Diego Maradona: One of Soccer s Greatest Players
Every morning that I get up, I should light a candle to the soccer ball.
-Diego Maradona
Soccer is the most popular sport in the world, and one of the most popular soccer player s in the world is Diego Maradona, star of the Argentina national team and a professional who has led his team to many championships in Argentina, Italy, and Spain. During the 1986 World Cup tournament, won by Argentina, Maradona gave what was perhaps the greatest performance in all of World Cup History. While a national hero in Argentina, Maradona has also earned a reputation for being outspoken and controversial. In what is probably his last international competition, he led Argentina into the World Cup Tournament in the United States.
Diego Armando Maradona was born on October 30, 1960. He lived in Lanus, Argentina, a suburb of Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina. He was one of eight children raised in the poor area of Villa Fiorito, one of the roughest neighborhoods in Buenos Aires. His father, also named Diego, was a factory worker. His mom, Dalma Franco, was a housewife. Though the family was very poor, there was always food on their table. Maradona received his first soccer ball from his father at the age of three. His father encouraged him to play soccer. Diego practiced all day and slept with the ball all night.
Maradona was soon playing for Argentina s best youth team, Los Cebollitos (the Little Onions). His team was able to win 140 straight games and Maradona was given jersey number 10, the same number worn by the Brazilian star Pele. At the age of ten, Maradona put on a spectacular exhibition during the half-time of a professional game. He walked onto the field and proceeded to juggle his soccer ball for the entire intermission, keeping it in the air by bouncing it off his feet, knees, chest, ankles, head, and shoulder as if it were balloon and his body a spring breeze.
When Maradona was only 15 he signed his first contract with the Argentinos Juniors for $400 a month. Two years later he became the youngest-ever member of the Argentine soccer team. At the time that they were preparing for being host for the 1978 World Cup. Just before the tournament, coach Cesar Luis Menotti made Maradona the last cut from the team, which went on to win the title. Maradona was so upset he did not speak to Menotti for months, but later he admitted the coach was right in what he did. He said that he was young and inexperienced to cope with the pressures of the World Cup.
After gaining more experience in 1979 when he led the Argentine national team to the Junior World Cup Title and was named South American Player of the Year. Quickly, becoming a national hero, Maradona led the professional team, now the Boca Juniors, to the Argentine national championship during the 1980-81 season. Then, in 1980, Maradona signed a six-year, $12 million contract to play for Barcelona of the Spanish league. The Argentine national soccer team made a deal with Maradona, allowing him to play on the 1982 Argentine Cup if he agreed that he would not leave Argentina until after the tournament. The 1982 World Cup was a disaster for Maradona and the Argentine team. They were eliminated by arch-rival Brazil, 3-1 and Maradona was ejected from the game for a rough foul on a Brazilian player. He had a hard time winning over Spanish fans, although he scored 22 goals in 36 games and he led the Barcelona team to the 1983 Spanish Cup. In 1984, Maradona s contract was sold to Naples of the Italian League for $10.8 million. He was soon the best player in the top-flight Italian league, raising his team from 12th place to 8th to 3rd in just two seasons and finally winning the loyalty of Naples fans.
Maradona returned to the Argentine national team to play in the 1986 World Cup. It was during this World Cup, he became an international superstar. In helping Argentina reclaim the cup it had lost to Italy four years earlier, Maradona scored five goals in a six game effort to forget about his poor play in the 1982 World Cup. Experts called it the best performance in World Cup history.
In the final game of the 1982 World Cup Argentina was able to defeat West Germany. The score was tied at 2 and Maradona had the ball. He was able to somehow thread the ball like a needle through four German defenders, for a pass to a teammate who scored Argentina s winning goal. When it was time to give out the Most Valuable Player award, Maradona received the award.
After the World Cup victory, Maradona returned to Naples to lead his club to its first Italian championship in 1987, and its first European title two years later. In the 1989-90 season he led his team to its second Italian League title.
Maradona returned to the Argentine national team for the 1990 World Cup in Italy. Bothered by an ingrown toenail he had a difficult time matching his performance of 1986. Argentina lost its first game, but made it to a semifinal showdown with Italy. The game was very emotional, because he had played on the Italian team before, but he still worked his magic. In the end Maradona ran out of magic and was defeated by West Germany, losing the World Cup.
Maradona has become a star because of his great all-around game. Only 5 foot 5 he is able to avoid defenders with quick bursts of speed. He is often compared to Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson.
Throughout his career he has made many mistakes. In April 1991 he tested positive for cocaine after an Italian League game and was suspended for 15 months. He was also arrested for trying to buy cocaine a month later.
In the summer of 1993, Maradona announced his retirement. The Argentine team did not miss him much, but when the team was facing elimination from the World Cup, Maradona got in shape and returned to bring the Argentine team to the World Cup. But they were knocked out by Bulgaria.
Off the field Maradona lives with his wife, Claudia Villafane, and three daughters in Buenos Aires. Maradona hopes to coach the Argentine soccer team one day when he is retired from soccer.
347
Другие работы по теме:
Italian National Soccer Essay Research Paper ITALIAN
Italian National Soccer Essay, Research Paper ITALIAN NATIONAL TEAM HISTORY With an extraordinary record which includes three World Cups the Federazione Italiana Giuoco Calcio celebrated its 100th birthday in 1998. The Italian team was founded on March 16th 1898 on Torino, Italy. The first president of this federation ever elected was Mario Vicary.
Soccer Essay Research Paper My name is
Soccer Essay, Research Paper My name is Joe Leavy and I am a freshman here at South Georgia College on a scholarship to play soccer for coach Al Horner. Soccer, ya, the most played game in the world, what a game! I believe who ever invented soccer has got to be the most brilliant man that has ever existed! Soccer is the largest international sport of all times.
Mia Ham Essay Research Paper Mia HammMia
Mia Ham Essay, Research Paper Mia Hamm Mia Hamm! What an athlete and role model for all women in the world. I picked her because I think she s awesome. She had many achievements while growing up and had friends and family that supported her and helped her get through the difficulties in life. Before we get to the important facts, here is some general information about her just to get to know her better.
Leisure Time Essay Research Paper LEISURE TIMEMany
Leisure Time Essay, Research Paper LEISURE TIME Many people today are looking to reduce stress in their lives. I am a great believer in the concept that each person has a skill or talent to do some diversion, which is right. Sometimes this diversion builds in the skill that every one of us uses on work or job everyday, which is different.
The Natural Essay Research Paper The Natural
The Natural Essay, Research Paper The Natural, written by Bernard Malamud starts out with Roy, an aspiring baseball player on a train with his scout, Sam. Roy is still in his younger years, while Sam is an old scout who has slowed down over the years. On the train Sam notices that a well-known sportswriter, Max Mercy, is aboard, along with Walter Whambold, a superstar ball player, so he introduces Roy to them.
Velasquez Essay Research Paper A master of
Velasquez Essay, Research Paper A master of technique, highly individual in style, Velasquez may have had a greater influence on European art than any other painter (Compton’s 271-272). Diego Rodriguez de Silva y Velasquez painted the truth,
Coaching Youth Soccer Essay Research Paper Coaching
Coaching Youth Soccer Essay, Research Paper Coaching Youth Soccer Coaching children at a young age is an extremely rewarding and challenging experience. Over the last two years I have had the privilege of organizing and coaching my son?s soccer teams. These teams consisted of six, seven, and eight year old children, many of whom were playing soccer for the first time.
Filipinos Essay Research Paper I interviewed Jake
Filipinos Essay, Research Paper I interviewed Jake who is 14 years old. Jake was born in the Philippines. He has lived in the city of San Diego for twelve years. His parents decided to come to United States for a better life for him and his future family. He traveled with his family when he came to the United States.
Soccer Night In Canada Essay Research Paper
Hockey Soccer Night in Canada? Hockey is no longer our nation’s favourite pastime. Are you surprised? Well, you shouldn’t be, because over the last ten years, the number of people registered in soccer has tripled that of hockey. What should surprise you however, is that even with the number of Canadians becoming involved with organized soccer drastically increasing every year, Canada has yet to successfully sustain a professional league for more than a few seasons.
Maradona Essay Research Paper BUENOS AIRES Racing
Maradona Essay, Research Paper BUENOS AIRES.- Racing, club que en los ?ltimos a?os estuvo a punto de desaparecer por problemas econ?micos y legales, podr?a coronarse el domingo campe?n del f?tbol argentino, despu?s de 35 a?os de sequ?a.
The Differences Between Italy And Canada Essay
, Research Paper The Differences between Canada and Italy Comparing Canada to Italy show s the many differences between the two countries. The population, the physical size of the countries, the age, climate, and the people in each country are just some of the aspects that show the differences between the two countries.
College Essay Research Paper I chuckle to
College Essay, Research Paper I chuckle to myself every time I think about this. I am perceived as a mild-mannered, intelligent individual until I mention that I am involved in riflery. It is interesting to watch someone’s expression change. It is as if I instantaneously grew a pair of horns and a sharp set of claws.
Issue Of Concern In My Community Essay
, Research Paper Society has continually bombarded us with the idea that African American athletes cannot be successful in both athletics and in scholarship. Growing up in a small rural town in upstate New York, where our high school has only five students of color out of approximately 680 students, I have had to face this reality.
High School Compared To College Essay Research
Paper I thought college would be very difficult compared to high school. I thought college would be over baring and a tremendous amount of work. Also I thought soccer and homework would take up all my time and I would not of had any time to socialize. I had a dream one night and thought the students here were going to be rude and only into themselves.
Pele Essay Research Paper Have you ever
Pele Essay, Research Paper Have you ever heard of Edson Arantes do Nascimento? Probably not, because people new him by, “The Artist” or “Pele’”. Pele’ was very well known because of his unique talent in the sport of soccer. The skinny little fifteen year old boy would wait
Boy And His Wall Essay Research Paper
For many people a wall is a place were one can go to escape their fears or the harsh realities of life. It is a place they have created for themselves; a fantasy world. Walls give us hope, dreams, and reality all in one setting. They allow us to believe in ourselves and to push us to make our dreams become reality. I see that there are two kinds of dreams.
Pele Essay Research Paper Little is known
Pele Essay, Research Paper Little is known about the origin of soccer. The modern game is very different from it’s accent origins this paper will explore those origins and show how modern day soccer evolved.
Asteroids Essay Research Paper Paper
Asteroids Essay, Research Paper Paper #1 The article that I have reviewed is on NASA’s close-up images of asteroid Eros. A CNN staff writer talks about the way the images of the asteroid looks and writes how scientists make observations. The scientists believe that the asteroid may have broken off from small planet from the observations of the images.
Heather Garcia Essay Research Paper On October
Heather Garcia Essay, Research Paper On October 23, Heather Garcia came to our communications class to talk about her experiences working in the field of communications. Ms. Garcia is originally from San Diego, California, and is class of 1998 graduate of Western Kentucky University.
My Hero Essay Research Paper We hear
My Hero Essay, Research Paper We hear the word hero all of the time. The news media throws the term around as if it is an everyday word. What exactly is a hero? Who, or what, can be classified as a heroic? The correct definition of the word hero is: One invested with heroic qualities in the opinions of others. That is a fine definition for books and intellectual minds.
Diego Rivera Essay Research Paper Diego Rivera
Diego Rivera Essay, Research Paper Diego Rivera was one of modern Mexico’s original painters. He was born in Guanjauto in 1886 and died in 1957. He went to school at San Carlos Academy of Fine Arts in Mexico City.
The Best Soccer Player Of All Times
Essay, Research Paper Diego Armando Maradona is the best soccer player of all times. He was born in Villa Fiorito in Argentina on October 30, 1960. Since the World Cup in Mexico (1986), I believe it would be a fair statement to call Maradona the smartest soccer player up to date. Evidence of his creativity will always be remembered with the goal he did against England.
Poem This Is Me Essay Research Paper
I am Jeff, my mind is very magical, My brain is like IBM compatible. My personality is worth knowing, While my heart is always glowing Soccer is my game, A lot of people want the fame.
Jurrasic Park Essay Research Paper The Lost
Jurrasic Park Essay, Research Paper The Lost World Micheal Chrichton 395 pages copyright 1996 science fiction/ fantasy Four years after the disaster at Jurrasic Park Ian Malcom is summoned by John Hammond of Ingen coorporation, the company is getting ready to file bankrupcy and Peter Ludlow Hammonds nephew new owner of the company decides to use the only thing that the Ingen has left from not fileing for bankrupcy.
History Of Lacrosse Essay Research Paper What
History Of Lacrosse Essay, Research Paper What is Lacrosse? Summary: Lacrosse is the oldest sport in North America, and dates back to the 1400 s. Lacrosse did not become well know until the 1600 s.
Football Or Soccer Essay Research Paper Football
Football Or Soccer Essay, Research Paper Football or Soccer Many people argue about soccer and football. Football is mainly an American sport, but it is growing rapidly around the world. Soccer in the other hand is played worldwide; in many people eyes soccer is graceful and well disciplined.
Soccer Essay Research Paper SoccerIntroductionSoccer is the
Soccer Essay, Research Paper Soccer Introduction Soccer is the worlds most popular sport. It is the national sport of most European and Latin-American countries, and of many other nations. Millions of people in more than 140 countries play soccer. The World Cup is held every four years. Soccer is one of the most famous international sport.
Soccer Why It Can
’t Make The Essay, Research Paper Soccer: Why It Can’t Make the Big Time in the U.S.A. Soccer or football (or foosball or futbol), as the rest of the world outside the United States calls it is surely the most popular sport in the world. Every four years, the world championship of soccer, the World Cup, is watched by literally billions all over the world, beating out the United States professional football’s Super bowl by far.
Soccer
– Sport Number 1 Essay, Research Paper Soccer is a popular sport played all over the world. Even though it has only been popular in the United States for the past 30 years, soccer has been a long time favorite most
Opinion Girls Vs Boys Sports Essay
, Research Paper Girl?s Sports vs. Boy?s Sports I am a 16-year-old female athlete at Branford High School. I am a goalkeeper for the soccer team at school and have played number one doubles my freshman year for the Varsity Tennis Team. In past years I have played Field Hockey, Basketball, Softball, and swimming.
Teenage Experiences Essay Research Paper Essay Teenage
Teenage Experiences Essay, Research Paper Essay/ Teenage Experiences 06/10/96 As a teenage girl in Cairo, Egypt is locked away in her home, studying madly for a upcoming high school exam. A teenage boy rushes down the fields of Brazil handling a soccer ball and his future. Another teenage boy in Rajasthan, dessert in Northwestern India is guided seven times around a sacred fire as a custom to cultural marriages.
College Admission Essay Essay Research Paper Scouting
College Admission Essay Essay, Research Paper Scouting and soccer seem only linked by their first letter. However, they link together in many more ways then their common letter. They both provide an activity that teaches life skills such as teamwork, leadership, fairness, respect and friendship. And, their activities are very enjoyable.
Drug Use In Sports Essay Research Paper
Smoak 1 Michael Smoak Professor Rudolph English 101 15 November 1996 Drugs: Hurt Players and Sports Brett Favre, Diego Maradona, and Darryl Strawberry are all big name sport stars. They all play different sports, but all have the same problem: they tested positive for using illegal drugs. Cocaine, anabolic steroids, and painkillers are just a sample of drugs found in sports.