News for 'Diego Maradona'

40 Years After 'Hand Of God' Diego Maradona Still Argentina's World Cup Hero

40 Years After 'Hand Of God' Diego Maradona Still Argentina's World Cup Hero

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Monday marks 40 years since Diego Maradona's defining performance in Argentina's 2-1 win over England in the 1986 World Cup quarter-finals at Mexico City's Azteca Stadium.

Diego Maradona's childhood house transformed into soup kitchen

Diego Maradona's childhood house transformed into soup kitchen

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Every week, hundreds of people line up to fill a plastic container with food in an unlikely place: the humble home where Argentine soccer legend Diego Armando Maradona was born.

Al Wasl sack Diego Maradona

Al Wasl sack Diego Maradona

Rediff.com11 Jul 2012

Former Argentina World Cup-winning captain Diego Maradona has been sacked as coach of United Arab Emirates club Al Wasl.

Diego Maradona better

Diego Maradona better

Rediff.com20 Apr 2004

Maradona's legendary 'Hand of God' match ball awaits new keeper

Maradona's legendary 'Hand of God' match ball awaits new keeper

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

The match ball from Argentina's 1986 World Cup quarterfinal against England - made famous by Diego Maradona's "Hand of God" goal - is set to go up for auction with a $2.5-million opening bid, Heritage Auctions said.

Bhaichung Bhutia: Messi needs another World Cup to match Maradona's legacy

Bhaichung Bhutia: Messi needs another World Cup to match Maradona's legacy

Rediff.com7 days ago

Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia believes Lionel Messi needs to win the 2026 World Cup to truly equal Diego Maradona's legendary status, despite Messi's 2022 triumph. Bhutia rates Maradona higher due to his single-handed 1986 World Cup victory, while also tipping Spain as slight favourites over Argentina in the upcoming final.

'Diego Maradona' in Mumbai on Friday

'Diego Maradona' in Mumbai on Friday

Rediff.com3 Oct 2019

Indian-origin British filmmaker Asif Kapadia says he lived with the idea of making a documentary on Diego Maradona for 25 years, since the 1990s when he was a film student and read a book on the legendary footballer.

Diego Maradona becomes a father again

Diego Maradona becomes a father again

Rediff.com15 Feb 2013

Diego Maradona's girlfriend Victoria Ojeda has given birth to a boy called Diego Fernando and the Argentine soccer great is now expected to travel back to Buenos Aires to meet his son.

Maradona had bipolar disorder, court hears in death trial

Maradona had bipolar disorder, court hears in death trial

Rediff.com1 May 2026

A psychologist testifies in Diego Maradona's death trial, stating the football legend had bipolar disorder and required strict alcohol abstinence.

He isn't going anywhere; Diego Maradona is eternal: Messi

He isn't going anywhere; Diego Maradona is eternal: Messi

Rediff.com26 Nov 2020

Argentina captain Lionel Messi paid rich tributes to football legend Diego Maradona, who died on Wednesday after suffering a heart attack.

FIFA World Cup: 'Messi is above Pele, Maradona and Cruyff'

FIFA World Cup: 'Messi is above Pele, Maradona and Cruyff'

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Former football player Zlatan Ibrahimovic has lauded Lionel Messi for breaking the all-time FIFA World Cup goal record, stating that the Argentinian ace is in a 'category of his own', surpassing even legends like Pele, Diego Maradona, and Johan Cruyff due to his numbers, longevity, and trophies.

PIX: An aeroplane dedicated to Diego Maradona

PIX: An aeroplane dedicated to Diego Maradona

Rediff.com27 May 2022

The Tango D10S - a 12-seater financed by an Argentine fintech company - is designed as a flying museum in tribute to the former World Cup winner, who died of a heart attack in November 2020.

Diego Maradona: The genius who saw heaven and hell

Diego Maradona: The genius who saw heaven and hell

Rediff.com25 Nov 2020

World soccer great Diego Armando Maradona, who died on Wednesday less than a month after his 60th birthday, was worshipped like a god for his genius with the ball, but his demons almost destroyed him.

Revealed! The True Origin Of Maradona's $9 million 'Hand of God' Jersey

Revealed! The True Origin Of Maradona's $9 million 'Hand of God' Jersey

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Before Diego Maradona's famous blue shirt became a $9.28 million auction item, it may have had a humbler beginning in Tepito, Mexico City's market district.

FIFA World Cup: Rivalry and revenge -- the long, bitter relationship between England and Argentina

FIFA World Cup: Rivalry and revenge -- the long, bitter relationship between England and Argentina

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Argentina and England are set to clash in a World Cup semi-final, marking their first such encounter, a match deeply rooted in decades of historical and footballing rivalry, including infamous incidents involving Antonio Rattin, Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' goal, and the Falklands War.

Inside The Czech Home That's A Shrine To Argentine Football

Inside The Czech Home That's A Shrine To Argentine Football

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Miloslav "Curby" Urbanec, a Czech music promoter, has transformed his three-storey house in Bukovka into a vibrant shrine dedicated to the Argentine national football team, featuring sky-blue and white paint, a Lionel Messi mural, and a Diego Maradona statue, all stemming from a childhood passion ignited by the 1978 World Cup.

Hardest day of my life: Diego Maradona

Hardest day of my life: Diego Maradona

Rediff.com4 Jul 2010

A broken Diego Maradona, his demeanour far removed from the exuberance of his previous World Cup news conferences, said Argentina's 4-0 thrashing by Germany on Saturday was the hardest day of his life.

Diego Maradona asks for Hand of God to end pandemic

Diego Maradona asks for Hand of God to end pandemic

Rediff.com29 Apr 2020

Diego Maradona's club from relegation was dubbed another Hand of God moment on Tuesday, but the former striker said the divine intervention he wished for was to beat the coronavirus pandemic.

Pele's iconic 1958 World Cup final shirt sells for $4.9 million at auction

Pele's iconic 1958 World Cup final shirt sells for $4.9 million at auction

Rediff.com7 days ago

The number 10 shirt worn by Brazil's Pele in the 1958 World Cup final, where he scored twice against Sweden, has been sold for $4.9 million at a Sotheby's auction, making it the most valuable piece of memorabilia linked to the football legend.

Why Argentina are the FIFA World Cup's favourite villains

Why Argentina are the FIFA World Cup's favourite villains

Rediff.com6 days ago

Argentina, one of football's most successful teams, is also one of its most polarising, inspiring both devotion and irritation due to its history, iconic players like Maradona and Messi, and a national identity often perceived as arrogant by rivals.

Naples Celebrates Maradona, 65

Naples Celebrates Maradona, 65

Rediff.com30 Oct 2025

On what would have been Diego Maradona's 65th birthday, Naples marked the occasion by taking his bronze statue on a 24-hour tour through the city. Created by sculptor Domenico Sepe and housed in the Vignati Collection Museum, the statue travelled from the Spanish Quarters to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, stopping at landmarks linked to the football legend's life in Naples.

War Veterans Call For Football Focus Ahead Of Argentina-England Semi-Final

War Veterans Call For Football Focus Ahead Of Argentina-England Semi-Final

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

An Argentine war veterans federation has urged football fans to prioritise the World Cup semi-final against England as a sporting event, rather than using it to reignite sovereignty claims over the Falkland/Malvinas Islands. They emphasised diplomacy for territorial disputes and called for respect for fallen soldiers without promoting hatred.

Lionel Messi Breaks World Cup's All-Time Goals Record

Lionel Messi Breaks World Cup's All-Time Goals Record

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Lionel Messi became the all-time leading scorer in men's FIFA World Cup history on Monday, netting his 17th tournament goal during Argentina's match against Austria.

Messi statue becomes focal point of celebrations after Argentina beat England

Messi statue becomes focal point of celebrations after Argentina beat England

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

Argentina has advanced to the World Cup final after defeating long-time rivals England with two late goals, sparking widespread celebrations across the country, particularly in Cutral Co, Patagonia, home to a new 85-foot statue of Lionel Messi.

FIFA World Cup: Why Argentina Wanted This Kit Against England

FIFA World Cup: Why Argentina Wanted This Kit Against England

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Argentina will wear their navy-and-black away kit for the World Cup semi-final against England, a decision that has sparked fan interest due to the kit's association with past victories against England, including the 1986 'Hand of God' match and the 1998 penalty shootout win. The team hopes this alternate strip brings them continued success.

Messi's Dark Blue Shirt: A World Cup Good Luck Charm?

Messi's Dark Blue Shirt: A World Cup Good Luck Charm?

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Argentina's dark blue away jersey holds significant historical and superstitious value for the team, particularly in World Cup encounters against England. The team will wear this kit in their upcoming semi-final, hoping to replicate past successes from 1986 and 1998, where the blue jersey was worn during famous victories over England. Both coaches acknowledge the role of superstition in high-level sports, though Argentina's coach downplays the specific jersey choice. The jersey also features cultural motifs.

Maradona's homicide trial declared invalid

Maradona's homicide trial declared invalid

Rediff.com29 May 2025

Diego Maradona's homicide trial declared invalid, says local media

How Messi's Collective Genius Propelled Argentina To World Cup Final

How Messi's Collective Genius Propelled Argentina To World Cup Final

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

Lionel Messi's profound influence, marked by crucial assists and strategic play, was instrumental in Argentina's victory over England, securing their spot in a second successive World Cup final. Despite not scoring, his collective contribution and energy preservation were key to the team's success, culminating in two late assists for the equaliser and winning goal.

FIFA WC Final: Fans come out in numbers as Messi sets milestone

FIFA WC Final: Fans come out in numbers as Messi sets milestone

Rediff.com5 days ago

Lionel Messi made history by becoming the oldest outfield player to start a FIFA World Cup final at 39 years and 25 days, while Spain's Lamine Yamal became the third-youngest player ever to start the tournament's showpiece match, highlighting a generational clash.

FIFA World Cup 2026: A decade after retirement tears, Messi eyes more glory

FIFA World Cup 2026: A decade after retirement tears, Messi eyes more glory

Rediff.com6 days ago

The arguments over who is the greatest footballer of all time will rage on until the end of days, but you would have to go back to Diego Maradona or Pele to find a player with a similar individual influence on World Cup success.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Haaland, Messi mania hits Peru as parents name babies after stars

FIFA World Cup 2026: Haaland, Messi mania hits Peru as parents name babies after stars

Rediff.com7 days ago

In Peru, there is a wave of new baby Haalands. In Argentina, Lionel has raced up the rankings, and in Mexico a girl was reportedly named after three soccer players. Parents in Latin America are already christening a new generation of babies after the stars of the World Cup.

FIFA World Cup: Argentina's bizarre ritual to stop Kane before semis

FIFA World Cup: Argentina's bizarre ritual to stop Kane before semis

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Ahead of their World Cup semi-final clash against England, Argentina fans are engaging in traditional 'cabalas' or superstitions, including freezing captain Harry Kane's name, to bring their national team good fortune on the pitch.

Messi, Bellingham and history collide in Argentina-England semi-final

Messi, Bellingham and history collide in Argentina-England semi-final

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Lionel Messi's Argentina take on Jude Bellingham's England in a blockbuster FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final, reviving one of football's greatest rivalries with a place in the final on the line.

'End of a dream': Messi fans left heartbroken after World Cup final

'End of a dream': Messi fans left heartbroken after World Cup final

Rediff.com4 days ago

Argentina's hopes of securing back-to-back World Cup titles were dashed after a 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the final, leaving fans in Buenos Aires with a "bitter sensation" despite acknowledging Spain's strong performance.

FIFA World Cup: Can 'liberated' Messi lead Argentina to an encore?

FIFA World Cup: Can 'liberated' Messi lead Argentina to an encore?

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Inspirational Lionel Messi would like to end his glittering career on a high as Argentina begin their World Cup defence on June 17 against Algeria in their Group J encounter.

Spain's 2nd Title in 8 Nations World Cup Club

Spain's 2nd Title in 8 Nations World Cup Club

Rediff.com4 days ago

Since the FIFA World Cup's inaugural tournament in 1930, 23 competitions have occurred up to 2026. Interestingly, only 8 countries have succeeded in claiming the famous trophy and on Sunday, Spain added their second title.

Ten-man England edge out Mexico to enter World Cup last 8

Ten-man England edge out Mexico to enter World Cup last 8

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

England defeated Mexico 3-2 in a hard-fought World Cup match to secure their place in the quarter-finals. Despite playing with ten men after Jarell Quansah's red card, goals from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane ensured England's victory.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Fired-up Mexico aim to extend dream run against England

FIFA World Cup 2026: Fired-up Mexico aim to extend dream run against England

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Mexico will bid to continue their remarkable World Cup run when they face England in the last 16 on Sunday, with Javier Aguirre's side standing one victory away from a first quarter-final appearance in 40 years.

England ready for altitude, hostile crowd in Mexico World Cup clash

England ready for altitude, hostile crowd in Mexico World Cup clash

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

England say they are relishing the challenge of facing hosts Mexico at the high-altitude Azteca Stadium, with Morgan Rogers and Marcus Rashford insisting the hostile atmosphere will motivate the team in their FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash.

FIFA World Cup: England vs Argentina: A semi-final for the ages

FIFA World Cup: England vs Argentina: A semi-final for the ages

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

England's football team has reached the World Cup semi-finals, demonstrating significant resilience by overcoming setbacks. They are set to face old rivals Argentina, a match steeped in history. The team's success is largely attributed to the partnership of Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, who have scored a combined 12 goals. Coach Thomas Tuchel acknowledges the team's fighting spirit but also sees room for improvement as they aim to end a 60-year wait for a World Cup title.