Diego Maradona
The captain who led Argentina to World Cup glory in 1986.
Diego Armando Maradona was an Argentine professional player who captained the Argentina national team to victory in the 1986 FIFA World Cup. Widely regarded as one of history's greatest players, he earned 91 caps and scored 34 goals for his country across four World Cup editions. Operating as a classic number 10 playmaker, Maradona was known for his vision, passing, ball control, and dribbling skill. His leadership had a profound effect on the team's performance, earning him the nickname 'El Pibe de Oro' ('The Golden Boy'). He remains a central figure in Argentine football history for leading his nation to their second World Cup title.
- Role
- Playmaker / Forward (Captain)
- Affiliation
- Argentina National Football Team
- Major Honours
- 1986 FIFA World Cup Winner
- Status
- Retired Legend (Deceased)
- Notable Achievement
- Goal of the Century and Hand of God (1986 Quarter-final vs England)
- Caps
- 91
- Goals
- 34
- World Cups Played
- 4
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Maradona's international career is defined by the 1986 FIFA World Cup, where he served as captain and won the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player. The quarter-final against England remains his most famous match, featuring two iconic goals within a 2–1 victory. His first goal was an unpenalized handling foul known as the 'Hand of God'. His second goal came after a 60-metre (66 yd) dribble past five England players; FIFA.com voters later named it the 'Goal of the Century' in 2002. Beyond 1986, Maradona managed the Argentina national team from November 2008 until his departure after the 2010 World Cup. His presence on the field was characterized by a low centre of gravity due to his small stature, allowing him to maneuver better than most opponents.
In Their Own Story
In the quarter-final of the 1986 World Cup, Maradona delivered two distinct moments that defined an era. First, he scored with his hand in a move officials did not penalize, later dubbed the 'Hand of God'. Minutes later, he began a solo run from his own half. He dribbled past five England players over a distance of 60 metres (66 yd) before slotting the ball home. This second effort was voted the 'Goal of the Century' by FIFA.com voters in 2002. These goals secured a 2–1 victory for Argentina. Maradona's performance throughout the tournament earned him the Golden Ball, recognizing him as the best player. He led the team to the title as captain, cementing his status as a legend who could single-handedly dictate the outcome of the world's biggest stage.
Reader's Guide
To understand Maradona's impact on the Argentina National Team, focus on the 1986 World Cup. This was his peak international performance where he won the Golden Ball and led Argentina to victory. Key moments include the two goals against England in the quarter-final: the 'Hand of God' and the 'Goal of the Century'. He operated as a number 10 playmaker, utilizing his low centre of gravity and dribbling skill to control matches. His international record stands at 91 caps with 34 goals across four World Cup appearances. Later in life, he returned to manage the national team from November 2008 through the 2010 World Cup. The source highlights that his leadership had a great effect on his team's performance, making him indispensable during his playing days.
Did You Know?
- Maradona won the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player at the 1986 World Cup.
- His second goal against England in 1986 was voted 'Goal of the Century' by FIFA.com voters in 2002.
- He managed the Argentina national team from November 2008 until after the 2010 World Cup.
- Maradona earned exactly 91 caps and scored 34 goals for Argentina.
- He was one of two joint winners of the FIFA Player of the Century award, alongside Pelé.
More in Team History & Eras
Related in Argentina National Team
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