Diego Maradona (1960-2020)

The loss of an icon will never be forgotten.

So what defines a transcendent athlete, a generational talent on the pitch?

Was it his touch on the ball; Or the way he slices through the defense?

Mardona had keepers falling into the net, defenders wishing they had not, and entire countries cursing his name!

20-20 vision.

A free kick specialist.

Always playing with pride and passion.

But this golden boy’s pinnacle was his own demise. And as his life twisted and twirled, one defining moment would forever change the sport.

It’s simple known as “Hand of God.”

A goal that should not count today, but did a number of things between 1986 and 2020...

1. Cemented Maradona’s legacy as FIFA’s player of the century. Despite his drug abuse and multiple suspensions, winning increases tolerance.

2. Advanced Argentina to the 1986 World Cup, which they beat Germany fair and square. So I ask you this... would you Dance with the Devil to reach the pinnacle?!? Karma has followed Argentina in future World Cups. Germany has knocked them out in 4 of the next 8 WC, including twice in the Finals (1990, 2014).

3. Two decades later, VAR and goal line technology arrives for World Cup matches.

Off the field issues tell me one thing, is that he was human. I’m not here to compare or judge, just admiring a man that has shifted the history of a sport. A generational talent that inspired millions of children, but as Charles Barkley said best...