Diego Armando Maradona is one of the greatest football players of all time. The Argentine forward excelled for his country and enjoyed a special time in Italy with Napoli. Maradona could produce the extraordinary on the football pitch, things we wouldn’t even imagine a footballer try to do. He is not only a football icon, but a sports icon in general for the magical moments he’s produced on the pitch for the millions across the world watching.
He was a special athlete, and above all a legend to the game that many loved and admired. His memory lives on forever, whether it’s through the YouTube videos of his unbelievable skills and goals, new uk casino games like the D10S Maradona slot, the graffiti portraiture you’ll find worldwide, or through the hundreds of books, movies and series based on his life and career. The name Maradona will continue to be talked about for many years to come, if not forever. He was that special to the game. Read on for our top 5 iconic Maradona career moments.
5 Iconic Maradona Career Moments
The ‘Hand of God’
Arguably the most famous moment of Maradona’s career came during the 1986 World Cup quarter final against England. In the 51st minute of the game, a sliced clearance by England’s Steve Hodge looped back towards goalkeeper Peter Shilton. Maradona rose with Shilton and hit the ball into the net with his hand. Shilton appealed but the goal was given, and it remains one of the most controversial moments in football history.
Greatest Individual Goal of All Time
We stay with the 1986 World Cup final between Argentina and England. Just 4 minutes after the ‘Hand of God’ goal, Maradona produced what many people believe to be the best individual goal of all time. The Argentine forward collected the ball just inside his own half and went on a 60-yard run that beat 5 English players, including the goalkeeper, to score. The goal was enjoyed by football fans around the world.
The Double with Napoli
Maradona joined Napoli in 1984 and up until that point, the club had never won the Serie A title. Not only would Maradona lead Napoli to their first Serie A title in Italy but he was the catalyst behind two Serie A titles during his time in Naples. The big moment came in the 1986/87 season when Maradona took Napoli to their first domestic double, becoming only the third team in the history of Italian football to complete this feat.
1994 World Cup Goal
Maradona was selected in the Argentina squad for the 1994 World Cup in the United States and scored against Greece. It was a tremendous strike, but the most iconic moment of that World Cup was the celebration by Maradona following the goal. He ran towards a camera near the touchline and screamed into the lens with his eyes popping out of his head.
1984 Copa del Rey Final
At the end of the 1984 Copa del Rey final, which Maradona lost 1-0 with Barcelona against Athletic Bilbao, a violent fight took place. Maradona had been subject to verbal and physical abuse during the game at the Santiago Bernabéu and snapped at full time. Maradona headbutted Miguel Sola, elbowed a Bilbao player in the face, and kneed another player in the head. A mass brawl between the two teams followed, with Maradona central to the action, aiming blows at any Bilbao player that came close to him.
Read: A look back at the top 10 worst errors in the FIFA World Cup history
