Those four words — “the hand of God” — describe one of the most iconic moments in football history, a goal that belongs to one of the most iconic footballers in the game’s history — Diego Armando Maradona, who has died at the age of 60.
While that first goal against England in the quarterfinals of the 1986 World Cup — a punch of the ball over goalkeeper Peter Shilton, a player who stood 20 centimeters taller than the diminutive Argentine — showcased Maradona’s guile, the one that followed four minutes later displayed in full the majesty of his footballing abilities.
Maradona was unquestionably a household name before the 1986 World Cup, but after leading Argentina to the title he became a bonafide global superstar.
An unacknowledged son, photo ops with the mafia and cocaine binges were shown in British Oscar-winning film-maker Asif Kapadia’s documentary on Maradona’s time at Napoli, arguably the period of his footballing career where he had the most success.
Maradona would go on to become their God. At his unveiling, 70,000 fans flocked to Napoli’s San Paolo stadium to catch a glimpse of their new signing, scarcely able to believe that the greatest footballer on the planet had chosen to play for their team.
During his seven years at the club, he would guide Napoli, almost single-handedly, to its first ever Serie A title in 1987. He followed it up by winning a second three years later, while also leading the team to Italian Cup and UEFA Cup glory.
Maradona’s face still remain painted far and wide across the city, some depicting “The Golden Boy” with a shimmering halo. He became Naples’ adopted son.
However, after a failed drug test in 1991 and a 15-month ban from football, as well as another failed drug test at the 1994 World Cup, his career on the pitch fizzled out. He failed to reclaim that form which dazzled fans and opponents.
The red carpet has been rolled out wherever Maradona has gone — or a throne. Many have come and passed, but none have left a lasting mark quite like El Diego.
