Diego Maradona: The Argentine Dream

As you may already know, soccer is huge in Argentina. It is not just a sport; it's an important part of the culture. Friendships often go on hold for matches between some of Argentina's premier teams. During important national matches and World Cup matches, forget about seeing anyone in the streets. They are all watching the game. Children grow up playing after school in the street, on a dirt field, or in a driveway. They play with soccer balls (often deflated), plastic soda pop bottles, or anything else they can get their feet on. Many dream that what happened to Diego Maradona [diay-goh mahr-ah-dohn-ah] can happen to them.

Maradona grew up in a poor neighborhood in Buenos Aires. In spite of his unfavorable circumstances, he became an amazing soccer player. He was without many arguments the best of his time and, according to many, the best of all time. Below you can read about his incredible (and controversial) game against England in the 1986 FIFA World Cup. Maradona's journey from rags to riches is what many Argentine youngsters hope to do. While many may fall short, they can dream thanks to Diego Maradona. Argentina loves him and, in spite of recent troubles with drug addiction, feels almost as if he can do no wrong. Songs have been written about him, his famous number 10 is seen all over, and even a church has been founded in his name.

His skills with a soccer ball were amazing. Check out these videos to see this. He represents a culture that loves soccer and where children grow up playing this sport. Watch the last video closely; he is the one passing the ball. He kicks the ball with his left foot even though the ball is on his right side. How? He brought his left foot around (behind his right leg) and kicked the ball with his left. This is called a rabona [rah-bone-ah]. Amazing!