Diego Maradona (30 October 1960 – 25 November 2020) is widely considered one of the greatest footballers of all time.
The Argentine forward, who played for clubs like Barcelona, Napoli, and Boca Juniors, left an indelible mark on the sport with his incredible skill, creativity, and vision. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the accolades Maradona achieved during his career, compare him to other close contenders like Pele, and examine his career stats.
Accolades:
- World Cup champion: Maradona captained Argentina to World Cup victory in 1986, scoring one of the most famous goals in history in the quarterfinal against England.
- Serie A winner: Maradona helped Napoli to their first-ever league title in 1987 and again in 1990.
- Copa del Rey winner: Maradona won the Copa del Rey with Barcelona in 1983.
- Golden Foot Award: Maradona was awarded the Golden Foot Award in 1995, which is given to the best footballers in the world.
Caps
Maradona won 91 caps for the Argentine national team, scoring 34 goals. He was a key figure in their World Cup victory in 1986 and also represented his country at the 1982, 1990, and 1994 World Cups.
Close Contenders
Pele is often considered Maradona's main rival for the title of greatest footballer of all time. The Brazilian forward won three World Cups with his country and scored over 1,000 goals during his career. However, Maradona's impact on the sport, especially during the 1986 World Cup, sets him apart from Pele and other close contenders.
Career Stats
Maradona made a total of 679 club appearances during his career, scoring 312 goals. He also made 91 appearances for the Argentine national team, scoring 34 goals. Maradona was known for his incredible dribbling skills, vision, and creativity, which made him a fan favourite at clubs like Barcelona, Napoli, and Boca Juniors.
Diego Maradona was a true legend of football. He left a lasting impact on the sport with his incredible skill, creativity, and vision. While Pele and other close contenders may argue for the title of greatest footballer of all time, Maradona's impact on the 1986 World Cup and his many accomplishments at club level make him a strong contender for the title.