Diego Maradona, A Different Class: The legacy of the Argentine superstar

“Different Class.” Commentator Jimmy Magee uttered these words as Diego Maradona glided past five English players, left goalkeeper Peter Shilton for dead with a feint, and passed the ball into an empty net, sending Argentina to the semifinals of the 1986 World Cup. Rightfully known as the “Goal of the Century”, it cemented Maradona as a legend and quite possibly the greatest player of all time.

Maradona died recently at 60 years old from a heart attack on November 22, 2020. A lifetime of partying and substance abuse had finally caught up to the Argentinian superstar. His death impacted people from all the corners of the globe, and soccer fans mourned his passing. Maradona had several accomplishments, including single-handedly carrying Argentina to a World Cup victory and helping Napoli win its first Serie A title. However, his drug controversies and subsequent fall from grace threaten to leave a stain on an otherwise golden legacy.

Diego Maradona was a man of contrasts. He was undoubtedly a brilliant player, winning the Golden Ball (Tournament MVP) at the 1986 World Cup by a unanimous vote. In terms of legacy, Pelé, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo are perhaps the only players who rivaled the greatness of Maradona. When a reporter asked Milan legend Franco Baresi who was the toughest player he had ever faced, he replied, “Maradona; when he was on form, there was almost no way of stopping him.” During his time at Napoli, the citizens revered Maradona for leading the team to their first Serie A title. Murals of him lined the city streets, and people even named children after him.

At the same time, however, issues away from the bright lights plagued Maradona. He often missed practices and sometimes even games for Napoli, and the club ultimately fined him a total of 70,000 US dollars. He had a son who he refused to claim. His drug use also worsened, and he eventually served a 15-month ban for failing a drug test for cocaine, leaving the team shortly after.

Despite the flaws, the soccer world still grieves the loss of one of its most special stars. Maradona is remembered as a legend who was human in every way possible, a person who was capable of moments of great beauty as well as ugly. His actions on the pitch have inspired and will continue to inspire generations of players. Whether he is loved for being a soccer genius or scorned for his scandals throughout his life, one thing is for certain: Diego Maradona will be remembered.