A tribute to Diego Maradona – one of the greatest ever to grace the football pitch


A tribute to Diego Maradona – one of the greatest ever to grace the football pitch

Diego Armando Maradona, one of the greatest footballers to ever play the game breathed his last today aged 60 after suffering a cardiac arrest in Argentina.

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Maradona was the antithesis of a large and strong sportsman. The Argentine stood at just 1.65 m tall and defenders towered over him in terms of stature. But ‘The Golden Boy’ towered over them all in terms of skill and footballing ability. He was just too good for the whole lot of them. He was perpetually one step ahead of everybody else.

His vision, dribbling and ball control was second to none. The ball seemed to be glued to his feet. And this very clearly, was a man that had the world at his feet.

There will never be another Maradona

Maradona was an absolute joy to watch. When he got going, the world marveled. When he swept past defenders with sheer nonchalance, there was shock and awe. And when he showcased his deadly finishing ability, everybody was floored.

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There were various controversies that attempted to overshadow (in vain) the great man’s career. But Maradona’s performance on the pitch spoke for itself.

If Maradona was spectacular for his clubs Napoli and Argentinos Juniors, he was on another level for his nation. His highest point came in the 1986 World Cup when Maradona helped secure Argentina’s second ever World Cup win. And he did it all by himself. Yes, this was the tournament of the ‘Hand of God’, but this was also the tournament where Maradona won the ‘Golden Ball’. This was the tournament where Maradona dribbled past the entire English defense to score a goal for the ages.

Above all his achievements, Maradona was a sporting icon. A man whose footballing brilliance headlined the beautiful game. There will truly, not be another Maradona.

Also Read: Football’s greatest legend Diego Maradona breathes his last at the age of 60

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