In a riveting rendition that stirred the emotions of music lovers around the world, Julie Covington, in 1977, celebrated the compassionate and glamorous life of Eva Peron, former first lady of Argentina. That famous song, entitled “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” has been copied and reproduced by many artists, including Madonna and Elaine Page. After 43 years, those piercing lyrics couldn’t be more appropriate to the life and times of another Argentine icon, Diego Armando Maradona.
“Don’t cry for me Argentina
The truth is
I never left you
All through my wild days
My mad existence
I kept my promise
Don’t keep your distance”
He started by consoling his home fans on his untimely passing; truely, he never abandoned his home country of Argentina; he enjoyed wild days partying in Barcelona and Napoli; then his mad existence with drug-related issues; but he still kept his promise to bring glory to Argentina and now, on his way out, he was asking to be loved and remembered………
What a prescient coincidence!
Diego was born on October 30, 1960, in Lanus, Argentina. He began his football career at Argentinos Juniors (1976-1981) and ended at Boca Juniors (1995-1997), bagging a total of 259 goals in 491 appearances. In between, he played for other clubs including Barcelona and Napoli. At Napoli, where talent and fortune came to early blossom, the name of Maradona soon became synonymous with the previously obscure Italian city. With him in the midfield, the club won all conceivable football trophies in Europe and beyond.
At the national level, Maradona made 91 appearances and scored 34 times for Argentina. Fittingly, the 1986 World Cup Finals in Mexico, was Christened ‘Diego Maradona’s World Cup for two reasons. First, Diego took 10 recruits to that contest and still kissed the cup.
In African folklore, a tree does not make a forest! But Maradona was one tree who defied that time honoured adage. As a widely acclaimed playmaker, he was a forest of sorts. Secondly, 1986 world cup produced two spectacular records, courtesy of Maradona: The “Hand of God goal” and the “Goal of the Century”. Shortly before the opening match against South Korea, the commentator had this to say:
“So far in this contest, we’ve seen some scintillating moves by the Italian team; a few deft passes from the French.
As always, we’ve also witnessed brilliant play from the Brazilians, as well as tactical football by the Germans.
But tonight, the attention of the football world shall be focused on the little known, diminutive, 5ft 5in Argentine, who in the past few months has set the world ablaze with his explosive skills and magical goals….”
With that flamboyant commentary, Maradona blazed a blistering trail that took his team from the first round stages to the grand finale. And he won the cup for Argentina.
Diego’s body and mind were custom built for the round leather game. At 5ft 5in, his short stature ensured a low center of gravity for stability and maneuverability. His thick set, muscular physique made it difficult for defenders to bring him down. It is remarkable that Diego frequently outpaced defenders on land and in air, despite his small frame. His flawless vision, masterful ball control, tailor-made passes and silky dribbles always ensured one outcome. GOOOOAAAAAL! Such was the mark of his genius!
Maradona had other extraordinary endowments. He could interchange between both legs, despite being a natural left footer. He could play in any position from his midfield role. He could convert free kicks and corner kicks from impossible angles. He frequently created goal opportunities, and was also a prolific scorer in his own right. Little wonder that in 2000, he was jointly voted FIFA’S PLAYER OF THE CENTURY, along with the legendary Pele.
A tribute to Diego Maradona would not be complete without citing the quarter final match, in the 1986 mundial. It was between Argentina and England. It was the crescendo of the contest and arguably the match of the century. Maradona avenged Argentina’s humiliating defeat by the United Kingdom, at the Falklands war with 2 historic goals. The first goal was an unpenalized ‘foul play’, that changed the rules of the game. It was comically branded ‘Hand of God goal’. The second goal, which came exactly 4 minutes after the first, was considered a classic in the annals of football. Diego picked up a casual pass near the center circle; meandered around 5 defenders over a record distance of 60 meters, before hitting the net. It was eventually voted the ‘Goal of the Century’. Deservedly, Maradona won the World Cup and the Golden Ball. All through his playing years, he fittingly adorned the much revered number 10 Jersey. Twice, he set the world records for transfer fees at the club level.
Diego was profoundly and profusely talented in the beautiful game of football. His countless fans will surely miss his mesmerising soccer artistry. Despite a deeply troubled personal life that almost truncated his career, he still managed to express all that he received from his Creator.
In the coming decades and indeed centuries, future generations shall continue to study and venerate the football grand master, known as Diego Armando Maradona.
May his soul find restful repose, and may his memory be a blessing to his fans.
