Diego Maradona

To be honest, before this movie I thought I knew everything I needed to know about Maradona. However, after it finished, I was shocked and embarrassed at how much I didn't know. I actually had 0 idea about his life and struggles. This movie is not to make you feel sorry for him, because, we all can make good and bad choices when we are placed in front of a decision, but in the end, you can't help feeling sorry for him. This is a must watch for all football fans.

A fascinating documentary dealing with the various facets of Diego Maradona who is undoubtedly an emblematic figure of the soccer world, like Pelé, Lionel Messi, Johan Cruijff, Franz Beckenbauer or (I'm French!) Michel Platini. We may see again, with an indescribable pleasure, the phenomenal ascent of this genius then the glory, in the 80s, with the Argentine victory at the World Cup organized by the Mexicans in 1986 and the very first victory of the Neapolitans in the Italian Serie A in 1987. Then, we sadly witness his descent into hell and the Italian ingratitude as sudden as pathetic. A sober and synthetic work about the extra-ordinary life of Diego Maradona.

I first heard of Diego Maradona after Argentina won the 1978 World Cup.

There was a lot of talk of some 17 year old youth in Argentina who was destined to become the best player in the world.

Asif Kapadia's documentary charts the rise and fall of Maradona from the slums of Argentina to his uncertain couple of years in Barcelona. Injuries meant he failed to set the footballing world alight.

However his move to Napoli to the south of Italy, to a team that did not rank among the Italian giants of football. Maradona became a talisman. His passion and skills took them to two league titles and a UEFA cup win. It is here the documentary portrays a man who could lift not only his team but an entire national side.

For the Argentinian national side. Maradona was both hero and villain as they won the 1986 World Cup. His 'Hand of God' goal against England marked him out as a cheat. Although you have to wonder what was the referee and the two linesmen were looking at. His second goal was pure artistry, even England midfielder Peter Reid could do nothing but gently jog behind him and watch!

After that Maradona was part of the sporting elite. He mixed with the wealthy as well as the infamous crime gangs of Napoli. Those criminals provided him with cocaine and protection.

It might had been an open secret in Napoli of Maradona's partying lifestyle but he passed every drug test.

After the 1990 World Cup held in Italy, when Argentina knocked Italy out. The Italians were less forgiving. Even the locals in Napoli turned on him. He failed a drugs test and Maradona knew his life was over in Italian football.

Kapadia's documentary has plenty of archive footage with interviews from Maradona, his ex wife, his personal trainer. His ex wife seems to have little of substance to say about his extramarital affairs and his illegitimate son.

There was a greater focus on his Napoli years. The turbulent time in Barcelona was skimped over. Also nothing of Maradona in the 1994 World Cup where he failed another drug test.

The documentary ends with a bloated Maradona in 2005 giving a television interview, brought down by years of drugs and alcohol abuse. Kapadia wanted to show a man always fighting the system with whatever means. Fair or foul.

If you like football, watch this documentary. Diego Armando Maradona is one of (and for me) the best footballer of all time. In this documentary you'll see his moments in the spotlight and the dramatic things that happened behind the scene. A beautiful and powerful documentary.

As a footballer, he was in a different category altogether. So full of skill and passion... capable of miracles like taking a mediocre team to the pinnacle.

As a person, impossible not to relate too and ultimately to love. The story of Elvis Presley, Morrison, Janis and many others who shone very brigtly at a huge cost.

The film is excellent and helped me understand this very complex character. Highly recommended.