[[BBC Sport]] |access-date=17 June 2010 |archive-date=22 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190822160727/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2010/matches/match_04/default.stm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Jonathan |last=Stevenson |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2010/matches/match_18/default.stm |title=Argentina 4–1 South Korea |date=17 June 2010 |work=[[BBC Sport]] |access-date=17 June 2010 |archive-date=18 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618182056/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2010/matches/match_18/default.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> In the final match of the group stage, Argentina won 2–0 against [[Greece national football team|Greece]] to win the group and advance to a second round, meeting [[Mexico national football team|Mexico]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=264042&league=FIFA.WORLD&cc=5739&ver=global |title=Maradona's men in top spot |date=22 June 2010 |work=[[ESPNsoccernet]] |publisher=[[ESPN]] |access-date=23 June 2010 |archive-date=4 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181204102114/http://www.espn.com/soccer/report?cc=5739&ver=global&league=FIFA.WORLD&id=264042 |url-status=dead }}</ref> After defeating Mexico 3–1, however, Argentina was routed by [[Germany national football team|Germany]] 4–0 in the [[2010 FIFA World Cup#Quarter-finals|quarter-finals]] to go out of the competition.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/04/sports/soccer/04germanygame.html?_r=1&scp=5&sq=Maradona&st=cse |title=Germany Shows Its Strength |date=3 June 2010 |work=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=4 June 2010 |first=Jeré |last=Longman |archive-date=28 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200528094405/https://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/04/sports/soccer/04germanygame.html?_r=1&scp=5&sq=Maradona&st=cse |url-status=live }}</ref> Argentina was ranked fifth in the tournament.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2010/8814195.stm | work=[[BBC]] | title=England slip to worst Cup ranking | date=13 July 2010 | access-date=12 October 2022 | archive-date=16 June 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616155448/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2010/8814195.stm | url-status=live }}</ref> After the defeat to Germany, Maradona admitted that he was reconsidering his future as Argentina's coach, stating, "I may leave tomorrow."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2010/8785997.stm |title=Sad Maradona considers quitting |date=4 July 2010 |work=BBC Sport |access-date=15 July 2010 |archive-date=28 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128151950/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2010/8785997.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> On 15 July, the AFA said that he would be offered a new four-year deal that would keep him in charge through to the summer of 2014 when Brazil staged the [[2014 FIFA World Cup|World Cup]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2010/8823478.stm |title=Argentina to offer Diego Maradona new four-year deal |date=15 July 2010 |work=BBC Sport |access-date=15 July 2010 |archive-date=28 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128152011/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2010/8823478.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> On 27 July, however, the AFA announced that its board had unanimously decided not to renew his contract.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/jul/27/diego-maradona-departs-argentina-manager |title=Diego Maradona departs as manager of Argentina |date=27 July 2010 |work=The Guardian |access-date=27 July 2010 |agency=[[Press Association]] |location=London |archive-date=28 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128152030/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/jul/27/diego-maradona-departs-argentina-manager |url-status=live }}</ref> Afterwards, on 29 July, Maradona claimed that AFA president [[Julio Grondona]] and director of national teams (as well as his former Argentine national team and Sevilla coach) [[Carlos Bilardo]] had "lied to", "betrayed", and effectively sacked him from the role. He said, "They wanted me to continue, but seven of my staff should not go on, if he told me that, it meant he did not want me to keep working."<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=810672&sec=global&cc=5739 |title='Betrayed' Maradona lashes out at AFA |date=29 July 2010 |work=[[ESPNsoccernet]] |publisher=[[ESPN]] |access-date=29 July 2010 |archive-date=3 August 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100803224416/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=810672 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==Personal life==

===Family===
[[File:Maradonas's jersey donated to Pope Francis.jpg|thumb|upright|Having returned to his Catholic faith, Maradona donated a signed Argentina jersey to [[Pope Francis]], and it is kept in one of the [[Vatican Museums]].]]
Born to a [[Catholic Church in Argentina|Roman Catholic]] family, his parents were Diego Maradona Senior and Dalma Salvadora Franco. Maradona married long-time fiancée [[Claudia Villafañe]] on 7 November 1989 in Buenos Aires,<ref>{{cite news |last=Batson |first=Chris |date=25 November 2020 |title=Diego Maradona — his life in pictures |url=https://www.ft.com/content/bf119942-5e56-4d8c-a0b8-b2b6e78070ff |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221210/https://www.ft.com/content/bf119942-5e56-4d8c-a0b8-b2b6e78070ff |archive-date=10 December 2022 |url-access=subscription |work=Financial Times |access-date=27 November 2020}}</ref> and they had two daughters, [[Dalma Maradona|Dalma Nerea]] (born 2 April 1987) and Gianinna Dinorah (born 16 May 1989), by whom he became a grandfather in 2009 after she married [[Sergio Agüero]] (now divorced).<ref>{{cite web |author=La Liga |url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/722/la-liga/2009/02/19/1117562/diego-maradona-becomes-a-grandfather-as-sergio-aguero-junior-is-b |title=Diego Maradona Becomes A Grandfather As Sergio Aguero Junior Is Born |publisher=Goal.com |date=19 February 2009 |access-date=12 June 2010 |archive-date=21 February 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090221203256/http://www.goal.com/en/news/722/la-liga/2009/02/19/1117562/diego-maradona-becomes-a-grandfather-as-sergio-aguero-junior-is-b |url-status=live }}</ref>

Maradona and Villafañe divorced in 2004. Daughter Dalma has since asserted that the divorce was the best solution for all as her parents remained on friendly terms. They travelled together to Naples for a series of homages in June 2005 and were seen together on other occasions, including the Argentina games during [[2006 FIFA World Cup|2006 World Cup]].<ref>[https://espndeportes.espn.com/story?id=334497 ESPN Deportes – "Llega en son de paz"] . ESPN. Retrieved 19 May 2006</ref> During the divorce proceedings, Maradona admitted that he was the father of [[Diego Sinagra]] (born in Naples on 20 September 1986). The Italian courts had already ruled so in 1993, after Maradona refused to undergo [[DNA tests]] to prove or disprove his paternity. Diego Junior met Maradona for the first time in May 2003 after tricking his way onto a golf course in Italy where Maradona was playing.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://espndeportes.espn.com/story?id=334523|title=El amor al ídolo|language=es|date=9 June 2005|access-date=11 October 2022|work=[[ESPN Deportes]]|archive-date=4 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604152624/http://espndeportes.espn.go.com/story?id=334523|url-status=live}}</ref> Sinagra is now a footballer playing in Italy.<ref name="Diego Maradona Junior">{{cite web |url=http://www.resport.it/leggi.asp?id=11196&idcat=5&t=n |title=Diego Maradona Junior |publisher=Resport.it |access-date=12 June 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101006193326/http://www.resport.it/leggi.asp?id=11196&idcat=5&t=n |archive-date=6 October 2010}}</ref>

After the divorce, Claudia embarked on a career as a theatre producer, and Dalma sought an acting career; she previously had expressed her desire to attend the Actors Studio West in [[Los Angeles]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clarin.com/diario/2005/06/03/espectaculos/c-00811.htm|title=Había una vez... un elenco para la selección|work=[[Clarín (Argentine newspaper)|Clarín]]|language=es|date=3 June 2005|access-date=11 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220410074620/https://www.clarin.com/ediciones-anteriores/vez-elenco-seleccion_0_S1mz6T_1RFe.html|archive-date=10 April 2022|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clarin.com/diario/2005/06/19/sociedad/s-998340.htm |title=Dalma Maradona: diario de una princesa|language=es|first=Silvina|last= Demare |work=[[Clarín (Argentine newspaper)|Clarín]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100430011837/http://www.clarin.com/diario/2005/06/19/sociedad/s-998340.htm |archive-date=30 April 2010|url-status=dead }}</ref>

Maradona's relationship with his immediate family was a close one. In a 1990 interview with ''[[Sports Illustrated]]'', he showed phone bills where he had spent a minimum of $15,000 US per month calling his parents and siblings.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Prima Dona |url=https://www.si.com/vault/1990/05/14/121977/prima-dona-at-his-best-diego-maradona-can-be-as-graceful-as-michael-jordan-at-his-worst-he-can-be-as-disgraceful-as-john-mcenroe-the-question-is-which-maradona-will-show-for-the-world-cup |access-date=19 August 2018 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |archive-date=20 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180820043749/https://www.si.com/vault/1990/05/14/121977/prima-dona-at-his-best-diego-maradona-can-be-as-graceful-as-michael-jordan-at-his-worst-he-can-be-as-disgraceful-as-john-mcenroe-the-question-is-which-maradona-will-show-for-the-world-cup |url-status=live }}</ref> Maradona's mother, Dalma, died on 19 November 2011. He was in [[Dubai]] at the time, and desperately tried to fly back in time to see her, but was too late. She was 81 years old. His father, "Don" Diego, died on 25 June 2015 at age 87.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/25/diego-maradona-father-dies|title=Diego Maradona's father Don Diego dies aged 87|work=[[The Guardian]]|date=25 June 2015|access-date=11 October 2022|archive-date=8 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108095645/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/25/diego-maradona-father-dies|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2014, Maradona was accused of assaulting his girlfriend, Rocío Oliva, allegations which he denied.<ref>{{cite web |title=Diego Maradona secretly filmed 'beating' his girlfriend after row over mobile phone |url=https://www.itv.com/news/2014-10-28/diego-maradona-secretly-filmed-beating-his-girlfriend-after-row-over-mobile-phone |access-date=27 November 2020 |website=[[ITV News]] |date=27 November 2020 |archive-date=26 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126094950/https://www.itv.com/news/2014-10-28/diego-maradona-secretly-filmed-beating-his-girlfriend-after-row-over-mobile-phone |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Joan |last=Smith |author-link=Joan Smith |title=Tributes to Diego Maradona show how easily violence against women is ignored |url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/nov/27/diego-maradona-violence-women-heroes-abusers |access-date=27 November 2020 |website=[[The Guardian]] |date=27 November 2020 |archive-date=27 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127135804/https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/nov/27/diego-maradona-violence-women-heroes-abusers |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2017, he gifted her a house in Bella Vista, but in December 2018 they split up.<ref name="football.by">{{Cite web|title=Марадона - о расставании с Росио Оливой: "Я не тот, кто бьет жену, но я хотел оторвать ей голову" - Новости : Football.By : Новости футбола Беларуси и мира|language=ru|url=https://football.by/news/122322.html|date=18 January 2019|access-date=20 May 2021|website=football.by|archive-date=20 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210520143851/https://football.by/news/122322.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Maradona's great-nephew [[Hernán López (footballer)|Hernán López]] is also a professional footballer.<ref name="La Nación">{{cite news |title=La historia del sobrino de Maradona que juega en River: su polémica llegada al club y su particular parecido con el tío |url=https://www.lanacion.com.ar/deportes/futbol/la-historia-del-sobrino-de-maradona-que-juega-en-river-su-polemica-llegada-al-club-y-su-particular-parecido-con-el-tio-nid2130488 |access-date=7 April 2019 |work=[[La Nación]] |date=3 May 2018 |language=es |archive-date=7 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190407201106/https://ingresar.lanacion.com.ar/suscripcion/V/1/1/?callback=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubGFuYWNpb24uY29tLmFyL2RlcG9ydGVzL2Z1dGJvbC9sYS1oaXN0b3JpYS1kZWwtc29icmluby1kZS1tYXJhZG9uYS1xdWUtanVlZ2EtZW4tcml2ZXItc3UtcG9sZW1pY2EtbGxlZ2FkYS1hbC1jbHViLXktc3UtcGFydGljdWxhci1wYXJlY2lkby1jb24tZWwtdGlvLW5pZDIxMzA0ODg= |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Drug abuse and health problems===
[[File:Maradona in Russia.jpg|thumb|Maradona at the [[2018 FIFA World Cup]] in Russia, where he was treated by paramedics after collapsing following Argentina's victory over Nigeria<ref>{{cite news |title=Diego Maradona treated by paramedics after appearing to collapse at Argentina vs Nigeria World Cup 2018 game |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup/diego-maradona-hospital-health-finger-video-argentina-nigeria-world-cup-2018-watch-a8418571.html |work=The Independent |date=27 June 2018 |access-date=26 November 2020 |archive-date=6 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201206015259/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup/diego-maradona-hospital-health-finger-video-argentina-nigeria-world-cup-2018-watch-a8418571.html |url-status=live }}</ref>]]
From the mid-1980s until 2004, Maradona was addicted to [[cocaine]]. He allegedly began using the drug in Barcelona in 1983.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/3639425.stm|title=Maradona's fall from grace|first=John|last=May|date=19 April 2004|work=[[BBC Sport]]|access-date=14 October 2022|archive-date=4 April 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100404045852/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/3639425.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> By the time he was playing for Napoli, he had a full-blown addiction, which interfered with his ability to play football.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D0CE5DE1F30F93AA2575AC0A967958260 |title=The New York Times: SOCCER; Maradona Sentenced |date=19 September 1991 |work=AP via New York Times |access-date=15 February 2017 |archive-date=6 December 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081206195227/http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D0CE5DE1F30F93AA2575AC0A967958260 |url-status=live }}</ref> In the midst of his drug crisis in 1991, Maradona was asked by journalists if the hit song "[[Mi enfermedad]]" ({{lit|My Disease}}) was dedicated to him.<ref name=Resus>{{Cite news |title=El éxito que llegó de España La extraña historia de Mi enfermedad, o cuando Fabiana Cantilo resucitó a Andrés Calamaro |url=https://www.clarin.com/espectaculos/musica/historia-enfermedad-fabiana-cantilo-resucito-andres-calamaro_0__iPkBmlj2.html |language=es |last=Firpo |first=Hernán |date=2 April 2020 |access-date=30 July 2020 |work=[[Clarín (Argentine newspaper)|Clarín]] |archive-date=4 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004062419/https://www.clarin.com/espectaculos/musica/historia-enfermedad-fabiana-cantilo-resucito-andres-calamaro_0__iPkBmlj2.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Maradona was banned from football in both 1991 and 1994 for abusing drugs.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Haylett |first1=Trevor |last2=Shaw |first2=Phil |title=Football: Maradona banned for 15 months: Fifa takes tough stance |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-maradona-banned-for-15-months-fifa-takes-tough-stance-1378601.html |website=The Independent |language=en |date=25 August 1994 |access-date=27 November 2020 |archive-date=17 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170717211522/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-maradona-banned-for-15-months-fifa-takes-tough-stance-1378601.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Maradona had a tendency to put on weight and suffered increasingly from [[obesity]], at one point weighing {{cvt|280|lb|kg}}. He was obese from the end of his playing career until undergoing [[gastric bypass surgery]] in a clinic in [[Cartagena, Colombia]], on 6 March 2005. His surgeon said that Maradona would follow a [[liquid diet]] for three months in order to return to his normal weight.<ref name="bbc_stomach">{{Cite news |title=Maradona has surgery on stomach |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/4322835.stm |publisher=BBC |access-date=28 June 2010 |date=6 March 2005 |archive-date=17 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201117171611/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/4322835.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> When Maradona resumed public appearances shortly thereafter, he displayed a notably thinner figure.<ref name="espn_surgery">{{cite web |last=Associated Press |title=Maradona's gastric bypass inspires obese Colombians |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=344144&cc=5901 |publisher=ESPN |access-date=28 June 2010 |archive-date=9 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109202701/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=344144&cc=5901 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

On 29 March 2007, Maradona was readmitted to a hospital in Buenos Aires. He was treated for [[hepatitis]] and effects of [[alcohol abuse]] and was released on 11 April, but readmitted two days later.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/6581461.stm|title=Maradona treated for alcoholism|work=[[BBC]]|date=22 April 2007|access-date=12 October 2022|archive-date=11 September 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070911200930/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/6581461.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> In the following days, there were constant rumours about his health, including three false claims of his death within a month.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ole.clarin.com/notas/2007/04/26/01407242.html |title=Malas lenguas|work=[[Olé (sports newspaper)|Olé]]|date=26 April 2007|first=Rodrigo|last=Calegari| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090918095510/http://www.ole.clarin.com/notas/2007/04/26/01407242.html |archive-date=18 September 2009|url-status=dead }} {{in lang|es}}</ref> After being transferred to a psychiatric clinic specializing in alcohol-related problems, Maradona was discharged on 7 May.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/6633391.stm |work=BBC News |title=Maradona leaves alcoholism clinic |date=7 May 2007 |access-date=1 April 2010 |archive-date=5 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090405210553/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/6633391.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> On 8 May, Maradona appeared on Argentine television and stated that he had quit drinking and had not used drugs in two and a half years.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=428701&cc=5901 |title=Maradona says he no longer drinks|work=[[ESPN]]|date=8 May 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023144512/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=428701&cc=5901 |archive-date=23 October 2012 }}</ref> During the 2018 World Cup match between Argentina and Nigeria, Maradona was shown on television cameras behaving extremely erratically, with an abundance of white residue visible on the glass in front of his seat in the stands. The smudges could have been fingerprints, and he later blamed his behaviour on consuming lots of wine.<ref>{{cite web |first1=Gerard |last1=Couzens |first2=Benedict |last2=Moore-Bridger |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/worldcup/diego-maradona-blames-bizarre-world-cup-behaviour-on-white-wine-binge-in-vip-box-a3873281.html?fallback=true |access-date=27 November 2020 |title=Diego Maradona blames bizarre World Cup behaviour on white wine binge in VIP box |date=27 June 2018 |work=[[Evening Standard]] |archive-date=4 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204073100/https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/worldcup/diego-maradona-blames-bizarre-world-cup-behaviour-on-white-wine-binge-in-vip-box-a3873281.html?fallback=true |url-status=live }}</ref> In January 2019, Maradona underwent surgery after a [[hernia]] caused [[internal bleeding]] in his stomach.<ref>{{cite news |title=Diego Maradona recovering in hospital after operation for internal bleeding |work=BBC Sport |date=13 January 2019 |access-date=13 January 2019 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/46855009 |archive-date=10 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110001948/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/46855009 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Political views===
[[File:Maradona y Kirchner.jpg|thumb|right|Maradona (right) presenting a signed jersey to the former President of Argentina [[Néstor Kirchner]] in December 2007]]
Maradona was ideologically left-wing.<ref name="insider"/> He supported the establishment of an independent [[Palestinian state]] and condemned Israel's military strikes in the [[Gaza Strip]] during the [[2014 Israel–Gaza conflict]], saying: "What Israel is doing to the Palestinians is shameful."<ref>{{cite news |title='In my heart I am Palestinian': Maradona's activism remembered |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/11/26/in-my-heart-i-am-palestinian-maradona-backed-palestine-cause |work=Al-Jazeera |date=26 November 2020 |access-date=26 November 2020 |archive-date=27 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127100030/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/11/26/in-my-heart-i-am-palestinian-maradona-backed-palestine-cause |url-status=live }}</ref> He became friends with Cuban president [[Fidel Castro]] while receiving treatment on the island, with Castro stating, "Diego is a great friend and very noble, too. There's also no question he's a wonderful athlete and has maintained a friendship with Cuba to no material gain of his own."<ref name="Maradona FIFA"/> Maradona had a portrait of Castro [[tattoo]]ed on his left leg and one of Fidel's second in command, fellow Argentine [[Che Guevara]] on his right arm.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/argentina/story/0,,1635417,00.html |title=A big hand |work=The Observer |location=UK |access-date=19 June 2006 |date=6 November 2005 |first=Chris |last=Taylor |archive-date=26 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126133026/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2005/nov/06/sport.argentina |url-status=live }}</ref> In his autobiography, ''El Diego'', he dedicated the book to various people, including Castro. He wrote: "To Fidel Castro and, through him, all the [[Cubans|Cuban people]]."<ref>{{cite book |last=Maradona |first=Diego |author2=Daniel Arcucci |author3=Ernesto Cherquis Bialo |title=El Diego |year=2005 |publisher=Yellow Jersey |location=London |isbn=0-224-07190-4}}</ref> In 1990, he visited [[Lenin's Mausoleum]] in [[Red Square]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Agnew |first1=Paddy |title=Forza Italia The Fall and Rise of Italian Football |date=2012 |publisher=Ebury Publishing |page=85}}</ref>

[[File:Exequias de Néstor Kirchner en Casa Rosada 7.jpg|thumb|left|Maradona, then-president [[Cristina Fernández de Kirchner]] and [[Evo Morales]], at the funeral of former President of Argentina [[Néstor Kirchner]], 28 October 2010]]
Maradona voiced support for [[Bolivia]]'s president [[Evo Morales]]<ref>{{cite news |title=Maradona, football legend, was a champion of Latin America's left |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/soccer-argentina-maradona-leaders/maradona-football-legend-was-a-champion-of-latin-americas-left-idUSKBN2853C6 |work=Reuters |first=Sarah |last=Marsh |access-date=10 October 2022 |date=25 November 2020 |archive-date=27 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127150049/https://www.reuters.com/article/soccer-argentina-maradona-leaders/maradona-football-legend-was-a-champion-of-latin-americas-left-idUSKBN2853C6 |url-status=live }}</ref> and was also a supporter of former Venezuelan President [[Hugo Chávez]]. In 2005, he came to Venezuela to meet Chávez, who received him in the presidential [[Miraflores Palace]]. After the meeting, Maradona said that he had come to meet a "great man" (''un grande'', which can also mean "a big man", in Spanish), but had instead met a gigantic man (''un gigante''). He also stated, "I believe in Chávez, I am a [[Chavista]]. Everything Fidel does, everything Chávez does, for me is the best."<ref>{{Cite news |title=Maradona and Chávez laugh over 'hand of god' goal on chat show |work=The Guardian |location=UK |access-date=20 August 2007 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/venezuela/story/0,,2152474,00.html |first=Rory |last=Carroll |date=20 August 2007 |archive-date=26 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126133004/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2007/aug/20/argentina.football |url-status=live }}</ref> Maradona was Chávez's guest of honour at the opening game of the [[2007 Copa América]] held in Venezuela.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://metro.co.uk/2007/06/27/maradona-fancies-a-copa-3432278/ |title=Maradona fancies a Copa|work=[[Metro (British newspaper)|Metro]]|first=Paul|last=Kevan|date=27 June 2007|access-date=10 October 2022}}</ref> In a 2017 interview, Maradona praised Russian president [[Vladimir Putin]] and considered him, along with Chavez and Castro, to be among the best political leaders in the world, stating: "Putin is a man who can bring peace to many in this world. He’s a phenomenon; simply a phenomenon".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.goal.com/en/news/donald-trump-is-a-cartoon---diego-maradona-ridicules-us-president-and-hails-peaceful-putin/166f5gpf3x83w1gjq33mpmxown |title='Donald Trump is a cartoon' - Diego Maradona ridicules US president and hails 'peaceful' Putin |last=Sherlock |first=Harry |date=2 July 2017 |website=Goal.com |access-date=2 July 2022}}</ref>

{{blockquote|Many sportsmen claim to be champions of the people, but Maradona's populism is underwritten by his itinerary — the proletarian strongholds of Buenos Aires, Naples, and now Havana.|[[Martin Amis]] writing for ''[[The Guardian]]'', 2004.<ref name="Amis"/>}}

In 2004, Maradona participated in a protest against the U.S.-led [[Iraq War|war in Iraq]].<ref name="insider">{{cite news |title=Beyond soccer, here are some of the political causes, leaders, and movements Diego Maradona supported in his life |url=https://www.insider.com/here-are-the-major-political-causes-diego-maradona-supported-2020-11 |work=Insider|first=Azmi |last=Haroun |date=26 November 2020|access-date=10 October 2022}}</ref> Maradona declared his opposition to what he identified as [[imperialism]], particularly during the 2005 [[Mar del Plata Summit of the Americas|Summit of the Americas]] in [[Mar del Plata]], Argentina. There he protested [[George W. Bush]]'s presence in Argentina, wearing a T-shirt labelled "{{mono|STOP BUSH}}" (with the "s" in "Bush" being replaced with a [[swastika]]) and referring to Bush as "human garbage".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thenation.com/doc/20051121/timerman |title=Chávez and Maradona Lead Massive Rebuke of Bush |work=[[The Nation]] |first=Jordana|last=Timerman|access-date=20 June 2006 |date=5 November 2005 |archive-date=16 June 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060616003623/http://www.thenation.com/doc/20051121/timerman |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.commondreams.org/headlines05/images/1105-02.jpg |title=Image of Maradona wearing the STOP BU卐H shirt |access-date=12 June 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100623193530/http://www.commondreams.org/headlines05/images/1105-02.jpg |archive-date=23 June 2010}}</ref> In August 2007, Maradona went further, making an appearance on Chávez's weekly television show ''[[Aló Presidente]]'' and saying, "I hate everything that comes from the United States. I hate it with all my strength."<ref>{{Cite news |title=Ex-soccer star Maradona tells Chavez he hates U.S. |work=Reuters |access-date=20 August 2007 |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/worldFootballNews/idUKN1925170620070819 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080429132055/http://uk.reuters.com/article/worldFootballNews/idUKN1925170620070819 |url-status=dead |archive-date=29 April 2008 |date=19 August 2007}}</ref> By December 2008, Maradona seemed to adopt a more positive U.S. attitude and expressed admiration for Bush's successor, then-President-elect [[Barack Obama]], for whom he had great expectations.<ref name="India"/> However, in 2017, Maradona was critical of President [[Donald Trump]] and called him "a cartoon character".<ref>{{cite news |last=Crowley |first=James |date=25 November 2020 |title=After Maradona's Death, His Opinion of America Resurfaces: 'I Hate Everything From the U.S.' |url=https://www.newsweek.com/diego-maradona-death-hated-everything-united-states-1550353 |work=[[Newsweek]] |access-date=25 November 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125230734/https://www.newsweek.com/diego-maradona-death-hated-everything-united-states-1550353 |archive-date=25 November 2020}}</ref>

{{Quote box|width=27%|align=right|quote="I asked myself, 'Who is this man? Who is this footballing magician, this [[Sex Pistols|Sex Pistol]] of international football, this cocaine victim who kicked the habit, looked like [[Falstaff]] and was as weak as spaghetti?' If [[Andy Warhol]] had still been alive, he would have definitely put Maradona alongside [[Marilyn Monroe]] and [[Mao Tse-tung]]. I'm convinced that if he hadn't been a footballer, he'd've become a revolutionary."|source=—[[Emir Kusturica]], film director<ref name="Maradona FIFA"/>}}

With his poor shanty town ([[villa miseria]]) upbringing, Maradona cultivated a man-of-the-people persona.<ref name="Vatican"/> During a meeting with [[Pope John Paul II]] at the [[Vatican City|Vatican]] in 1987, they clashed on the issue of wealth disparity, with Maradona stating, "I argued with him because I was in the Vatican and I saw all these golden ceilings and afterwards I heard the Pope say the Church was worried about the welfare of poor kids. Sell your ceiling then, amigo, do something!"<ref name="Vatican">{{cite web|url=https://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/blogs/pitchside-europe/football-awaits-audience-italy-argentina-131330730.html |title=Football awaits an audience with Italy and Argentina|work=[[Eurosport]]|date=13 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140904092010/https://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/blogs/pitchside-europe/football-awaits-audience-italy-argentina-131330730.html |archive-date=4 September 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref> In September 2014, Maradona met with [[Pope Francis]] in Rome, crediting Francis for inspiring him to return to religion after many years away; he stated: "We should all imitate Pope Francis. If each one of us gives something to someone else, no one in the world would be starving."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/diego-maradona-meets-pope-francis-in-rome-20140902-10b8tw.html#ixzz3C94HZkyr |title=Diego Maradona meets Pope Francis in Rome|work=[[Sydney Morning Herald]]|first=Philip |last=Pullella|date=2 September 2014|access-date=10 October 2022}}</ref>

In December 2007, Maradona presented a signed shirt with a message of support to the people of [[Iran]]: it is displayed in the [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Iran)|Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs]]' museum.<ref name="sundayTimes3April2008">{{Cite news |last=Naughton |first=Philippe |title=Diego Maradona makes a fan of President Ahmadinejad of Iran |url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/middle_east/article3673860.ece |access-date=28 June 2010 |newspaper=The Sunday Times |date=3 April 2008 |location=London}}{{dead link|date=September 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> In April 2013, Maradona visited the tomb of Hugo Chávez and urged Venezuelans to elect the late leader's designated successor, [[Nicolás Maduro]], to continue the socialist leader's legacy; "Continue the struggle," Maradona said on television.<ref name="Chavez">{{cite web|url=http://sports.ndtv.com/football/news/206240-diego-maradona-visits-hugo-chavez-tomb |title=Diego Maradona visits {{As written|Hugo Chavez}} tomb|date=13 April 2013|work=[[NDTV]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160825183755/http://sports.ndtv.com/football/news/206240-diego-maradona-visits-hugo-chavez-tomb |archive-date=25 August 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Maradona attended Maduro's final campaign rally in [[Caracas]], signing footballs and kicking them to the crowd, and presented Maduro with an Argentina jersey.<ref name="Chavez"/> Having visited Chávez's tomb with Maradona, Maduro said, "Speaking with Diego was very emotional because comandante Chávez also loved him very much."<ref name="Chavez"/> Maradona participated and danced at the electoral campaign rally during the [[2018 Venezuelan presidential election|2018 presidential elections in Venezuela]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Así bailó Maradona durante el cierre de campaña de Maduro |url=http://www.el-nacional.com/noticias/politica/asi-bailo-maradona-durante-cierre-campana-maduro_235670 |language=es|date=17 May 2018 |access-date=18 May 2018 |work=El Nacional}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Maradona acompañó a Maduro en su cierre de campaña electoral |url=http://www.panorama.com.ve/politicayeconomia/Maradona-acompano-a-Maduro-en-su-cierre-de-campana-electoral-20180517-0051.html |language=es|date=17 May 2018 |access-date=18 May 2018 |work=Panorama.com.ve}}</ref> During the [[2019 Venezuelan presidential crisis]], the Mexican Football Federation fined him for violating their code of ethics and dedicating a team victory to Nicolás Maduro.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://lta.reuters.com/articulo/futbol-mexico-maradona-idLTAKCN1RL083 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190409035637/https://lta.reuters.com/articulo/futbol-mexico-maradona-idLTAKCN1RL083 |url-status=dead |archive-date=9 April 2019 |work=Reuters |language=es |date=8 April 2019 |access-date=10 April 2019 |title=Federación México multa a Maradona por dedicar triunfo a Maduro}}</ref>
[[File:Martín Guzmán con Alberto Fernández y Maradona.jpg|thumb|Maradona (center) visiting Argentina's new president [[Alberto Fernández]] (right) in December 2019]]
Maradona in his 2000 autobiography ''Yo Soy El Diego'', linked the "[[The hand of God|Hand of God]]" goal against England at the 1986 World Cup to the [[Falklands War]]: "Although we had said before the game that football had nothing to do with the Malvinas [Falklands] War, we knew they had killed a lot of Argentine boys there, killed them like little birds. And this was revenge."<ref>{{cite news |title=Why Diego Maradona will always be Argentina's favourite son |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/diego-maradona-argentina-pov-1.5816916 |work=CBC News |date=25 November 2020}}</ref> In October 2015, Maradona thanked Queen [[Elizabeth II]] and the [[Palace of Westminster|Houses of Parliament]] in London for giving him the chance to provide "true justice" as head of an organization designed to help young children.<ref name="Unity"/> In a video released on his official Facebook page, Maradona confirmed he would accept their nomination for him to become [[Latin Americans|Latin American]] director for the non-governmental organization Football for Unity.<ref name="Unity">{{cite news |title=Diego Maradona sends a 'big hug to the Houses of Parliament' and thanks the Queen |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/diego-maradona-sends-a-big-hug-to-the-houses-of-parliament-and-thanks-the-queen-a3089616.html |work=[[London Evening Standard ]]|first=Vaishali |last=Bhardwaj|date=21 October 2015|access-date=10 October 2022}}</ref>

===Failure to pay tax===
In March 2009, Italian officials announced that Maradona still owed the Italian government €37&nbsp;million in local taxes, €23.5&nbsp;million of which was accrued interest on his original debt. They reported that at that point, Maradona had paid only €42,000, two luxury watches and a set of earrings.<ref>{{cite news|url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8264160.stm |title= Police seize Maradona's earrings |work= BBC News |date= 19 September 2009 |access-date= 15 June 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url= http://www.wsn.com/2009/03/28/football/news/italy/maradona-still-owes-37-million-euros-taxman-says_343841/ |title= Maradona still owes 37 million euros, taxman says |work= wsn.com |date= 28 March 2009 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150131050232/http://www.wsn.com/2009/03/28/football/news/italy/maradona-still-owes-37-million-euros-taxman-says_343841 |archive-date= 31 January 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> He was posthumously cleared of the accusations in January 2024 by the [[Supreme Court of Cassation (Italy)|Supreme Court of Cassation]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Italy court clears Maradona of tax evasion years after his death |url=https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/italy-court-clears-maradona-tax-evasion-years-after-his-death-2024-01-05/ |access-date=6 January 2024 |work=Reuters |date=5 January 2024}}</ref>

==Death==

On 2 November 2020, Maradona was admitted to a hospital in [[La Plata]], supposedly for psychological reasons. A representative of the ex-footballer said his condition was not serious.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Rey |first1=Deborah |last2=McStay |first2=Kirsten |date=3 November 2020 |title=Football legend Diego Maradona admitted to hospital with signs of depression |url=https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/entertainment/football-legend-diego-maradona-admitted-22948500|access-date=3 November 2020 |website=Daily Record |language=en}}</ref> A day later, he underwent emergency brain surgery to treat a [[subdural hematoma]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/argentina-arg/story/4225282/argentina-great-maradona-to-have-emergency-brain-surgery |work=ESPN |title=Argentina great Maradona to have emergency brain surgery |date=3 November 2020 |access-date=3 November 2020}}</ref> He was released on 12 November after successful surgery and was supervised by doctors as an outpatient.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Tatiana Arias and Hugo Correa |title=Diego Maradona discharged from clinic following successful brain surgery |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2020/11/12/football/diego-maradona-hospital-discharge-spt-intl/index.html |date=12 November 2020|access-date=12 November 2020 |website=CNN}}</ref> On 25 November, at the age of 60, Maradona suffered [[cardiac arrest]] and died in his sleep at his home in [[Dique Luján]], [[Buenos Aires Province]], Argentina.<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 November 2020 |title=Diego Maradona dies aged 60 |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news/diego-maradona-dead-age-cause-b1761813.html|first=Jack|last= de Menezes|access-date=25 November 2020 |website=The Independent}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Conmoción en el country donde murió Maradona: "Lo recibimos como a un vecino más" |url=https://www.clarin.com/zonales/conmocion-country-murio-maradona-recibimos-vecino-_0_JQopO_t9U.html |publisher=[[Clarín (Argentine newspaper)|Clarín]]|access-date=28 November 2020 |language=es |date=25 November 2020 |quote=Allí, el 10 transitó sus últimos días en la casa ubicada dentro del complejo emplazado en la avenida Italia al 4665, en Dique Luján, muy cerca del límite con Escobar.}}</ref> Maradona's coffin – draped in [[Flag of Argentina|Argentina's national flag]] and three Maradona number 10 shirts (Argentinos Juniors, Boca Juniors and Argentina) – [[lying in state|lay in state]] at the Presidential Palace, the [[Casa Rosada]], with mourners filing past his coffin.<ref>{{cite news |title=Diego Maradona: Footballer laid to rest as Argentina grieves |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-55060614 |date=26 November 2020|access-date=27 November 2020 |agency=BBC News}}</ref> On 26 November, Maradona's wake, which was attended by tens of thousands of people, was cut short by his family as his coffin was relocated from the rotunda of the Presidential Palace after fans took over an inner courtyard and also clashed with police.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/football/diego-maradona-dead-fans-riot-clash-with-police-buenos-aires-protests-maradonas-coffin/news-story/c0117052e0b569e8acc1977bdb69bfe2 |title=Chaos as heartbroken Maradona mourners clash with police at wake |author=AFP |publisher=Fox Sports Australia |date=26 November 2020 |access-date=27 November 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.news24.com/sport/soccer/international/diego-maradona-funeral-cortege-heads-to-cemetery-near-buenos-aires-20201127 |author=AFP |title=Diego Maradona funeral cortege heads to cemetery near Buenos Aires |publisher=News24 |date=26 November 2020 |access-date=27 November 2020}}</ref> The same day, a private funeral service was held and Maradona was buried next to his parents at the Jardín de Bella Vista cemetery in [[Bella Vista, Buenos Aires]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Diego Maradona laid to rest in private ceremony in Buenos Aires |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/12143614/diego-maradona-laid-to-rest-in-private-ceremony-in-buenos-aires |date=27 November 2020|access-date=27 November 2020 |publisher=Sky Sports}}</ref>

===Tributes===
{{quote box|width=27%|quote="I have lost a great friend and the world has lost a legend. There's still so much to be said, but for now, may God give strength to his relatives. One day I hope we can play football together in heaven."|source=— [[Pelé]] paying tribute following Maradona's death<ref name="FIFA tributes"/>}}

In a statement on social media, the [[Argentine Football Association]] expressed "its deepest sorrow for the death of our legend", adding: "You will always be in our hearts."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/54810392 |title=Diego Maradona: Argentina legend dies aged 60 |agency=BBC News |date=25 November 2020 |access-date=25 November 2020}}</ref> President [[Alberto Fernández]] announced three days of [[national mourning]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2020/11/25/football/diego-maradona-death-argentina-spt-intl/index.html |title=Diego Maradona dies aged 60 |publisher=CNN |last=Church |first=Ben |date=25 November 2020 |access-date=25 November 2020}}</ref> [[UEFA]] and [[CONMEBOL]] announced that every match in the Champions League, Europa League, Copa Libertadores, and Copa Sudamericana would hold a moment of silence prior to kickoff.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.tsn.ca/video/champions-league-clubs-pay-tribute-to-maradona-with-moment-of-silence~2084727 |title=Champions League clubs pay tribute to Maradona with moment of silence |publisher=TSN |date=25 November 2020|access-date=26 November 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://strikers.futbol/cracks/Copa-Libertadores-Conmebol-le-aplica-el-luto-por-Maradona-a-Boca-Juniors-20201125-0038.html |title=Copa Libertadores: Conmebol le aplica el luto por Maradona a Boca Juniors |agency=Strikers.futbol |date=25 November 2020 |access-date=27 November 2020}}</ref> Boca Juniors' game was postponed in respect to Maradona.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/article/boca-juniors-copa-libertadores-game-postponed-maradonas-death/ |title=Boca Juniors' Copa Libertadores game postponed after Maradona's death |agency=SportsNet |date=25 November 2020 |access-date=27 November 2020}}</ref> Subsequently, other confederations around the world followed suit, with every fixture observing a minute of silence, starting with the [[AFC Champions League Elite|AFC Champions League]]'s fixtures.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.the-afc.com/afc-home/about-afc/the-president/news/afc-president-pays-tribute-to-footballing-legend-maradona/ |title=AFC President pays tribute to footballing legend Maradona |website=AFC.com |date=26 November 2020 |access-date=27 November 2020}}</ref> In addition to the minute of silence in Serie A, an image of Maradona was projected on stadium screens in the 10th minute of play.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tsn.ca/serie-a-plans-league-wide-weekend-tribute-to-diego-maradona-1.1557180 |title=Serie A plans league-wide weekend tribute to Diego Maradona |publisher=TSN.ca |date=27 November 2020 |access-date=29 November 2020}}</ref>

In [[Naples]], the Stadio San Paolo—officially renamed [[Stadio Diego Armando Maradona]] on 4 December 2020—was illuminated at night in honour of Maradona, with numerous fans gathering outside the stadium placing murals and paintings as a tribute. Both Napoli owner [[Aurelio De Laurentiis]] and the mayor of Naples [[Luigi de Magistris (politician)|Luigi de Magistris]] expressed their desire to rename their stadium after Maradona, which was unanimously approved by Naples City Council.<ref name="Stadium renamed"/> Prior to Napoli's [[2020–21 UEFA Europa League|Europa League]] match against [[HNK Rijeka|Rijeka]] the day after Maradona's death, all of the Napoli players wore shirts with "Maradona 10" on the back of them, before observing a minute of silence.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/55086987 |title=Napoli v HNK Rijeka: Hosts pay tribute to Maradona at Stadio San Paolo |publisher=BBC Sport |date=26 November 2020|access-date=26 November 2020}}</ref> Figures in the sport from every continent around the world also paid tribute to him.<ref name="FIFA tributes">{{cite web |url=https://www.fifa.com/news/planet-football-mourns-maradona-s-passing |title=Stars line up to laud Diego |website=FIFA.com |date=26 November 2020|access-date=27 November 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2020/nov/26/the-greatest-idol-football-world-pays-tribute-to-diego-maradona-video |title='The greatest idol': football world pays tribute to Diego Maradona – video |newspaper=The Guardian |date=26 November 2020|access-date=27 November 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://panafricanfootball.com/2020/11/27/diego-maradona-was-from-another-planet-says-etoo |title=Diego Maradona Was From Another Planet, Says Eto'o |publisher=panafricanfootball |date=27 November 2020 |access-date=1 December 2020 |archive-date=13 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220313130944/https://panafricanfootball.com/2020/11/27/diego-maradona-was-from-another-planet-says-etoo/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Celebrities and other sports people outside football also paid tribute to Maradona.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.essentiallysports.com/ufc-mma-news-khabib-nurmagomedov-conor-mcgregor-mike-tyson-react-to-soccer-diego-maradons-demise/ |title=Khabib Nurmagomedov, Conor McGregor and Mike Tyson React to Diego Maradona's Demise |website=EssentiallySports |last=Chauhan |first=Prathamesh Singh |language=en-US |date=26 November 2020|access-date=29 November 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.mid-day.com/articles/maradona-passes-away-celebrities-mourn-the-tragic-death-of-60yearold-argentinian-footballer/23108240 |title=Maradona passes away: Celebrities pay tributes to the legend |website=mid-day |language=en |date=25 November 2020|access-date=29 November 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/11/28/tennis-world-pays-tribute-to-maradona/ |title=Tennis World Pays Tribute to Maradona |website=THISDAYLIVE |language=en-US |date=28 November 2020|access-date=29 November 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.si.com/soccer/2020/11/25/diego-maradona-death-soccer-world-tribute-reactions |title=Sports World Pays Tribute to Diego Maradona |magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]] |last=West |first=Jenna |language=en-us |date=25 November 2020|access-date=29 November 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://tv6.news/the-tribute-of-the-basketball-workforce-to-diego-maradona/ |title=The tribute of the basketball workforce to Diego Maradona |website=TV6 News |language=en-US |access-date=29 November 2020 |archive-date=13 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201213131838/https://tv6.news/the-tribute-of-the-basketball-workforce-to-diego-maradona/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

On 27 November 2020, the Aditya School of Sports in [[Barasat]], [[Kolkata]], India named their cricket stadium after Maradona.<ref name="Barasat stadium">{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/stadium-near-barasat-named-after-legendary-diego-maradona/articleshow/79451483.cms |title=Stadium near Barasat named after legendary Diego Maradona |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |date=27 November 2020|access-date=27 November 2020}}</ref> Three years earlier Maradona had conducted a workshop with 100 kids in the stadium and played a charity match at the same venue with former Indian cricket captain, [[Sourav Ganguly]].<ref name="Barasat stadium"/> The AFA announced that the [[2020 Copa de la Liga Profesional]], which is the debut season of Copa de la Liga Profesional, would be renamed ''Copa Diego Armando Maradona''.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.footyheadlines.com/2020/11/all-new-copa-diego-maradona-logo.html |title=All-New Copa Diego Maradona Logo Launched |website=Footy Headlines|date=28 November 2020|access-date=29 November 2020}}</ref> On 28 November, [[Pakistan Football Federation]]'s main cup [[PFF National Challenge Cup]] honoured Maradona along with Wali Mohammad. In a rugby union test match between [[Argentina national rugby union team|Argentina]] and [[New Zealand national rugby union team|New Zealand]] on 28 November, as the New Zealand team lined up to perform the [[haka]] their captain [[Sam Cane]] presented a black jersey with Maradona's name and his number 10.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/rugby/all-blacks-diego-maradona-tribute-argentina-b88636.html |title=All Blacks pay touching tribute to Diego Maradona ahead of Tri Nations clash against Argentina |first=George|last=Flood|work=[[Evening Standard]] |language=en-UK |date=28 November 2020 |access-date=13 October 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2020/nov/29/argentina-moved-by-all-blacks-tri-nations-tribute-to-diego-maradona |title=Argentina moved by All Blacks' Tri-Nations tribute to Diego Maradona|work=[[The Guardian]] |language=en-UK |date=29 November 2020 |access-date=13 October 2022 }}</ref> On 29 November, compatriot Lionel Messi scored in Barcelona's 4–0 home win over [[CA Osasuna|Osasuna]] in [[La Liga]], dedicating his goal to Maradona by revealing a Newell's Old Boys shirt worn by the latter under his own, and subsequently pointing to the sky.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Marsden|first1=Sam|url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/spanish-primera-division/story/4247100/messi-honours-maradona-with-newells-old-boys-shirt-as-barca-rout-osasuna |title=Messi honours Maradona with Newell's Old Boys shirt as Barca rout Osasuna |work=[[ESPN]]|date=29 November 2020 |access-date=29 November 2020}}</ref>

On 30 November, after Boca Juniors opened the scoring against [[Newell's Old Boys]] at [[La Bombonera]], the club's players paid an emotional tribute by laying a Maradona jersey in front of his private suite where his daughter Dalma was present.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Chakravarti|first1=Neelav|title=Watch: Boca Juniors' Emotional Tribute Brings Diego Maradona's Daughter To Tears |url=https://sports.ndtv.com/football/boca-juniors-emotional-tribute-brings-diego-maradonas-daughter-to-tears-watch-2332171|access-date=1 December 2020 |work=[[NDTV]]}}</ref>

===Aftermath===
In May 2021, seven medical professionals were charged with homicide over Maradona's death, in violation of their duties, and could face between eight and 25 years in prison if convicted.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2021/05/21/football/diego-maradona-death-homicide-charges-spt-intl/index.html |title=Seven medical professionals charged with homicide after investigation into Diego Maradona's death |website=CNN |date=21 May 2021 }}</ref> On 25 June, psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov was summoned by the Prosecution Office of [[San Isidro, Buenos Aires|San Isidro]] and faced a formal questioning, where she agreed to answer more than 100 queries regarding the medical treatment given to Maradona in that medical field.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Candalaft |first1=Martín |title=Indagan a Cosachov, la psiquiatra acusada del homicidio de Maradona: aceptó responder las preguntas de los fiscales |trans-title=Cosachov qustioned: the psychiatrist accused of Maradona's murder: she agreed to answer the questions of the prosecutors|url=https://www.infobae.com/sociedad/policiales/2021/06/25/indagan-a-cosachov-la-psiquiatra-acusada-del-homicidio-de-maradona-acepto-responder-las-preguntas-de-los-fiscales/ |access-date=25 June 2021 |work=[[Infobae]] |date=25 June 2021 |language=Spanish}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Muerte de Maradona: declara la psiquiatra Agustina Cosachov |trans-title=Death of Maradona: the psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov declares|url=https://www.ambito.com/politica/diego-maradona/muerte-maradona-declara-la-psiquiatra-agustina-cosachov-n5208292 |access-date=25 June 2021 |work=[[Ámbito Financiero]] |date=25 June 2021 |language=Spanish}}</ref> After seven hours of questioning, Cosachov's lawyer Vadim Mischanchuk addressed the press and denied that Cosachov's prescription medication could have worsened Maradona's heart condition, and Cosachov further denied any responsibility in the death.<ref>{{cite news |title=Maradona's psychiatrist rejects blame in football legend's death |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/2021/6/26/maradona-psychiatrist-denies-blame-in-football-legends-death |access-date=26 June 2021 |agency=[[Al Jazeera Media Network|Al Jazeera]] |date=26 June 2021}}</ref> On 28 June, multiple arrest warrants were requested by a plaintiff lawyer against Cosachov, personal doctor Leopoldo Luque, psychologist Carlos Díaz, and doctor Nancy Forlini in direct connection with Maradona's alleged negligent death.<ref>{{cite news |title=Muerte de Maradona: querella pidió la detención de Leopoldo Luque, Agustina Cosachov, el psicólogo y la médica de la prepaga |trans-title=Death of Maradona: complaint requested the arrest of Leopoldo Luque, Agustina Cosachov, the psychologist and the prepaid doctor |url=https://www.minutouno.com/sociedad/muerte-maradona/querella-pidio-la-detencion-leopoldo-luque-agustina-cosachov-el-psicologo-y-la-medica-la-prepaga-n5209779 |access-date=28 June 2021 |work=Minuto Uno |date=28 June 2021|language=Spanish}}</ref> On 1 July, the prosecutors in the case refused to ask a judge to issue arrest warrants against all the aforementioned professionals, on the basis that they considered the request had been a media stunt ("incursión mediática") for the case, coinciding with personal doctor Luque's interrogation.<ref>{{cite news |title=Muerte de Maradona: rechazan las detenciones de Luque y Cosachov con una dura crítica al abogado que las pidió |trans-title=Death of Maradona: prosecutors reject the arrests of Luque and Cosachov with a harsh criticism of the lawyer who requested them|url=https://www.clarin.com/policiales/muerte-maradona-rechazan-detenciones-luque-cosachov-dura-critica-abogado-pidio_0_UZwi-Gl2J.html |access-date=1 July 2021 |work=Clarín |date=1 July 2021 |language=Spanish}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Di Nicola |first1=Gabriel |title=La muerte de Diego Maradona: con duras críticas a un abogado querellante rechazaron los pedidos de detención de los imputados |trans-title=The death of Diego Maradona: with harsh criticism of a plaintiff lawyer they rejected the requests for the arrest of the accused|url=https://www.lanacion.com.ar/seguridad/la-muerte-de-diego-maradona-con-duras-criticas-a-un-abogado-querellante-rechazaron-los-pedidos-de-nid01072021/ |access-date=1 July 2021 |work=[[La Nación]] |date=1 July 2021 |language=Spanish}}</ref>

In June 2022, a judge ruled that eight medical personnel should face trial for [[criminal negligence]] and [[homicide]] in regards to Maradona's death.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-61904976|title=Maradona: Medical staff to be tried for football legend's death|date=23 June 2022|access-date=14 October 2022|work=[[BBC]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/2022/06/23/1106992339/diego-maradona-death-argentina-homicide-trial|title=An Argentine judge orders 8 to face a homicide trial in soccer star Maradona's death|date=23 June 2022|access-date=14 October 2022|work=[[NPR]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/12026/12638876/diego-maradona-eight-doctors-and-nurses-who-cared-for-argentina-legend-face-homicide-charges-after-his-death|title=Diego Maradona: Eight doctors and nurses who cared for Argentina legend face homicide charges after his death|date=23 June 2022|access-date=14 October 2022|work=[[Sky Sports]]|first=Megan|last=Baynes}}</ref>

On 18 April 2023, the Court of Appeals and Guarantees of San Isidro upheld the June 2022 ruling where eight medical personnel, including physician Luque and psychiatrist Cosachov, should face trial on the charge of "simple homicide with malice aforethought". The accused face between eight and 25 years in prison if found guilty.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Agence France Presse (AFP) |title=Eight accused of wrongdoing in Maradona's death will stand trial, rules court {{!}} Buenos Aires Times |url=https://batimes.com.ar/news/argentina/appeals-court-rules-eight-accused-in-maradonas-death-will-stand-trial.phtml |access-date=1 May 2023 |work=Buenos Aires Times |date=18 April 2023}}</ref>

In September 2024, a criminal court in San Isidro, set the trial date for Luque, Cosachov, and other medical personnel to start on 11 March 2025.<ref>{{cite news |title=El juicio por la muerte de Diego Maradona se hará en marzo de 2025 |trans-title=The trial for Diego Maradona's death will be held in March 2025|url=https://www.infobae.com/sociedad/policiales/2024/09/12/el-juicio-por-la-muerte-de-diego-maradona-se-hara-en-marzo-de-2025/ |access-date=24 December 2024 |work=[[Infobae]] |date=12 September 2024|language=es}}</ref>

==In popular culture==
{{Main|New Maradona}}
[[File:Maradona - grafiti.jpg|thumb|upright=0.8|Graffiti of Maradona. His nickname D10S alludes to his playing number and the Spanish word for God.<ref>{{cite news |title=Church of Maradona faithful touched by the Hand of God |url=https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/church-of-maradona-faithful-touched-by-the-hand-of-god-26488898.html |access-date=31 December 2022 |work=The Independent}}</ref>]]
In Argentina, Maradona is considered an icon. Concerning the idolatry that exists in his country, former teammate [[Jorge Valdano]] said: 
{{blockquote|At the time that Maradona retired from active football, he left Argentina traumatized. Maradona was more than just a great footballer. He was a special compensation factor for a country that in a few years lived through several [[Dirty War|military dictatorships]] and social frustrations of all kinds. Maradona offered to Argentines a way out of their collective frustration, and that's why people there love him as a divine figure.<ref name="Deportes">{{cite web|url=https://espndeportes.espn.com/news/story?id=455305 |title=¿Es el sucesor natural?|work=[[ESPN Deportes]]|language=es|date=29 June 2006|access-date=12 October 2022}}</ref>}} In leading his nation to the 1986 World Cup, and in particular his performance and two goals in the quarter-final against England, [[Guillem Balagué]] writes: "That Sunday in Mexico City, the world saw one man single-handedly – in more than one sense of the phrase – lift the mood of a depressed and downtrodden nation into the stratosphere. With two goals in the space of four minutes, he allowed them to dare to dream that they, like him, could be the best in the world. He did it first by nefarious and then spellbindingly brilliant means. In those moments, he went from star player to legend."<ref name="Balague"/>

Since 1986, it has been common for Argentines abroad to hear Maradona's name as a token of recognition, even in remote places.<ref Name=Guardian/> The [[Tartan Army]] sing a version of the [[Hokey Cokey]] in honour of the [[The hand of God|Hand of God goal]] against England.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/default_content/12403953.raise-glass-maradona-tom-shields-sport-diary/|title= Lets Raise a Glass to Maradona, Tom Shields Sports Diary|work=[[The Herald (Glasgow)|Sunday Herald]]|first=Tom|last=Shields|date=9 April 2006|access-date=12 October 2022}}</ref> In Argentina, Maradona is often talked about in terms reserved for legends. In the Argentine film ''[[Son of the Bride|El hijo de la novia]]'' ("Son of the Bride"), somebody who impersonates a [[Priest#Catholic and Orthodox|Catholic priest]] says to a bar patron, "They idolized him and then crucified him." When a friend scolds him for taking the prank too far, the fake priest retorts, "But I was talking about Maradona." He is the subject of the film ''[[El camino de San Diego]]'', though he himself only appears in archive footage.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fipresci.org/festivals/archive/2006/havana/sandiego_asanjurjo.htm |title=Havana 2006 "The Road to San Diego" A Chronicle of Men and Heroes|first=Alvaro Sanjurjo|last= Toucon|date=2006|work=[[International Federation of Film Critics|FIPRESCI]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927020453/http://www.fipresci.org/festivals/archive/2006/havana/sandiego_asanjurjo.htm |archive-date=27 September 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Maradona was included in many [[cameo appearance|cameo]]s in the Argentine comic book ''[[El Cazador de Aventuras]]''. After the closing of it, the authors started a new short-lived comic book titled ''El Die'',<!-- Note: This is not a mistake, the comic book was actually called "El Die", not "El Diez", which would had been grammatically correct. The "mistake" was done for humorous effect --> using Maradona as the main character. Maradona has had several online Flash games that are entirely dedicated to his legacy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.soccergamespot.com/world-cup-games/maradona| title=Maradona Soccer Game|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130706014409/http://www.soccergamespot.com/world-cup-games/maradona|archive-date= 6 July 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> In [[Rosario]], Argentina, locals organized the [[parody religion]] of the "[[Iglesia Maradoniana|Church of Maradona]]". The organization reformulates many elements from Christian tradition, such as Christmas or prayers, reflecting instead details from Maradona. It had 200 founding members, and tens of thousands more have become members via the church's official web site.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/3666357.stm |title=Maradona in intensive care|work=[[BBC Sport]]|date=28 April 2004|access-date=12 October 2022}}</ref>

[[File:Queen maradona.jpg|thumb|left|Maradona (middle) with [[Queen (band)|Queen]] during the rock band's [[The Game Tour|1981 South American tour]]]]
Many Argentine artists performed songs in tribute to Diego, such as "La Mano de Dios" by [[Rodrigo Bueno|El Potro Rodrigo]], "Maradona" by [[Andrés Calamaro]], "Para siempre Diego" (Diego Forever) by [[Los Ratones Paranoicos]], "Francotirador" (Sniper) by [[Attaque 77]], "Maradona Blues" by [[Charly García]], "Santa Maradona" (Saint Maradona) by [[Mano Negra (band)|Mano Negra]], and "La Vida Tómbola" by [[Manu Chao]], among others. There are also other films, such as: ''Maradona, La Mano de Dios'' (Maradona, the Hand of God), ''Amando a Maradona'' (Loving Maradona), and ''[[Maradona by Kusturica]]''.<ref name="Film"/> In March 1981, [[Queen (band)|Queen]] were introduced to Maradona backstage during their concert at the Vélez Sarsfield Stadium.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Blake|first=Mark|year=2010|title=Is This The Real Life? The Untold Story of Queen|publisher=Arum Press|page=255}}</ref>

By 1982, Maradona had become one of the biggest sports stars in the world and had endorsements with many companies, including [[Puma SE|Puma]] and [[Coca-Cola]], earning him an additional $1.5&nbsp;million per year on top of his club salary.<ref name="commercial"/> In 1982, he featured in a World Cup commercial for Coca-Cola, and a Japanese commercial for Puma.<ref name="commercial">Jimmy Burns (2011) "Maradona: The Hand of God". pp. 71, 84. A&C Black</ref> In 1984 he earned $7m a year at Napoli, and sponsorships included $5m from [[Hitachi]].<ref name="Amis"/> In 1984, a poll from [[IMG (company)|IMG]] named Maradona the best known person in the world.<ref name="Amis">{{cite news |last1=Amis |first1=Martin |title=In search of Dieguito |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/oct/01/sport.sportandleisurebooks |access-date=22 August 2021 |work=The Guardian |date=1 October 2004}}</ref> In 2010 he appeared in a commercial for French fashion house [[Louis Vuitton]], indulging in a game of [[table football]] with fellow World Cup winners [[Pelé]] and [[Zinedine Zidane]].<ref>[http://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/style/articles/2010-04/26/gq-style-news-maradona-pele-and-zidane-for-louis-vuitton "Maradona, Pelé and Zidane for Vuitton"]. GQ Magazine. Retrieved 14 May 2014</ref> Maradona featured in the music video to the 2010 World Cup song "[[Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)|Waka Waka]]" by [[Shakira]], with footage shown of him celebrating Argentina winning the 1986 World Cup.<ref name="World Cup video">{{cite news |date=8 June 2010 |title=Shakira launches clip 'Waka Waka' Cup official music |url=http://esportes.terra.com.br/futebol/copa/2010/noticias/0,,OI4480146-EI14416,00-Shakira+lanca+clipe+de+Waka+Waka+musica+oficial+da+Copa.html |publisher=Reforma |language=pt |access-date=9 June 2010 |archive-date=31 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120331070734/http://esportes.terra.com.br/futebol/copa/2010/noticias/0,,OI4480146-EI14416,00-Shakira+lanca+clipe+de+Waka+Waka+musica+oficial+da+Copa.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

[[File:NIG-ARG (11).jpg|thumb|Banners depicting Maradona – such as this where he features alongside [[Lionel Messi]] at the [[2018 FIFA World Cup|2018 World Cup]] in Russia – often appear at Argentina games.]]

A 2006 television commercial for Brazilian soft drink [[Guaraná Antarctica]] portrayed Maradona as a member of the Brazil national team, including wearing the yellow jersey and singing the Brazilian national anthem with Brazilian players [[Ronaldo (Brazilian footballer)|Ronaldo]] and [[Kaká]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.archivo10.com/videos/maradona_videos07.html |title=ARCHIVO 10, Diego Maradona – Videos de publicidades |publisher=Archivo10.com |access-date=6 May 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707155707/http://www.archivo10.com/videos/maradona_videos07.html|archive-date=7 July 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> Later on in the commercial he wakes up realizing it was a nightmare after having too much of the drink. This generated some controversy in the Argentine media after its release (although the commercial was not supposed to air for the Argentine market, fans could see it online). Maradona replied that he had no problem wearing the Brazilian national squad jersey despite [[Argentina–Brazil football rivalry|Argentina and Brazil's tense football rivalry]], but that he would refuse to wear the shirt of [[Club Atlético River Plate|River Plate]], [[Boca Juniors]]' [[Superclásico|traditional rival]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.adnews.com.br/publicidade.php?id=28306 |title=Maradona diz não se arrepender de usar camisa do Brasil na TV |date=30 April 2006 |work=AdNews.com.br |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706151608/http://www.adnews.com.br/publicidade.php?id=28306 |archive-date=6 July 2011}}</ref> There is a documented phenomenon of Brazilians being named in honour of Maradona,<ref>{{cite news |title=World Cup 2014: Brazilians named after Maradona and Lineker |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/27971359 |access-date=1 February 2015 |work=BBC Sport |date=23 June 2014}}</ref> an example being footballer [[Diego Costa]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Burt |first1=Jason |title=Diego Costa: I take things to limit but I did nothing wrong |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/chelsea/11381605/Diego-Costa-I-take-things-to-limit-but-I-did-nothing-wrong.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/chelsea/11381605/Diego-Costa-I-take-things-to-limit-but-I-did-nothing-wrong.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |access-date=31 January 2015 |newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |date=31 January 2015}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

In 2017, Maradona featured as a legendary player in the football video games ''[[FIFA 18]]'' and ''[[Pro Evolution Soccer 2018]]''.<ref>[https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/ea-sports-add-diego-maradona-to-fifa-18-with-95rated-card-a3599761.html "FIFA 18 to include 95-rated icon Diego Maradona as EA Sports adds footballing legend to Ultimate Team"]. Evening Standard. Retrieved 8 September 2017</ref> In 2019, a documentary film titled ''[[Diego Maradona (film)|Diego Maradona]]'' was released by [[Academy Awards|Academy Award]] and [[BAFTA Award]] winning filmmaker [[Asif Kapadia]], director of ''[[Amy (2015 film)|Amy]]'' (on singer [[Amy Winehouse]]) and ''[[Senna (film)|Senna]]'' (on motor racing driver [[Ayrton Senna]]). Kapadia stated that "
...Maradona is the third part of a trilogy about child geniuses and fame."<ref>{{cite news |title=Film-maker Asif Kapadia: 'Maradona is the third part of a trilogy about child geniuses and fame' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/jun/25/asif-kapadia-diego-maradona-senna-amy-interview |newspaper=The Guardian |date=1 October 2017}}</ref> He added, "...I was fascinated by his journey, wherever he went there were moments of incredible brilliance and drama. He was a leader, taking his teams to the very top, but also many lows in his career. He was always the little guy fighting against the system... and he was willing to do anything, to use all of his cunning and intelligence to win."<ref>{{cite news |title=Amy director Asif Kapadia set to make Maradona documentary |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/amy-director-asif-kapadia-set-to-make-maradona-documentary-a6841391.html |first=Jacob|last= Stolworthy| newspaper=The Independent |date=1 October 2017|access-date=10 October 2022}}</ref>

==Career statistics==
Maradona made 680 appearances and scored 345 goals for club and country combined, with a goalscoring average of {{#expr:345/680 round 2}}.

===Club===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
|-
!rowspan="2"|Club
!rowspan="2"|Season
!colspan="3"|League
!colspan="2"|National cup{{efn|Includes [[Copa del Rey]], [[Coppa Italia]]}}
!colspan="2"|Continental
!colspan="2"|Other
!colspan="2"|Total
|-
!Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals
|-
|rowspan="6"|[[Argentinos Juniors]]<ref name="Stats">{{cite book |last=De Calò |first=Alessandro |date=2011 |title=Il calcio di Maradona ai raggi X |publisher=[[La Gazzetta dello Sport]] |pages=94–95 |language=it}}</ref><ref name="RSSSF-ARG">{{cite web |url=https://www.rsssf.org/players/maradonadata.html |title=Diego Armando Maradona – Goals in Argentina League |first= Pablo |last=Ciullini|access-date=12 October 2022|work=[[RSSSF]]}}</ref>
|[[1976 Argentine Primera División|1976]]
|[[Argentine Primera División]]
|11||2||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||11||2
|-
|[[1977 Argentine Primera División|1977]]
|Argentine Primera División
|49||19||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||49||19
|-
|[[1978 Argentine Primera División|1978]]
|Argentine Primera División
|35||26||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||35||26
|-
|[[1979 Argentine Primera División|1979]]
|Argentine Primera División
|26||26||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||26||26
|-
|[[1980 Argentine Primera División|1980]]
|Argentine Primera División
|45||43||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||45||43
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!166||116||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||166||116
|-
|[[Boca Juniors]]<ref name="Stats"/><ref name="RSSSF-ARG"/>
|[[1981 Argentine Primera División|1981]]
|Argentine Primera División
|40||28||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||40||28
|-
|rowspan="3"|[[FC Barcelona|Barcelona]]<ref name="Stats"/>
|[[1982–83 FC Barcelona season|1982–83]]
|[[La Liga]]
|20||11||5||3||4{{efn|name=CWC|Appearances in [[European Cup Winners' Cup]]}}||5||6{{efn|Appearances in [[Copa de la Liga]]}}||4||35||23
|-
|[[1983–84 FC Barcelona season|1983–84]]
|La Liga
|16||11||4||1||3{{efn|name=CWC}}||3||colspan="2"|–||23||15
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!36||22||9||4||7||8||6||4||58||38
|-
|rowspan="8"|[[SSC Napoli|Napoli]]<ref name="Stats"/>
|[[1984–85 SSC Napoli season|1984–85]]
|[[Serie A]]
|30||14||6||3||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||36||17
|-
|[[1985–86 SSC Napoli season|1985–86]]
|Serie A
|29||11||2||2||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||31||13
|-
|[[1986–87 SSC Napoli season|1986–87]]
|Serie A
|29||10||10||7||2{{efn|name=UC|Appearances in [[UEFA Cup]]}}||0||colspan="2"|–||41||17
|-
|[[1987–88 SSC Napoli season|1987–88]]
|Serie A
|28||15||9||6||2{{efn|name=EC|Appearances in [[European Cup]]}}||0||colspan="2"|–||39||21
|-
|[[1988–89 SSC Napoli season|1988–89]]
|Serie A
|26||9||12||7||12{{efn|name=UC}}||3||colspan="2"|–||50||19
|-
|[[1989–90 SSC Napoli season|1989–90]]
|Serie A
|28||16||3||2||5{{efn|name=UC}}||0||colspan="2"|–||36||18
|-
|[[1990–91 SSC Napoli season|1990–91]]
|Serie A
|18||6||3||2||4{{efn|name=EC}}||2||1{{efn|Appearance in [[Supercoppa Italiana]]}}||0||26||10
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!188||81||45||29||25||5||1||0||259||115
|-
|[[Sevilla FC|Sevilla]]<ref name="Stats"/>
|[[1992–93 La Liga|1992–93]]
|La Liga
|26||5||4||2||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||30||7
|-
|[[Newell's Old Boys]]<ref name="Stats"/><ref name="RSSSF-ARG"/>
|[[1993–94 Argentine Primera División|1993–94]]
|Argentine Primera División
|5||0||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||5||0
|-
|rowspan="4"|Boca Juniors<ref name="Stats"/><ref name="RSSSF-ARG"/>
|[[1995–96 Boca Juniors season|1995–96]]
|Argentine Primera División
|24||5||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||24||5
|-
|[[1996–97 Club Atlético Boca Juniors season|1996–97]]
|Argentine Primera División
|1||0||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||1{{efn|Appearance in [[Supercopa Libertadores]]}}||0||2||0
|-
|[[1997–98 Club Atlético Boca Juniors season|1997–98]]
|Argentine Primera División
|5||2||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||5||2
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!70||35||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||1||0||71||35
|-
!colspan="3"|Career total
!491||259||58||35||32||13||8||4||589||311
|}
{{notelist}}

===International===
{{Further|List of international goals scored by Diego Maradona}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by national team, year and competition
|-
!rowspan="2"|Team
!rowspan="2"|Year
!colspan="2"|Competitive
!colspan="2"|Friendly
!colspan="2"|Total
|-
!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals
|-
|rowspan="4"|[[Argentina national under-20 football team|Argentina U20]]<ref name="ArgentinaYouth">{{cite web |title=Estadísticas con la Selección Argentina |url=http://www.diegomaradona.com/historia/estadisticas/est_sel.html |website=diegomaradona.com |access-date=23 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091018024912/http://www.diegomaradona.com/historia/estadisticas/est_sel.html |archive-date=18 October 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
|1977||3<ref group="lower-alpha">Appearances in the [[1977 South American U-20 Championship]]</ref>||0||colspan="2"|–||3||0
|-
|1978||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–
|-
|1979||11<ref group="lower-alpha">Five appearances and one goal in the [[1979 South American U-20 Championship]], six appearances and six goals in the [[1979 FIFA World Youth Championship]]</ref>||7||1||1||12||8
|-
!Total||14||7||1||1||15||8
|-
|rowspan="19"|[[Argentina national football team|Argentina]]<ref name="Stats"/><ref name="RSSSF">{{cite web |last=Pierrend |first=José Luis |title=Diego Armando Maradona – International Appearances |url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/maradona-intl.html |website=[[RSSSF|Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation]] |date=30 July 2001 |access-date=25 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011102210950/http://www.rsssf.com/miscellaneous/maradona-intl.html |archive-date=2 November 2001 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|1977||colspan="2"|–||3||0||3||0
|-
|1978||colspan="2"|–||1||0||1||0
|-
|1979||2<ref group="lower-alpha">Appearances in the [[1979 Copa América]]</ref>||1||6||2||8||3
|-
|1980||colspan="2"|–||10||7||10||7
|-
|1981||2<ref group="lower-alpha">Appearances in the [[1980 Mundialito]]</ref>||1||colspan="2"|–||2||1
|-
|1982||5<ref group="lower-alpha">Appearances in the [[1982 World Cup]]</ref>||2||5||0||10||2
|-
|1983||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–
|-
|1984||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–
|-
|1985||6<ref group="lower-alpha">Appearances in the [[1986 FIFA World Cup qualification]]</ref>||3||4||3||10||6
|-
|1986||7<ref group="lower-alpha">Appearances in the [[1986 World Cup]]</ref>||5||3||2||10||7
|-
|1987||4<ref group="lower-alpha">Appearances in the [[1987 Copa América]]</ref>||3||2||1||6||4
|-
|1988||2<ref group="lower-alpha">Appearances in the [[Four Nations Tournament (1988)|Four Nations Tournament]]</ref>||1||1||0||3||1
|-
|1989||6<ref group="lower-alpha">Appearances in the [[1989 Copa América]]</ref>||0||1||0||7||0
|-
|1990||7<ref group="lower-alpha">Appearances in the [[1990 World Cup]]</ref>||0||3||1||10||1
|-
|1991||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–
|-
|1992||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–
|-
|1993||3<ref group="lower-alpha">One appearance in the [[1993 Artemio Franchi Cup]], two appearances in the [[1994 FIFA World Cup qualification]]</ref>||0||1||0||4||0
|-
|1994||2<ref group="lower-alpha">Appearances in the [[1994 World Cup]]</ref>||1||5||1||7||2
|-
!Total||46||17||45||17||91||34
|-
!colspan="2"|Career total||60||24||46||18||106||42
|}
'''Notes'''
{{Reflist|group=lower-alpha}}

==Managerial statistics==
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center"
|-
!rowspan="2" width="150"|Team
!rowspan="2" width="125"|From
!rowspan="2" width="125"|To
!colspan="5"|Record
|-
!width="37"|G
!width="35"|W
!width="34"|D
!width="35"|L
!width="57"|Win %

|-
|align=center|[[Textil Mandiyú]]{{citation needed|date=November 2024}}
|align=center|January 1994
|align=center|June 1994
{{WDL|12|1|6|5}}
|-
|align=center|[[Racing Club de Avellaneda|Racing Club]]{{citation needed|date=November 2024}}
|align=center|May 1995
|align=center|November 1995
{{WDL|11|2|6|3}}
|-
|align=center|[[Argentina national football team|Argentina]]{{citation needed|date=November 2024}}
|align=center|November 2008
|align=center|July 2010
{{WDL|24|18|0|6}}
|-
|align=center|[[Al-Wasl F.C.|Al-Wasl]]{{citation needed|date=November 2024}}
|align=center|May 2011
|align=center|July 2012
{{WDL|23|11|3|9}}
|-
|align=center|[[Fujairah FC|Fujairah]]{{citation needed|date=November 2024}}
|align=center|April 2017 
|align=center|April 2018 
{{WDL|11|7|3|1}}
|-
|align=center|[[Dorados de Sinaloa|Dorados]]{{citation needed|date=November 2024}}
|align=center|September 2018
|align=center|June 2019
{{WDL|38|20|9|9}}
|-
|align=center|[[Club de Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata|Gimnasia de La Plata]]{{citation needed|date=November 2024}}
|align=center|September 2019
|align=center|November 2020
{{WDL|21|8|4|9}}
|-
!colspan=3|Total
{{WDLtot|140|67|31|42}}
|}

==Honours==
'''Boca Juniors'''<ref name="CareerTitles">{{cite book |last=De Calò |first=Alessandro |date=2011 |title=Il calcio di Maradona ai raggi X |publisher=[[La Gazzetta dello Sport]] |page=6 |language=it}}</ref>
*[[Argentine Primera División]]: [[1981 Argentine Primera División|1981 Metropolitano]]

'''Barcelona'''<ref name="CareerTitles"/>
*[[Copa del Rey]]: [[1982–83 Copa del Rey|1982–83]]
*[[Copa de la Liga]]: [[1983 Copa de la Liga|1983]]

'''Napoli'''<ref name="CareerTitles"/>
*[[Serie A]]: [[1986–87 Serie A|1986–87]], [[1989–90 Serie A|1989–90]]
*[[Coppa Italia]]: [[1986–87 Coppa Italia|1986–87]]
*[[Supercoppa Italiana]]: [[1990 Supercoppa Italiana|1990]]
*[[UEFA Cup]]: [[1988–89 UEFA Cup|1988–89]]

'''Argentina U20'''
*[[FIFA World Youth Championship]]: [[1979 FIFA World Youth Championship|1979]]<ref name="CareerTitles"/>

'''Argentina'''
*[[FIFA World Cup]]: [[1986 FIFA World Cup|1986]]<ref name="CareerTitles"/> 
*[[Finalissima|Artemio Franchi Cup]]: [[1993 Artemio Franchi Cup|1993]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesa/artfranchi93.html |title=Artemio Franchi Trophy 1993 |first=Josef|last= Bobrowsky |date=9 July 2009 |access-date=16 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730000344/http://www.rsssf.com/tablesa/artfranchi93.html |archive-date=30 July 2020 |website=[[RSSSF]] |url-status=live}}</ref>

'''Individual'''
[[File:The Champions Promenade, Diego Maradona - panoramio.jpg|thumb|right|Maradona's [[Golden Foot]] award in "The Champions Promenade" on the seafront of the Principality of [[Monaco]]]]
* [[List of Argentine Primera División top scorers|Argentine Primera División top scorers]]: [[1978 Argentine Primera División|1978 Metropolitano]], [[1979 Argentine Primera División|1979 Metropolitano]], [[1979 Argentine Primera División|1979 Nacional]], [[1980 Argentine Primera División|1980 Metropolitano]], [[1980 Argentine Primera División|1980 Nacional]]<ref name="Player Profile">{{cite web |url=https://www.fifa.com/fifa-tournaments/players-coaches/people=174732/profile.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924152150/http://www.fifa.com/fifa-tournaments/players-coaches/people=174732/profile.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=24 September 2015 |title=The Albiceleste underdog who conquered the world |publisher=FIFA |access-date=27 February 2015}}</ref>
* [[FIFA U-20 World Cup#Awards|FIFA World Youth Championship Golden Ball]]: [[1979 FIFA World Youth Championship#Awards|1979]]<ref name="1979Youth"/>
* [[FIFA U-20 World Cup#Golden Boot|FIFA World Youth Championship Silver Shoe]]: [[1979 FIFA World Youth Championship|1979]]<ref name="1979Youth"/>
* [[Olimpia Award|Olimpia de Oro]]: 1979, 1986<ref>{{cite news |date=18 December 2007 |title=Todos los ganadores del oro, desde 1954 |language=es |trans-title=All gold winners since 1954 |newspaper=[[La Nación]] |location=Buenos Aires |url=http://www.lanacion.com.ar/972375-todos-los-ganadores-del-oro-desde-1954 |access-date=24 December 2012 |quote=1986 Diego Maradona (Fútbol) |archive-date=5 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105043233/http://www.lanacion.com.ar/972375-todos-los-ganadores-del-oro-desde-1954 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* [[Guerin Sportivo|''Guerin Sportivo'' World Player of the Year]]: 1979, 1986, 1987<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Guerin Sportivo World Player of the Year awards 1979-1986 |url=https://www.bigsoccer.com/threads/guerin-sportivo-world-player-of-the-year-awards-1979-1986.2019142/page-19#post-38174163 |access-date=13 February 2023 |website=BigSoccer Forum |language=en-US}}</ref>
* [[Footballer of the Year of Argentina|Argentine Football Writers' Footballer of the Year]]: 1979, 1980, 1981, 1986<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/arg-poy.html |title=Argentina – Player of the Year|access-date=12 October 2022|first1=José Luis |last1= Pierrend|first2=Osvaldo José |last2=Gorgazzi|work=[[RSSSF]]}}</ref>
* ''[[El Mundo (Spain)|El Mundo]]'' [[South American Footballer of the Year]]: 1979, 1980, 1986, 1989, 1990, 1992<ref name="Player Profile"/><ref>{{Cite web|title=South American Player of the Year 1986|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/sampoy86.html|access-date=4 December 2021|work=[[RSSSF]]|first1=José Luis |last1=Pierrend}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=South American Player of the Year 1989|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/sampoy89.html|access-date=4 December 2021|work=[[RSSSF]]|first1=José Luis |last1=Pierrend}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=South American Player of the Year 1990|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/sampoy90.html|access-date=4 December 2021|work=[[RSSSF]]|first1=José Luis |last1=Pierrend}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=South American Player of the Year 1992|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/sampoy92.html|access-date=4 December 2021|work=[[RSSSF]]|first1= Josef |last1=Bobrowsky|first2=José Luis |last2=Pierrend}}</ref>
* ''[[El Gráfico (Argentina)|El Gráfico]]'' [[South American Footballer of the Year|Footballer of the Americas]]:{{efn| El Grafico South American Footballer of the Year was an award that included over 130 journalists/tv broadcasters from South America}} 1980, 1981<ref>{{cite news|title=El Grafico 1981 ranking|url=https://www.elgrafico.com.ar/articulo/1089/35708/1981-zico-para-todo-el-mundo|publisher=elgrafico}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=El Gráfico Américas player of the year (1980-1983) |url=https://www.bigsoccer.com/threads/el-gr%C3%A1fico-am%C3%A9ricas-player-of-the-year-1980-1983.2113387/ |access-date=30 August 2022 |website=BigSoccer Forum |language=en-US}}</ref>
* ''[[Guerin Sportivo]]'' World All-star Team: 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1985<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Guerin Sportivo World Player of the Year awards 1979-1986 |url=https://www.bigsoccer.com/threads/guerin-sportivo-world-player-of-the-year-awards-1979-1986.2019142/ |access-date=30 August 2022 |website=BigSoccer Forum |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Guerin Sportivo World Player of the Year awards 1979-1986 |url=https://www.bigsoccer.com/threads/guerin-sportivo-world-player-of-the-year-awards-1979-1986.2019142/page-2 |access-date=30 August 2022 |website=BigSoccer Forum |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Guerin Sportivo World Player of the Year awards 1979-1986 |url=https://www.bigsoccer.com/threads/guerin-sportivo-world-player-of-the-year-awards-1979-1986.2019142/page-3 |access-date=30 August 2022 |website=BigSoccer Forum |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Guerin Sportivo World Player of the Year awards 1979-1986 |url=https://www.bigsoccer.com/threads/guerin-sportivo-world-player-of-the-year-awards-1979-1986.2019142/page-4 |access-date=30 August 2022 |website=BigSoccer Forum |language=en-US}}</ref>
* [[World Soccer (magazine)|Eric Batty's World XI]]: 1984, 1987<ref>{{Cite web |last=McCracken |first=Craig |date=10 March 2014 |title=Eric Batty's World XI's – The Eighties and Nineties |url=https://beyondthelastman.com/2014/03/10/eric-battys-world-xis-the-eighties-and-nineties/ |access-date=30 August 2022 |website=Beyond The Last Man |language=en}}</ref>
* [[Guerin Sportivo|Serie A Team of The Year]]: 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bigsoccer.com/threads/serie-a-guerin-sportivo-1980-1991-every-game-with-player-ratings.2085771/ |website=BigSoccer |title=Guerin Sportivo Serie A Team of the Year|access-date=30 September 2024}}</ref>
* [[Guerin d'Oro]] (Serie A Footballer of the Year): 1985<ref>{{cite web |title=Guerin d'Oro |url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/italpoy.html |work=[[RSSSF]] |access-date=10 September 2015|first1=José Luis |last1=Pierrend|first2=Roberto|last2= Di Maggio }}</ref>
* [[Onze Mondial|Onze de Onze]]: 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989<ref name="Onze">{{Cite web |title="Onze Mondial" Awards |url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/onze-awards.html |access-date=30 August 2022 |work=[[RSSSF]]|first1=José Luis |last1=Pierrend}}</ref>
* [[Golden Ball (FIFA)|FIFA World Cup Golden Ball]]: [[1986 FIFA World Cup#Awards|1986]]<ref name="Player Profile"/>
* [[FIFA World Cup awards#Golden Boot|FIFA World Cup Silver Shoe]]: [[1986 FIFA World Cup#Awards|1986]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/tournaments/archive/worldcup/mexico1986/awards/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131220184708/http://www.fifa.com/tournaments/archive/worldcup/mexico1986/awards/index.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=20 December 2013|title=1986 FIFA World Cup Mexico: Awards|work=[[FIFA]]}}</ref>
* [[FIFA World Cup]] Most Assists: [[1986 FIFA World Cup|1986]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.planetworldcup.com/CUPS/1986/wc86statistics.html |title=World Cup 1986 – Statistics |publisher=Planet World Cup |access-date=28 February 2015}}</ref>
* [[L'Équipe Champion of Champions|''L'Équipe'' Champion of Champions]]: 1986<ref>{{cite web|url=https://whoholdsthetitle.com/moresports/list-of-lequipe-world-champion-of-champions-rafael-nadal-2010-winner/|title=L'Équipe World Champion of Champions|access-date=12 October 2022|website=whoholdsthetitle.com|date=10 January 2021 }}</ref>
* ''[[La Gazzetta dello Sport]]'' Athlete of the Year: 1986<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Guerin Sportivo World Player of the Year awards 1979–1986 |url=https://www.bigsoccer.com/threads/guerin-sportivo-world-player-of-the-year-awards-1979-1986.2019142/page-19#post-37091292 |access-date=13 February 2023 |website=BigSoccer Forum |language=en-US}}</ref>
* ''[[Agence France-Presse]]'' Athlete of the Year: 1986<ref name=":2" />
* [[Associated Press]] Athlete of the Year: 1986<ref name=":2" />
* [[United Press International]] Athlete of the Year: 1986<ref>{{Cite web |title=Diego Maradona, who led Argentina to victory in the... |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1986/12/19/Diego-Maradona-who-led-Argentina-to-victory-in-the/5961535352400/ |access-date=2025-04-15 |website=UPI |language=en}}</ref>
* ''[[Corriere dello Sport]]'' Athlete of the Year: 1986<ref>{{Cite web |title=Guerin Sportivo World Player of the Year awards 1979–1986 |url=https://www.bigsoccer.com/threads/guerin-sportivo-world-player-of-the-year-awards-1979-1986.2019142/page-19#post-37094240 |access-date=13 February 2023 |website=BigSoccer Forum |language=en-US}}</ref>
* [[Onze d'Or]]: 1986, 1987<ref name="Onze"/>
* ''[[La Gazzetta dello Sport]]'' Footballer of the Year: 1987, 1988<ref>{{Cite web |title=Guerin Sportivo World Player of the Year awards 1979-1986 |url=https://www.bigsoccer.com/threads/guerin-sportivo-world-player-of-the-year-awards-1979-1986.2019142/page-19#post-38174157 |access-date=13 February 2023 |website=BigSoccer Forum |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Guerin Sportivo World Player of the Year awards 1979-1986 |url=https://www.bigsoccer.com/threads/guerin-sportivo-world-player-of-the-year-awards-1979-1986.2019142/page-19#post-38174179 |access-date=13 February 2023 |website=BigSoccer Forum |language=en-US}}</ref>
* [[Capocannoniere]] (Serie A top scorer): [[1987–88 Serie A#Top Scorers|1987–88]]<ref name="Player Profile"/>
* [[Coppa Italia]] top scorer: 1987–88<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesi/italcuptops.html|title=Italy - Coppa Italia Top Scorers|work=[[RSSSF]]|first1=Davide |last1=Rota|first2=Roberto |last2=Di Maggio|access-date=12 October 2022}}</ref>
* [[Golden Ball (FIFA)|FIFA World Cup Bronze Ball]]: [[1990 FIFA World Cup|1990]]<ref name="Player Profile"/>
* [[El País (Uruguay)|''El País'']] Ideal Team of the America's: 1993, 1995<ref>{{Cite web |title=South American Team of the Year |url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/sam-toy.html |access-date=30 August 2022 |website=[[RSSSF]]}}</ref>
* FIFA World Cup All-Time Team: 1994<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/wrldallt.html |title=World All-Time Teams |work=[[RSSSF]] |access-date=30 June 2017|first=Marcelo Leme |last=de Arruda}}</ref>
* [[Ballon d'Or]] for services to football (''[[France Football]]''): 1995<ref>{{cite web |title=Combien de Ballon(s) d'Or France Football aurait pu remporter Diego Maradona ? |url=https://www.francefootball.fr/news/Combien-de-ballon-s-d-or-france-football-aurait-pu-remporter-diego-maradona/1187918 |website=[[France Football]] |language=fr |date=29 October 2020 |access-date=14 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114121939/https://www.francefootball.fr/news/Combien-de-ballon-s-d-or-france-football-aurait-pu-remporter-diego-maradona/1187918 |archive-date=14 November 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[World Team of the 20th Century]]: 1998<ref name="Player Profile"/>
* ''World Soccer'' magazine's [[World Soccer (magazine)#Greatest Players of the 20th century|Greatest Players of the 20th century]]: (#2) 1999<ref name="World Soccer Players of the Century"/>
* Argentine Sports Writers' Sportsman of the Century: 1999<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.iol.co.za/amp/capeargus/sport/maradona-is-sportsman-of-the-century-332373|title=Maradona is sportsman of the century|date=21 December 1999|work=[[Independent Online (South Africa)|IOL]]|access-date=12 October 2022}}</ref>
* [[Marca Leyenda]]: 1999<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.marca.com/marca-leyenda.html |title=Marca Leyenda: Diego Maradona|work=[[Marca (newspaper)|MARCA]]|date=3 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180717072614/http://www.marca.com/marca-leyenda.html |archive-date=17 July 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[Squad number (association football)|Number '''10''']] [[Retired numbers in association football|retired]] by [[S.S.C. Napoli|Napoli]] football team as a recognition to his contribution to the club: [[S.S.C. Napoli#Retired numbers|2000]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://caracol.com.co/radio/2000/08/24/deportes/0967096800_058566.html |title=Nápoli retira camiseta número 10 en homenaje a Maradona|trans-title=Napoli retires number 10 jersey in tribute to Maradona|language=es|work=[[Caracol Radio]]|date=24 August 2000|access-date=12 October 2022}}</ref>
* [[FIFA Player of the Century]]: 2000<ref name="Player Profile"/>
* [[Goal of the Century|FIFA Goal of the Century]] (for his second goal against England in 1986 FIFA World Cup quarter-final): 2002<ref name="Player Profile"/>
* [[FIFA World Cup Dream Team]]: 2002<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.expressindia.com/news/fullstory.php?newsid=11759 |title=FIFA Dream Team: Maradona voted top player|work=[[The Indian Express]]|date=19 June 2002|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006001949/http://www.expressindia.com/news/fullstory.php?newsid=11759 |archive-date=6 October 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
* [[Golden Foot]]: 2003, as [[Golden Foot#Award legends|football legend]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.goldenfoot.com/en/legends/item/284-diego-armando-maradona.html |title=Golden Foot – Diego Armando Maradona |access-date=1 March 2015 |publisher=Goldenfoot.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150209063133/http://goldenfoot.com/en/legends/item/284-diego-armando-maradona.html |archive-date=9 February 2015 }}</ref>
* [[FIFA 100|FIFA 100 Greatest Living Players]]: 2004<ref name="Player Profile"/>
* [[Argentine Senate]] ''"Domingo Faustino Sarmiento"'' recognition for lifetime achievement: 2005<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-30208304.html|title=Maradona honoured in Argentina|work=[[Irish Examiner]]|date=22 June 2005|access-date=12 October 2022}}</ref>
* Greatest Footballers in World Cup History: No. 1, by ''[[The Times]]'', 2010<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archivo.elcomercio.pe/sociedad/lima/diario-ingles-eligio-maradona-como-mejor-jugador-historia-mundiales-noticia-450486 |title=Un diario inglés eligió a Maradona como el mejor jugador de la historia de los mundiales|language=es|date=22 March 2010|access-date=12 October 2022|work=El Comercio|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171230114600/http://archivo.elcomercio.pe/sociedad/lima/diario-ingles-eligio-maradona-como-mejor-jugador-historia-mundiales-noticia-450486 |archive-date=30 December 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>
* Best Athlete in History: No. 1, by ''[[Corriere dello Sport – Stadio]]'', 2012<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tifonapoli.it/cds-maradona-meglio-di-tutti-batte-anche-valentino-rossi/ |title=CdS, Maradona meglio di tutti, batte anche Valentino Rossi |language=it|date=3 February 2012|website=tifonapoli.it|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712090744/https://www.tifonapoli.it/cds-maradona-meglio-di-tutti-batte-anche-valentino-rossi/ |archive-date=12 July 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
* [[Globe Soccer Awards#Awards of the Century|Player of the 20th Century]], by Globe Soccer Awards: 2012<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.globesoccer.com/winners/diego-armando-maradona-player-career-award-3/ |title=Diego Armando Maradona Best Player of the 20th Century |website=globesoccer.co |publisher=Globe Soccer |access-date=23 October 2021 |archive-date=5 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805131812/https://www.globesoccer.com/winners/diego-armando-maradona-player-career-award-3/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ole.com.ar/futbol-internacional/messi-ronaldo-jugador-siglo_0_sGEohJ9We.html |title=Messi y Cristiano: los favoritos para ser el Jugador del Siglo |website=ole.com.ar |publisher=[[Olé (sports newspaper)|Olé]] |date=24 November 2020 |access-date=23 October 2021 |language=es}}</ref><ref name=GSA>{{cite web |url=http://www.globesoccer.com/awards/walloffame/ |title=Wall of Fame |publisher=Globe Soccer.com |access-date=28 December 2015}}</ref>
* ''World Soccer'' magazine's [[World Soccer (magazine)#Greatest XI of All Time|Greatest XI of All Time]]: 2013<ref>{{cite web |title=The Greatest XI: how the panel voted |url=http://www.worldsoccer.com/features/the-greatest-xi-how-the-panel-voted |publisher=World Soccer |author=Jamie Rainbow |date=2 July 2013 |access-date=28 July 2018 |archive-date=1 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150101233404/http://www.worldsoccer.com/features/the-greatest-xi-how-the-panel-voted |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* [[Italian Football Hall of Fame]]: 2014<ref>{{cite web |date=25 October 2016 |title=Italian football Hall of Fame to induct ten new stars |url=http://vivoazzurro.it/en/news/italian-football-hall-of-fame-to-induct-ten-new-stars/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161026183734/http://vivoazzurro.it/en/news/italian-football-hall-of-fame-to-induct-ten-new-stars/ |archive-date=26 October 2016 |access-date=25 October 2016}}</ref>
* [[Argentine Football Association|AFA Team of All Time]]: 2015<ref>{{cite web |date=4 January 2016 |title=La Selección de Todos los Tiempos |trans-title=The Team of All Time |url=http://www.afa.com.ar/3023/la-seleccion-de-todos-los-tiempos |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180814210638/http://www.afa.com.ar/3023/la-seleccion-de-todos-los-tiempos |archive-date=14 August 2018 |access-date=29 January 2018 |publisher=Argentine Football Association |language=es}}</ref>
* Greatest Football Players of All-Time: No. 1 by ''[[FourFourTwo]]'' magazine, 2017<ref name="Murray"/>
* Greatest Football Players in World Cup History: No. 1, by ''FourFourTwo'' magazine, 2018<ref name="Greatest Football Players in World Cup History">{{cite web|url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/ranked-25-best-world-cup-players-ever?page=0%2C2 |title=Ranked! The 25 best World Cup players EVER|work=[[FourFourTwo]]|first=Amit|last= Katwala|date=29 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618234056/https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/ranked-25-best-world-cup-players-ever?page=0%2C2 |archive-date=18 June 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
* [[S.S.C. Napoli#Records and statistics|Napoli all-time Top Scorer]] (1991–2017)<ref name="Fifa profile"/><ref name="Hamsik"/>
* ''[[L'Équipe]]'''s top 50 South-American footballers in history: #2<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.lequipe.fr/Top/Football/top50-joueurs-sud-americains/3/ |title=Top 50 des joueurs sud-américains de l'histoire |trans-title=Top 50 South-American footballers in history |newspaper=[[L'Équipe]] |language=fr |date=4 July 2015 |access-date=6 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150704215531/http://www.lequipe.fr/Top/Football/top50-joueurs-sud-americains/3 |archive-date=4 July 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
* [[International Federation of Football History & Statistics]] (IFFHS) Legends<ref>{{cite web |url=http://iffhs.de/iffhs-has-announced-the-48-football-legend-players/ |title=IFFHS announce the 48 football legend players |publisher=[[IFFHS]] |date=25 January 2016 |access-date=14 September 2016 |archive-date=24 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190924082150/https://iffhs.de/iffhs-has-announced-the-48-football-legend-players/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* [[Ballon d'Or Dream Team#First Team|Ballon d'Or Dream Team]]: 2020<ref>{{cite web |last=Crépin |first=Timothé |title=Ballon d'Or Dream Team : Découvrez les révélations de ce onze de légende ! |url=https://www.francefootball.fr/news/Ballon-d-or-dream-team-decouvrez-les-revelations-de-ce-onze-de-legende/1205748 |website=[[France Football]] |language=fr |date=14 December 2020 |access-date=14 December 2020}}</ref>
* [[IFFHS World Team#All-time Men's Dream Team (2021)|IFFHS All-time Men's Dream Team]]: 2021<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.iffhs.com/posts/1110 |title=IFFHS All Time World Men's Dream Team |work=[[IFFHS]] |date=22 May 2021|access-date=12 October 2022 }}</ref>
*[[IFFHS World Team#All-time Men's Dream Team (2021)|IFFHS South America Men's Team of All Time]]: 2021<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.iffhs.com/posts/1116|title=IFFHS All Time South America Men's Dream Team|work=[[IFFHS]] |date=22 May 2021|access-date=12 October 2022}}</ref>

'''Notes'''
{{Reflist|group=lower-alpha}}

== Works ==
* {{cite book |first=Diego Armando |last=Maradona |title=Yo Soy el Diego |publisher=Planeta Pub. Corp |date=2000| isbn=84-08036-74-2 |language=es |trans-title=I Am the Diego }}
* {{Cite book |last=Maradona |first=Diego |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/953395867 |title=México 86 : así ganamos la copa : mi mundial, mi verdad |date=2016 |publisher=Debate |isbn=978-84-9992-627-8 |edition=1st |location=Barcelona |language=es |oclc=953395867}}

==See also==
{{Portal|Association football|Argentina}}
* [[List of association football families]]
* [[List of most valuable celebrity memorabilia]]
* [[Live Is Life#Maradona's warm up|1989 warm up to Live Is Life]]
{{clear}}

== References ==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{sister project links|c=Category:Diego Maradona
|d=yes|q=yes|n=no|b=no|v=no|voy=no|m=no|mw=no|wikt=no|s=no|species=no}}

* [https://worldnews24daily.com/2020/11/diego-maradona-argentina-football-legend-dies-aged-60.html/amp Diego Maradona: Argentina football legend dies aged 60] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211010164117/https://worldnews24daily.com/2020/11/diego-maradona-argentina-football-legend-dies-aged-60.html/amp |date=10 October 2021 }}
* [https://worldnews24daily.com/2021/02/diego-maradona-was-addicted-alcohol-and-marijuana-cause-of-death.html Diego Maradona was addicted alcohol and marijuana cause of death] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211010164119/https://worldnews24daily.com/2021/02/diego-maradona-was-addicted-alcohol-and-marijuana-cause-of-death.html |date=10 October 2021 }}
* {{FIFA player}}
* {{UEFA player}}

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|  style="width:30%; text-align:center;"| Preceded by<br />'''[[Carlos Alberto Torres]]<br />1944'''
|  style="width:40%; text-align:center;"| '''Latest Born Captain to Die'''<br />25 November 2020 – present
|  style="width:30%; text-align:center;"| '''Incumbent'''
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{{FIFA World Cup Winning Captain}}
{{Finalissima winning captains}}
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{{South American Team of the 20th Century}}
{{FIFA World Cup Dream Team}}
{{Copa América Historcial Dream Team}}
{{Ballon d'Or Dream Team}}
{{IFFHS Men's World Team of the 20th Century}}
{{IFFHS Men's South American Team of the 20th Century}}
{{IFFHS All-time Men's World Dream Team}}
{{IFFHS All-time Men's South American Dream Team}}
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{{Italian Football Hall of Fame}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Maradona, Diego}}
[[Category:Diego Maradona| ]]
[[Category:1960 births]]
[[Category:2020 deaths]]
[[Category:1979 Copa América players]]
[[Category:1982 FIFA World Cup players]]
[[Category:1986 FIFA World Cup players]]
[[Category:1987 Copa América players]]
[[Category:1989 Copa América players]]
[[Category:1990 FIFA World Cup players]]
[[Category:1994 FIFA World Cup players]]
[[Category:2010 FIFA World Cup managers]]
[[Category:FIFA World Cup–winning players]]
[[Category:Al Wasl F.C. managers]]
[[Category:Anti-Americanism]]
[[Category:Argentina men's international footballers]]
[[Category:Argentina national football team managers]]
[[Category:Argentina men's under-20 international footballers]]
[[Category:Argentina men's youth international footballers]]
[[Category:Argentine expatriate men's footballers]]
[[Category:Argentine expatriate football managers]]
[[Category:Argentine expatriates in Cuba]]
[[Category:Argentine expatriate sportspeople in Italy]]
[[Category:Argentine expatriate sportspeople in Mexico]]
[[Category:Argentine expatriate sportspeople in Spain]]
[[Category:Argentine expatriate sportspeople in the United Arab Emirates]]
[[Category:Argentine men's footballers]]
[[Category:Argentine football managers]]
[[Category:Argentine nationalists]]
[[Category:Argentine people of Basque descent]]
[[Category:Argentine people of Croatian descent]]
[[Category:Argentine people of Guaraní descent]]
[[Category:Argentine sportspeople of Italian descent]]
[[Category:Argentine Primera División managers]]
[[Category:Argentine Primera División players]]
[[Category:Argentine Roman Catholics]]
[[Category:Argentine socialists]]
[[Category:Argentine sportspeople in doping cases]]
[[Category:Argentine television talk show hosts]]
[[Category:Argentinos Juniors footballers]]
[[Category:Men's association football forwards]]
[[Category:Men's association football midfielders]]
[[Category:Boca Juniors footballers]]
[[Category:Club de Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata managers]]
[[Category:Deified men]]
[[Category:Doping cases in association football]]
[[Category:Dorados de Sinaloa managers]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Italy]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Spain]]
[[Category:Expatriate football managers in Mexico]]
[[Category:Expatriate football managers in the United Arab Emirates]]
[[Category:FC Barcelona players]]
[[Category:FIFA 100]]
[[Category:Fujairah FC managers]]
[[Category:Illeists]]
[[Category:La Liga players]]
[[Category:Maradona family]]
[[Category:Newell's Old Boys footballers]]
[[Category:Parody religion deities]]
[[Category:People convicted of drug offenses]]
[[Category:People from Lomas de Zamora Partido]]
[[Category:Racing Club de Avellaneda managers]]
[[Category:SSC Napoli players]]
[[Category:Serie A players]]
[[Category:Sevilla FC players]]
[[Category:South American Footballer of the Year winners]]
[[Category:Footballers from Lanús]]
[[Category:Textil Mandiyú managers]]
[[Category:UAE Pro League managers]]
[[Category:UEFA Europa League–winning players]]
[[Category:World Soccer Magazine World Player of the Year winners]]
[[Category:Association football players with retired numbers]]
[[Category:20th-century Argentine sportsmen]]