The moment Diego Maradona died, was another nail in the coffin of one of the toughest years many remembered.
After the death of Kobe Bryant, the Coronavirus pandemic, and the severe hit the game succumbed, of months of playing behind closed doors, of financial losses, of clubs and players in danger.
But with Diego, it means more.
Diego Armando Maradona was some kind the last survivor of a type of football world that is no longer relevant. That animalistic, intuitive, lively, ruthless game that all of us, football fans, people fell in love with when we were young.
It wasn’t a surprise as his health condition wasn’t at best for a long time, but still, when the person who was in charge for few of football greatest moments is bidding farewell, the world reacts and moves.
His career was full of impossible and divine picks that on the same time were actually true human contradictions.
The beginning in Argentinos Juniors; The hand of God against England in 1986 World Cup in Mexico; the goal that came afterwards; the brawl with Athletic Bilbao in his last game in Barce; the years in Napoli and his impact on Southern Italy; the relationship with the mafia; the Italy ‘90 World Cup; the drugs; the scandals; the friendship with Fidel Castro; the goal in 1994 World Cup; the return to Boca Juniors; the rehab; the coaching career; the latest years; the end.
In Argentina, he’s called Dios - god. Then Diego, el pibe (the kid). Then - Maradona.
Oil and water.
Fire and ice.
Day and night.
Poor and rich.
Left and right.
Right and wrong.
Low and high.
A hero and an enemy.
Victorious and a loser.
Light and shadow.
Highs and low.
Diego and Maradona.
Diego Armando Maradona was everything, always with a football by his legs.
Everyone who loved football, who played the game, even once, had a bit of Maradona inside of him.
— Uri Levy (@Levyninho) November 25, 2020
Maradona is dead.
Part of football is dead.
Love him or hate him, it's a sad day.
La Bombonera, now.
— BabaGol (@BabaGol_) November 26, 2020
One sole light from the biz of Diego, during the whole night.
😢 pic.twitter.com/VBYP8SOFPE
Thousands of Argentina fans transformed Times Square before the 2026 World Cup final, all united to thank Lionel Messi.
Egypt pushed Argentina to the limit in a 3-2 World Cup thriller, but left the pitch furious at the referee and convinced justice was denied.
After nine years at Liverpool, Salah left for Trabzonspor — the money, the family, and the love of being the underdog all played their part.
Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in the 2026 World Cup Final, ending Lionel Messi's dream World Cup with heartbreak.
Thousands of Argentina fans transformed Times Square before the 2026 World Cup final, all united to thank Lionel Messi.
Spain were ruthless in Dallas as Oyarzabal and Dani Olmo starred, leaving France's Bastille Day to end in deep disappointment for Deschamps.
Norway outplayed England for most of a sweltering Miami classic, but two Bellingham strikes in extra time sent the Three Lions to the semis.
Egypt pushed Argentina to the limit in a 3-2 World Cup thriller, but left the pitch furious at the referee and convinced justice was denied.
Ayoub Bouaddi chose Morocco over France at 18 and lit up a quarter-final about colonial history, dual identity, and what it means to belong.
Merino's late goal gave Spain a 1-0 win over Portugal as Ronaldo left the World Cup stage in tears in what many believe was his final match.
Egypt beat Australia on penalties in Dallas to reach the last 16 for the first time, with Salah's Panenka the highlight of a historic night.
Diop headed Morocco level in the 91st minute and Saibari slotted the winner in the shootout as Morocco reached the World Cup quarter-finals.
Messi and the Jordanian Messi both scored as Argentina beat Jordan 3-1 in Arlington, with records broken and keffiyehs flying in the stands.
France beat Iraq 3-0 in Philadelphia, but the two-hour lightning delay stole the show, making it officially the longest World Cup game ever.
Saibari scored inside two minutes as Morocco beat Scotland 1-0 in Boston, leaving the Scots on the very brink of 2026 World Cup elimination.
Senegal relived their legendary 2002 magic for an hour, but Kylian Mbappe struck twice to sink them and seal France's 3-1 win in New Jersey.
Qatar stole a last-gasp draw from Switzerland and Morocco held Brazil 1-1 — two results that announced Arab football’s full arrival at 2026.
Azteca stadium hosts its third World Cup as Mexico City buzzes with pride, protest, and the deep belief that football has always lived here.
Crystal Palace beat Rayo Vallecano in Leipzig to win the Conference League in the most romantic underdog final in European football history.
Maccabi Tel Aviv edge Hapoel Be'er Sheva 2–1 in a dramatic Israeli Cup Final at Teddy Stadium, denying the champions a historic Double.
With tensions easing, Iran’s 2026 World Cup participation remains uncertain, as FIFA, politics, and regional dynamics collide.
CAF shocks African football by stripping Senegal’s title and awarding Morocco the AFCON crown after a chaotic final decision.
From silent protests to daring escapes, Iran’s women footballers turned a tournament into a global story of courage, politics, and survival.
Iran’s women’s team protested, faced threats, and signaled SOS in Australia—now their fate is uncertain amid calls for asylum.
From geopolitics to spectacle, Trump looms over World Cup 2026—reshaping football, power, and culture in the biggest tournament ever.
FIFA joins Gaza rebuilding plans, restoring stadiums, pitches, and youth programs, supporting football and hope in the Strip.
From Nigeria’s Mavlon academy to Viktoria Plzeň and the Europa League dream: Salim Fago’s journey is just beginning in Europe.
From Benzema’s shock move to Ronaldo’s protest, a chain reaction in Saudi football is shaking the entire project and the global game.
A Hitchcock-style AFCON final in Rabat saw chaos, controversy and brilliance as Senegal stunned Morocco to claim their second African title.
From libraries to stadiums, Morocco lives football. As AFCON 2025 nears its climax, passion, politics, and ambition collide nationwide.
From rain-soaked Rabat to a deafening semifinal night, Morocco edge Nigeria on penalties and stand 90 minutes from an AFCON title.
Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in the 2026 World Cup Final, ending Lionel Messi's dream World Cup with heartbreak.