Diego Armando Maradona
The man with "la mano de dios"
Here's a time line of Diego Maradona's life:
- October 30, 1960: Diego Maradona was born in Lanús, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- 1976: Maradona made his professional debut for Argentinos Juniors at the age of 15.
- 1982: He played in his first FIFA World Cup in Spain but faced elimination in the quarter-finals.
- 1984: Maradona moved to Europe, joining Barcelona in Spain. His time at Barcelona was marked by both success and controversy.
- 1986: A pivotal year in Maradona's career. He led Argentina to victory in the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, producing iconic moments like the "Hand of God" goal and the brilliant solo effort against England in the quarter-finals.
- 1990: Maradona captained Argentina to the World Cup final in Italy, but they were defeated by West Germany.
- 1991: He tested positive for banned substances and received a 15-month suspension from football.
- 1993: Maradona returned to football with Newell's Old Boys in Argentina.
- 1994: He played in the FIFA World Cup in the United States but was expelled after failing a drug test.
- 1997: Maradona retired from professional football.
- 2008: Maradona became the head coach of the Argentina national football team.
- 2010: After a controversial tenure as coach, Maradona left the national team.
- 2017: A statue of Maradona was unveiled in Kolkata, India, depicting his famous "Hand of God" goal.
- November 25, 2020: Diego Maradona passed away at the age of 60 due to a heart attack at his home in Tigre, Buenos Aires.
"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 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."