Diego MaradonaEl Pibe de Oro
Inherent within Diego Armando Maradona’s nickname of El Pibe de Oro (golden boy/kid) is a sense of mischief impossible to translate verbatim. The pibe is a classic anti-establishment rogue, street smart and full of guile. Diego was born 30th October 1960, in Villa Fiorito, an impoverished district of Buenos Aires. By the time he was 10 he was already a star in Argentina. He regularly appeared on TV in black and white newsreel footage, juggling anything from a football to an orange. Maradona’s life story is the stuff of legend, from rags to riches, from narcotics to sainthood. His accolades are numerous and illustrious, including Golden Ball winner for best player and FIFA World Cup winner (junior level 1979 – senior level 1986); winner of the Goal of the Century award and Player of the Century joint winner, sharing the honour with Pele.
'Pele had nearly everything. Maradona has everything. He works harder, does more and is more skilful. Trouble is that he'll be remembered for another reason. He bends the rules to suit himself.'
Sir Alf Ramsey
'What I could do with a ball, Maradona could do with an orange.'
Michel Platini