Maradona

Who is Diego Maradona and how was his life changed. Read about the life of Diego Maradona, the Argentinean whose skill at football was sadly overshadowed by a sinister cocaine addiction.
DiegoMaradona is quite possibly the greatest football player the world has ever seen. Certainly, in the age that Maradona played football, it was a higher tempo sport than the one enjoyed by the Brazilian Pele,so the skill that the Argentinean showed can be regarded as extra brilliant.

Born in a slum area on the outskirts of Buenos Aires in 1960, Diego Armando Maradona was blessed with unique skill. Asa youngster he would often entertain the crowds at football matches at half time, with demonstrations of ball juggling, at which he was extremely adept. It was due to these amazing feats that he wouldacquire the nickname "˜El pibe de oro', (the golden boy).

Local Argentinean clubs were quick to take note of the youngster's skill. His first club was Argentinios Juniors, but he had soon moved onto the world recognised Boca Juniors. He made his full international debut in 1977, at the age of 17. A year later Argentina won the World Cup, but the young Maradona was not in the squad. Althoughhe had a supreme talent, the International side was very strong that year anyway, so instead he was nurtured gently. This meant him leading the Argentina youth team to win the Youth Team World Cup in1979.

By the time the next World Cup came along (Spain 1982), Maradona was an established member of the National team. Although many people reckoned that he performed poorly in that tournament,massive clubs all around the world became aware of the unparalleled skill he possessed. He showed excellent balance and strength, and his skill and ball control were second to none. Subsequently he movedto the great Spanish club, Barcelona.

This move meant worldwide fame and a huge fortune. Maradona found it difficult to cope and it was whilst in Spain that he first took cocaine. In 1984 he...