Maradona, Diego Armando, 1960–, Argentinian soccer star. A strong forward with spectacular abilities, superb dribbling skills, and great personal flair, he began his career as a teenager playing for the Argentinos (1976–80) and Boca juniors (1981). Moving (1982) to Europe, he joined the Barcelona team and led them to the 1983 Spanish Cup. With Italy's Napoli club from 1984, he was instrumental to their winning five championship cups. In 1991, however, he tested positive for cocaine and was suspended. Cocaine addiction subsequently plagued him, and he has been several times treated for addiction and health conditions resulting from it. He subseqently played with the Seville club (1992–93) in Spain and Newell's Old Boys (1993) in Rosario, Argentina, but without his old fire.

Maradona represented Argentina on its World Cup teams in 1982 and 1986, the latter year as a captain who dominated the games and led his team to victory with his infamous "hand of God" goal. He was again captain of the 1990 and 1994 national teams, but during the 1994 World Cup he failed another drug test (for ephedrine) and was again suspended. He attempted a comeback in 1995 with the Boca Juniors, but retired two years later after again failing a drug test. A national hero in Argentina, he has been the host of a popular TV talk show since 2005.

Maradona, Diego Armando

(born Oct. 30, 1960, Villa Fiorito, near Buenos Aires, Arg.) Argentine football (soccer) player. A midfielder renowned for his ability to create scoring chances for himself and others, he led club teams to championships in Argentina, Italy, and Spain. He starred for the Argentine national team that won the 1986 World Cup. His performance included two memorable goals against England, one scored with his hand (the referee mistakenly thought the ball struck his head) and now remembered as the “Hand of God,” and another that saw him dribble through a pack of defenders. He was twice suspended for use of banned substances. An Internet poll conducted by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association named Maradona the top player of the 20th century.