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Diego Maradona, one of the greatest football (soccer) players to ever live, was born in Villa Fiorito to a poor family in Buenos Aires, Argentina in South America. He comes from a family of eight, including two younger brothers, both of which became professional football players. When Maradona was just ten years old, he was spotted by a scout of the prestigous Argentinan Junior Team, Argentinos Juniors. He got his first chance to play as a junior professional when he turned fifteen years old. Maradona played for Argentinos Juniors from 1976 to 1981 before transferring to Boca Juniors for two years in the 1981 and 1982 seasons. When Diego Maradona was just sixteen years old, he debuted for the Argentinan National Football Team and played in the Football World Youth Championship when he was just 18 years old. It was in 1982 when Diego Maradona got his first taste of World Cup play as he led Argentina into the second round of the tournament where they were defeated by Italy and Brazil. After Argentina's World Cup loss, Maradona left South America for Spain where he would come under the instruction of famed coach Cesar Luis Menotti and would play for FC Barcelona.
In 1983, Maradona led FC Barcelona to the Copa del Ray, Spain's national football cup competition, where FC Barcelona was able to defeat Real Madrid for the championship. However, Maradona was soon transferred to SSC Napoli in Italy where he would go on to become a superstar. He led the team to victories in the Italian Championship, Coppa Italia, UEFA Cup, and the Italian Supercup, all prestigous soccer accomplishments. During his career with the SSC Napoli, Maradona still returned to play for Argentina in the 1986 and 1990 World Cup championships. In 1986 Maradona was able to lead the Arginteanan team to victory as they defeated West Germany 3-2 in the championship game. Maradona returned at the next World Cup four years later where they again advanced to the final round of competition under his leadership. However, this time West Germany got their revenge defeating Argentina 1-0. His trip to the 1994 World Cup was strife with scandal as he was sent home after just two games when he failed a drug test which indicated he had taken the drug ephedrine, one of the substances banned from World Cup play. Maradona left Italy in 1992 and would go on to play for the European teams Sevilla FC from 1992 to 1993 and for Newell's Old Boys to finish up the 1993 season before taking a year off. He then returned to South America to play for the Boca Juniors from 1995 to 1997, the year in which he would anounce his retirement.
Maradona, was a big bulky man and thus played a "rough and tough" style of soccer, a style you would expect to find on a rugby field rather that a soccer field. He had exceptional ball handling skills which were developed from a young age, making it easy for him to slip by the defensers and create one on one situations. Maradona's dribbling skills were phenomenal and this greatly aided him in slipping past defenders. Maradona is a true rags to riches story, being born dirt poor just outside of Buenos Aires in Argentina and growing up to be one of the most successful footballers to ever live.
He won a number of prestigous football awards during his illustrious career as well as after he announced his retirement. In a poll conducted by FIFA Online, he was voted as the best footballer of the 20th century, although he went on to share this honor with football legend Pele. Also, one of Maradona's goals in a World Cup against England in the 1990 World Cup has been named the "Greatest Goal in a World Cup". Since his retirement, Maradona has published an autobiography titled, "Yo Soy El Diego", which eventually grew to become a bestseller in his home country, Argentina. Maradona also worked in the management division of Boca Juniors and has his own television talk show, 'La Noche del 10', which is broadcasted mostly on Argentinian television.
Maradona grew up and found his love for football in Argentina and South America, but the vast majority of his fame came from his playing days in Italy. He was a master with the ball and is an all time fan favorite. His aggressive style of play and dedication to the sport and his team makes him one of the most beloved football players of his time. He eventually found his way back to South America to finish out his career, but his legacy comes primarily from his playing days in Europe. Today, the famed footballer spends much of his time relaxing in Argentina and can be seen in his luxury box during Boca Juniors games.
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