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= Diego Armando Maradon  a = = = = = Born: October 30, 1960 in Villa Fiorito, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

He is one of the most famous soccer players known to the world and played in four World Cups as well as split the FIFA Player of the Century award with Pele. He played striker and Attacking Midfielder for the Argentina futbol team. (Diego Maradona) Diego's shining moment came in the 1986' World Cup match against England in tehe quarter final game, where he lead his team to a 2-1 win. In this game he recieved the title of the "Goal of the Century" and the "Golden Handball". (Diego Maradona)

Diego's style of play was very quick and team oriented. He was known for being a team player as well as highly technical with his ball skills and passing abilities. (Diego Maradona) Because of his shorter stature, Diego had a lower center of gravity which made it easier for him to defend off larger defenseman. His moves such as the Rabona have been used ever since he first exhibited them in the 1986' olympics. Along with his great techinical skill, Diego was extremely talented at taking penalty kicks. (Diego Maradona) == Before Maradona started playing for the Argentina national team he played as a young man for the Argentinos Juniors. Ten Days before his 16th birthday Maradona was signed and shiped off to begin training.(Diego Maradona) Later he played with the Boca juniors, and eventually transfered to Spain to play there. As Maradona got further along in his career he realized the best place for him to play was in Argentina so he transfered back the Argentina to play for the national team in 1984.(Diego Maradona)

In 2000 Diego Armando Maradona released his auto-biography Yo Soy El Diego. ("I am Diego") which became a bestseller in Argentina. In 2001 the AFA asked FIFA for authorization to retire the jersey number 10 for Maradona. Although the autorization never went through, Maradona retired. He suffered from weight gain and a cocaine addiction which lead to his downfall. Maradona went to rehab and had several surgeries to shrink his stomach. Today Maradona works as a TV host for Argentinan sports shows. (Diego Maradona) Even today Maradona is referred to as the "player of the world". He is looked up to for his hard work and dedication. He has recieved several awards and continues to this day to be recognized for this career in the 80's and 90's.(Diego Maradona)

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