On Wednesday November 25, 2020 the Argentine soccer player Diego Armando Maradona passed away from a heart attack at his home. The news spread like powder and thousands of people went out to the street to honor him. International media was focused on every step the family took in regards to the funeral services and how the fans could see him and say goodbye for a last time. Argentina’s president, Alberto Fernández declared three days of national mourning as Maradona’s death left a big void in the country.
Who was Diego Armando Maradona?
Diego Armando Maradona was born on October 30, 1960 in Lanús, Argentina. He was a
professional soccer player and manager. He was the first son after four daughters and two
younger brothers, both whom are professional football players.
Diego, at age eight was spotted by a talent scout while he was playing in his neighborhood club
Estrella Roja (Red Star). He became an important key in the team Los Cebollitas (the little
onions). At age 12, he surprised spectators by showing his skills with the ball during the halftime
intermissions of the first division games.
On October 20, 1976 with Argentina Juniors, 10 days before his 16th birthday. He entered into
the match wearing the number 16 jersey and became the youngest player in the history of the
Argentine Primera División ( First Division). Diego spent five years at Argentina Juniors,
meaning that he scored more than 115 goals in 167 appearances before his $4 million (USD) to Boca Juniors. He signed the contract with Boca Juniors on February 1981. Maradona won the
title league after scoring against Racing Club, and this was the only league title won by
Maradona in the Argentine Domestic League.
To make this short, after the World Cup of 1982, Diego was transferred to Barcelona with the
record fee of 7.6 million dollars. After that, he went to Napoli where he was welcomed by
75,000 fans. He played for many other teams and became World Cup champion in 1986.
In regards to his personal life, he was a very controversial man. His drug addiction scandal made
him retire from soccer at age 37 and coming out positive in a third anti-doping test.
To end, Maradona left a big legacy in soccer and that will never get erased. He left a huge pain in
his family and friends. Rest in peace, Diego Armando Maradona.
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