Diego Maradona

4+1 top moments for the ''God's hand''

And who doesn’t recognize this name? History, titles, golden pages in the world map of football, drugs, a turbulent life, and at the same time a legendary personality. Penetrating, sharp-witted, inventive, and a true magician of the ball, since he could dizzy even the toughest opponent with his amazing technical skill.

Diego Armando Maradona. One name, one Legend, a whole story of how he earned the nickname “the Hand of God” — and not without reason. Below we present 5 historic moments of Dieguito that ranked him, alongside the equally legendary Pelé, as the greatest footballer of the 20th century.

Born in October 1960 in Lanús, a suburb outside Buenos Aires, Argentina, into a large poor family, he showed from an early age his great talent with the ball at his feet, starting to play football at the age of 8. His big start came with his appearances for Argentinos Juniors and later Boca Juniors. From there, Dieguito moved abroad, first playing for Barcelona and then transferring to Napoli — where to this day he is honored as an idol and enjoys, even after his death, deep respect and recognition for his contribution to the Neapolitans. Later, he left Italy to move to Sevilla, where he remained until shortly before “hanging up his boots,” having returned first to the Argentine league — specifically, again to Boca Juniors, with a short stint at Newell’s Old Boys.

But Maradona’s 5 greatest moments did not only come from the leagues in which he played, but also from matches with the Argentine national team, where he shone on the world stage. He took part in four World Cups wearing the national shirt, with the highlight being the 1986 final against then-mighty West Germany.

Let us now look at these 5 greatest moments of Diego Armando Maradona during his football career:

1. FIFA World Youth Championship (1979)
In 1978, César Luis Menotti denied Maradona the chance to showcase his talent in Argentina’s national team. The following year, however, Dieguito took his country’s youth team by the hand and led them to the title, scoring in every knockout match.

2. Argentinos Juniors – Boca Juniors 5-3 (1980)
Just months before transferring to his beloved Boca, Maradona made sure to hurt them in a match against Argentinos Juniors. The reason behind his outburst was a statement by Boca goalkeeper Hugo Gatti, who had mockingly said before the game: “We just need to keep an eye on the little fat boy.” But the “fat boy” answered with actions, and with his boundless talent he stunned Hugo Gatti by scoring four goals, leaving him speechless.

Photo source: Shutterstock

3. Argentina – West Germany 3-2 (1986)
June 26, 1986. World Cup Final. Azteca Stadium, Mexico City. Maradona was surrounded by German players determined to stop him from showing who he really was. And yet, as the genius he was, Maradona found a way to break down the human wall in front of him. Argentina’s 2-0 lead turned into 2-2, and in the 83rd minute, Diego avoided two German defenders and delivered a brilliant assist to Jorge Burruchaga, who scored the winning goal. Argentina were crowned World Champions.

4. The Double with Napoli (1987)
Maradona’s transfer to Napoli was not glorious at first. In his first season, the team finished eighth, and the following year third. But the brilliant form he carried from winning the 1986 World Cup continued, and by the end of the 1987 season, Dieguito celebrated two more titles with Napoli: the Serie A championship and the Coppa Italia — completing the double. A historic moment for Napoli, as it was their first-ever league title, and for Maradona, since the Neapolitans saw in him a true footballing icon.

Bonus fact: A major distinction and world first for Maradona was that he was the first footballer ever to twice break the world transfer record. The first time was his transfer from Boca Juniors to Barcelona for £3 million, and the second when he moved to Napoli for £5 million.

The last match of Maradona’s career came on his birthday, when he turned 37. It was October 30, 1997, when Dieguito wore for the last time the shirt of his beloved Boca Juniors in the derby against arch-rivals River Plate in the Monumental Stadium of Buenos Aires. For the record, Boca won 2-1, with Maradona being substituted at halftime.

After retiring from professional football, Maradona continued serving the sport as a coach. He managed Argentina’s national team in 2008, with his greatest moment being leading the team in the 2010 World Cup. On November 25, 2020, Dieguito passed away, leaving behind an era and countless fans around the globe who will forever remember the undeniable legend of world football.