2010 FIFA World Cup™: Legends Of The Past

Diego Maradona

Country: Argentina
Position: Attacking Midfielder/Second Striker
World Cups: 1982, 86, 90, 94

Diego Maradona is one the greatest players in football history and regarded by many as being one of the most influential soccer players of all time. He shared the FIFA Player of the Century award with Pele, despite winning the internal vote.

Maradona made his World Cup debut for Argentina in 1982, bowing out in the second stage of the tournament. But it was not until four years later that he stamped his name in football history. At the 1986 World Cup Maradona captained Argentina to the champions trophy and was named the best player of the tournament.

In the quater-final against England he scored two of the most famous goals in football. The first was an un-penalised handball known as the “Hand of God” while the second was a stunning 60-metre solo effort through six England players. This is still regarded the best goal ever! Argentina won this game 2-1. After such a spectacular display the weight of his nation rested on Maradona’s broad shoulders for eight more years. The pressure and new found fame led Maradon down a path of drug abuse and rehab until he was finally sent home form the 1994 World Cup in the USA for using ephedrine.

On the field he was a magician and could create chances and spectacular goals from a standing start. He was the greatest attacking player in the history of the sport and many believe he single-handedly won the 1986 World Cup for Argentina.