Nobody likes fake news, well, except those who conceive it, yet as news of Diego Maradona’s death circulated last week, I found myself wishing it was exactly that, fake news. Sadly, the legend is indeed gone and just like Kobe earlier this year, much too soon.
My dad and I are among the legion of fans who still can’t believe Diego Maradona is dead and buried! While dad watched him play at the peak of his career, I, like millions of other fans who were too young or not born then didn’t, unfortunately all we know of his glory days is from old footage and maybe also the charity matches he participated in post-retirement. I think what many of us admired the most about Maradona beyond his sheer genius and talent was his rags to riches story that gives us hope that maybe someday, we too will make it.
But it was his passion for the game, both as a player and later as a coach that endeared him to millions of fans across the world. You see some top earners today who at times look like they’d rather be anywhere but on the pitch. Not Maradona, who always seemed happy to play and would probably have done so for free! He and Pelé are a breed of players becoming increasingly rare, because the beautiful game has become more about money and fame than anything else. I’m so glad Pelé and Maradona got along and had nothing but love and respect for each other, and it’s evident at least from the pictures I’ve seen of them. Always smiling or embracing and it seemed genuine, as did the hugs, kisses and warmth Maradona extended to many of those who were lucky enough to meet him.
You have no idea how many times I wished I could surprise my dad with a meet and greet with either Pelé or Maradona or both, if I won the lottery or something! Obviously, that can’t happen now but he’d have been over the moon had it come to pass. Too bad he couldn’t conquer his demons because 60 is just too young for anyone, let alone a revered icon to die.
On a lighter note, I knew some fans would mix Maradona and Madonna up and sure enough, they did, with the Queen of Pop trending hours after news of the footballer’s passing was confirmed. Can’t blame them though. In fact, I was them several years ago! Madonna and Maradona have an uncanny ring to them. Who else had ‘Madonna Tops’ and ‘Maradona Shoes’ growing up? Mine were bought by my mum by the way and I don’t know why I felt the need to say that. I just did! I wonder where all my childhood stuff went though. School books, test papers, toys, clothes... Can’t seem to find them.
My mum must have given them away or tossed them out during her many decluttering missions over the years! Do you guys still have your old school uniforms and stuff?