Born in 1991 in Frattamaggiore, Napoli captain Lorenzo Insigne is too young to have experienced the heyday of Diego Maradona in southwest Italy himself, but the Neapolitan bleeds the club’s colors — he's currently fifth all-time in appearances and ninth in goals — and has grown up immersed in the Argentine's legend.
Barcelona responded to last weekend’s defeat to Atlético Madrid by comfortably beating Osasuna 4-0 at the Camp Nou on Sunday. Martin Braithwaite opened the scoring, Antoine Griezmann hit an incredible volley before setting up Philippe Coutinho for Barça’s third and Lionel Messi got the fourth with a sweet sweep of his left foot.
Before the match, the life of Diego Maradona — who spent two seasons with Barcelona between 1982 and 1984 — was honored with his No. 10 shirt placed in the middle of the pitch.
Since the untimely death of Diego Maradona earlier this week, we’ve seen tributes to the iconic figure all across the footballing world, from the Champions League to MLS. But Maradona’s influence was not limited to the sport he singlehandedly redefined, as Saturday’s All Blacks Maradona tribute illustrated.
I write these lines fearing to be unprofessional, as I can only do it as a heartbroken fan who's lost his childhood hero.
Many years ago I travelled the world for months, visiting some of the poorest countries in the planet. One day, as I was walking in Myanmar, I sat down on the sidewalk to watch two skinny kids without shirts nor shoes grab two stones and make a goal in the dirt, to then play a penalty shootout with a very worn out ball. I did not know what they were saying but I understood a few words, when the shooter said 'Messi' and the goalkeeper said 'Keylor Navas.'
The shirt worn by Diego Maradona when he scored his famous "Hand Of God" goal against England at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico could be available for $2 million following the Argentine's death on Wednesday, says an American sports memorabilia expert.
The shirt is owned by former England player Steve Hodge, who got it from Maradona after the match in which his attempted back pass led to the controversial goal that helped dump England out of the tournament which Argentina went on to win in Mexico.
The world of soccer suffered a devastating loss on Wednesday when news broke that Argentinian legend Diego Maradona died of a heart attack. He turned 60 in October.
BUENOS AIRES — Argentine soccer legend Diego Maradona, widely regarded as one of the game's greatest ever players, died of a heart attack on Wednesday, his lawyer said.
Maradona, 60, had recently battled health issues and underwent emergency surgery for a subdural haematoma several weeks ago.
He suffered a heart attack at his home in the outskirts of Buenos Aires on Wednesday, Argentinian media and acquaintances of the former player said.
Argentine President Alberto Fernandez declared three days of national mourning.
The year is 2009. Argentina, under the direction of Diego Maradona, is on the verge of missing the 2010 World Cup after back-to-back-to-back defeats to Ecuador, Brazil and Paraguay. The loss to Brazil had been particularly horrifying — a 3-1 humbling in Rosario that clinched the Seleção’s place in South Africa and left midfield warrior Javier Mascherano disconsolate in the dressing room.
Few players create a lasting impact on the game like Maradona has. Once the greatest player in the world, Maradona has imprinted his moments of genius on the pitch into the memories of his fans. Off the pitch Maradona finds himself frequently in questionable health, but he always manages to recover.
BUENOS AIRES — Argentine soccer great Diego Maradona will be released from hospital on Wednesday and taken to a recovery clinic where he will be treated for alcohol dependency, his lawyer told reporters.
The former Napoli and Boca Juniors player had emergency surgery last Tuesday for a subdural haematoma, a blood clot on the brain.