Diego Armando Maradona is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time. However, his career was also plagued by controversy. Here are some of the most notable controversies surrounding Maradona.
- Hand of God: In the 1986 FIFA World Cup quarter-final match between Argentina and England, Maradona scored a goal with his hand. The referee did not see the handball and the goal was allowed to stand. Maradona later admitted that he used his hand to score the goal and referred to it as the “Hand of God.” The goal is considered to be one of the most controversial moments in World Cup history.
- Drug use: Maradona struggled with drug addiction throughout his career. In 1991, he was banned from football for 15 months after testing positive for cocaine. He was also suspended from the 1994 World Cup after testing positive for ephedrine.
- Tax evasion: Maradona was accused of tax evasion in Italy, where he played for Napoli for seven years. In 2009, he was sentenced to two years and four months in prison, but the sentence was suspended.
- Personal problems: Maradona had a number of personal problems throughout his life, including obesity, alcoholism, and depression. He was also known for his temper and his involvement in scandals.
Despite the controversies, Maradona remained a popular figure in Argentina and around the world. He was a symbol of hope for many people, and he inspired generations of footballers.
Here are some additional controversies surrounding Maradona:
- Relationship with the Camorra: Maradona was accused of having ties to the Camorra, a criminal organization in Naples. He was known to associate with Camorra members and he was even given a lifetime membership in a Camorra clan.
- Paternity lawsuits: Maradona was involved in a number of paternity lawsuits. He fathered several children out of wedlock and he was often reluctant to acknowledge them or provide financial support.
- Domestic violence: Maradona was accused of domestic violence on several occasions. He was once arrested for physically assaulting his ex-wife, Claudia Villafañe.
Maradona was a complex and controversial figure. He was a brilliant footballer, but he was also flawed and troubled. His controversies overshadowed his achievements at times, but he remains one of the most, if not the most, iconic and beloved figures in football history.
