Known for conjuring magical moments on the football field, legend Diego Maradona breathed his last, yesterday. In honour of his reigning legacy and countless feats on the greens, we look back at some of his iconic moments across stadiums of the world. By Bayar Jain
View this post on Instagram
1. The Estadio Azteca, Mexico
Argentina v/s England, 1986
View this post on Instagram
Any list of iconic matches starring the Argentinean legend is incomplete without a mention of the World Cup finals of 1986. After all, his infamous phrase ‘Hand of God’—which later went on to become the footballer’s biographic title as well—came into being, post this intense match. Held at the Estadio Azteca stadium in Mexico City, the match ended with Argentina clinching the top spot at the league table. However, what became a bone of contention was whether Maradona hit the ball with his hand—a move forbidden in the sport. Lack of technology meant that it was close to impossible to ascertain whether there was any hand contact at the time, and thus the goal was given. Post the match, Maradona described it as “a little with the head of Maradona, and a little with the hand of God”, while FIFA called it the ‘goal of the century’ in 2002. The rest, as they say, is history.
2. San Paolo Stadium, Italy
Napoli v/s Juventus, 1985
View this post on Instagram
Playing for Napoli at the time, legend has it that Maradona asked midfielder Eraldo Pecci to pass the ball towards the footballers for an attempt to score a point, despite being close to the rival’s blocking wall. The footballers reportedly said that he would score a goal anyway, and that the Neapolitans had nothing to worry about. And so he did! The ball flicked over the human-wall, confused the goalkeeper, and landed straight into the night. A goal so spectacular eventually went on to earn the title of ‘the divine free-kick’.
3. Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti, Argentina
Boca Juniors v/s River Plate
View this post on Instagram
Before delving into international football, the dribbling expert would play for his home team, Boca Juniors. During one such match against River Plate in November 1981, the footballer won hearts by scoring a goal most would fail due to the tight angle. With barely any room for the ball to squeeze through the compact size, Maradona managed to curve the ball into place, even before the opponents could fathom what had happened.
4. San Paolo Stadium, Italy
Naples v/s Hellas Verona, 1985
View this post on Instagram
While Maradona’s previous stint against Juventus at the same stadium was all about celebrating one goal, this series A battle took it up a notch. Fighting against Serie A Champions, Hellas Verona, Maradona went all out to clinch the top spot with a mammoth 5-0!
Related: 9 Iconic Football Stadiums Every Football Fan Must Visit
Written By
Bayar Jain
Senior Content ManagerEquipped with a degree in Sociology (Honours) from the University of Delhi and a postgraduate diploma in English Journalism and Mass Communication from Xavier Institute of Communications, Mumbai, Bayar enjoys sharing stories of people, places, and different cultures. When not typing her travel tales, you can catch the hobbyist photographer capturing ..Read More
