Diego Maradona: Biography, Goals, Career & World Cup Legacy

Full Name: Diego Armando Maradona
Known As: Diego Maradona, El Pibe de Oro (“The Golden Boy”)
Born: 30 October 1960, Lanús, Argentina
Died: 25 November 2020, aged 60
Nationality: Argentine
Position: Attacking Midfielder / Forward
Famous Shirt Number: 10

Background History

Diego Maradona was an Argentine football legend who rose from a poor neighborhood near Buenos Aires to become one of the most famous footballers in the world. He developed his extraordinary ball-control and dribbling skills while playing street football as a child. He joined Argentinos Juniors at a young age and made his professional debut at just 15 years old. FIFA notes that he scored almost a goal per game in 116 appearances for the club. (FIFA Publications)

Maradona later played for Boca Juniors, helping the club win the Argentine Primera División. His performances attracted international attention, and Barcelona signed him in 1982 for a world-record transfer fee at the time. He won the Copa del Rey with Barcelona before moving to Italy. (FIFA Publications)

In 1984, Maradona joined Napoli, where he became the central figure of one of the most important periods in the club’s history. He helped Napoli win two Serie A titles, the Coppa Italia, the Italian Super Cup, and the UEFA Cup. (FIFA Publications)

His greatest international achievement came at the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico. As Argentina’s captain, Maradona scored 5 goals and provided 5 assists, helping Argentina win the World Cup. He also won the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player. (FIFA)

The quarter-final against England became one of the most famous matches of his career. Maradona scored twice in Argentina’s 2–1 victory: the controversial “Hand of God” goal and the extraordinary solo effort later voted FIFA’s Goal of the Century. (FIFA)

Maradona played in four World Cups—1982, 1986, 1990 and 1994—making 21 appearances and scoring 8 goals. He also helped Argentina reach the 1990 World Cup final. (Inside FIFA)

Highest Goals / Most Important Goal Records

• World Cup goals: 8 goals in 21 matches. (FIFA)
• Most goals in a single World Cup: 5 goals, at Mexico 1986. (FIFA)
• Argentina World Cup goals: 8 goals.
• Famous goal: His second goal against England in 1986, widely known as the “Goal of the Century.” (FIFA)
• 1986 World Cup: 5 goals + 5 assists, with Argentina winning the tournament. (FIFA)
• Argentinos Juniors: almost one goal per game across 116 appearances, according to FIFA. (FIFA Publications)

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