DIEGO MARADONA

Born October 30, 1960 in Lanus outside Buenos Aires, Maradona started his career with Los Cebollitos (The Little Onions), before joining Argentinos Juniors. His career flourished and at age 16 he made his International debut against Hungary - the youngest International player Argentina had ever produced. Two years later he wore the captain's band around his arm for the World Youth Cup which Argentina won.

He transferred to Bocca Juniors for 1,000,000 pounds and his success continued as his skill grew and he was voted the South American Player of the Year in 1979 and 1980. In 1982 Maradona made history when he was transferred to Spanish giants Barcelona for a world record five million pounds, and made his World Cup debut on his new homeground the Estadio Nou Camp. Argentina had a rotten tournament, Maradona was sent off against Brazil and Argentina bowed out.

In his first season with Barcelona he helped them to the League, the League Cup and the Super Cup, his price was rising and two years later he found himself in the Serie A with Napoli for another record 6,900,000 pound transfer. Napoli were success starved before Maradona's arrival but in 1987 he guided them to the League and Cup double and paid for himself. A year earlier he had captained Argentina to a second World Cup triumph and wrote himself into the history books with what is considered the greatest goal ever where he weaved his way through seven English players to strike the back of the net in a run that began in his own half. He scored five goals in that tournament including the infamous 'Hand of God' which helped put an end to England's campaign.

He continued to be successful with Napoli and in1989 guided them to their UEFA Cup victory. In 1990 he once again captained Argentina to the World Cup final, this time against Germany but the opponents were too strong this time and it marked the begining of the end for Maradona as drug scandals and violence tainted his reputation.

He made what seemed a successful comeback to the 1994 World Cup team scoring against Greece in the first match, but in the next game against Nigeria he was unveiled as a drug abuser and his career was over.

It was a sad end to a great player and he tried unconvincingly to make several comebacks, but each was tainted by controversy. It is best to remember Marodona as one of the greatest players who ever lived and take example from his skill not his off-field behaviour.

Great, undoubtedly, The greatest - make up your own mind!

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