The name Diego Maradona is one which fans look back on with great fondness.
Despite his personal struggles off the pitch, Maradona's exploits on it managed to capture the imagination of football fans across the world with many considering him one of the greats to ever grace the beautiful game.
But what made Maradona a must-watch player, DAZN takes a look at the legendary career of the Argentina football icon.
What position did Maradona play?
Diego Maradona was seen as a classic number 10. He was a playmaker who enjoyed a free role as either an attacking midfielder who would sit behind the strikers, or as a second striker in a front-two.
His dribbling was his best attribute and is often used as a barometer when it comes to discussing how well one of today's players can run with the ball at their feet.
Just like Lionel Messi, the ball seemed to stick to Maradona's feet and this terrified opposition defences. His immense dribbling ability also saw him score some of football's most iconic goals, one example being his second against England at the 1986 World Cup which is considered by many to be the greatest individual goal in the tournament's history.
Who did Maradona play for?
Years | Team | Appearances | Goals |
1976-1981 | Argentinos Juniors | 166 | 116 |
1981-1982 | Boca Juniors | 40 | 28 |
1982-1984 | Barcelona | 36 | 22 |
1984-1991 | Napoli | 188 | 81 |
1992-1993 | Sevilla | 26 | 5 |
1993-1994 | Newell's Old Boys | 5 | 0 |
1995-1997 | Boca Juniors | 30 | 7 |
Total | 491 | 259 |
Which club trophies did Maradona win?
Boca Juniors
- Argentine Primera Division: 1981 Metropolitano
Barcelona
- Copa del Rey: 1982-83
- Copa de la Liga: 1983
- Supercopa de Espana: 1983
Napoli
- Serie A: 1986-87, 1989-90
- Coppa Italia: 1986-87
- Supercoppa Italiana: 1990
- UEFA Cup: 1988-89
Which international trophies did Maradona win?
Argentina
- FIFA World Cup: 1986
- Artemio Franchi Cup: 1993
Is Maradona the greatest player of all time?
There is no argument against Diego Maradona being considered the greatest player of all time.
As previously mentioned, his dribbling ability was one which many had not seen before and was something which terrified the opposition. His compact physique coupled with strong legs allowed him to withstand physical pressure as many teams targeted the Argentine with brutal challenges.
Maradona also possesed immense creativity when it came to his passing and set pieces. His free kick for Napoli against Juventus during the 1984-85 season was one which sparked delirious celebrations in the stands, with claims that some fans suffered a heart attack as a result.
But Maradona's playing career is also one which is overshadowed by contreversial matters off the pitch. He often struggled with drug use and this all came to a head at the 1994 World Cup when Maradona tested positive for ephedrine.
This was a finding which sent shockwaves across the world and is the subject of the DAZN Orignal documentary 'Maradona: The Fall'.
It's no surprise that it left a bad mark on Maradona's legacy, but when fans look at how he performed on the pitch and captured the hearts of his native Argentina, there is a valid argument when it comes to considering Maradona as the greatest player of all time.