First di Cristiano Ronaldo, before Lionel Messi, the world of football has had its "heroes". In first place, together with the Brazilian Pele, there is for sure Diego Armando Maradona, The "Pibe de oro”Which today is celebrating its own 60 years. The Argentine champion, born on 30 October of the 1960, is remembered in the world above all for having brought theArgentina to the victory of 1986 World Cup in Mexico during which, in the match against England, he scored the famous hand goal (hand of Dios) and immediately after the "goal of the century". In Italy he has instead become an idol a Napoli above all for having contributed to winning the Neapolitan team its only two championships.
The football history of Diego Armando Maradona it is made up of talent and many victories both in Argentina and in Spain, but also in Italy. He made his professional debut at just 16 wearing the jersey ofArgentinos Juniors, becoming the championship top scorer two years later (1978) and even winning the South American Ballon d'Or in 1979 and 1980. In 1981 he reached the Boca Juniors, and the following year to Barcelona, where he played until 1984. In that same year the name of Maradona was inextricably linked to Napoli. The Argentine champion played with the Neapolitans until the season 1990-1991, becoming a real idol of the people (still revered today). In fact, in 2017 Maradona received the honorary citizenship of the municipality of Naples. Before retiring from football (in 1997), Diego first returned to Spain (al Seville) and finally in Argentina (Newell's Old Boys e Boca Juniors, ).
Diego Armando Maradona: 60 years of a pop icon
However, Maradona is not only a football idol, but also apop icon. His determination and his successes have in fact inspired many artists, who have included Maradona in their works (films, songs, street art works made in Naples and in the motherland, etc.). Also for some fans Maradona is a real god. In 1988 a Rosary, in Argentina, theMaradonian Church, which today counts approx 850mila "faithful”, With their own prayers, doctrines and commandments. The year of birth of the Argentine bomber would in fact constitute theyear zero. For Naples, Maradona is more than a god real hero. Leader of that social revenge, of the "poor South"Who finally manages to win against the"rich North". This was of great importance for the people of Naples, who immediately learned to love those who had brought the name of the city on the roof of Italy and of the world.
Despite the ups and downs of Maradona (the alcohol addiction e drug, the problems with the taxman and his questionable friendships with politicians like Chavez, Maduro o Fidel Castro) it is undeniable that the Argentine footballer has marked the history of football and not, like few in the world. It is almost impossible not to love Diego Armando Maradona, especially for those who have lived with him 80 years. The Pibe de oro was the sporting (and social) emblem of an era that now seems to be very distant, a symbol of revenge for the last and an example for many. Long live Maradona, long live the hand of Dios! Happy birthday Diego.
