Diego Maradona, one of the greatest football icons in history, is always remembered for his outstanding talent and dedication on the field. His glorious career is associated with historic moments, especially at the World Cup, where he left a deep impression. As a leader, Maradona helped the Argentine team overcome countless challenges to win the world championship. His contributions and memorable performances at the World Cup have become an endless source of inspiration for millions of fans, cementing his legendary position in the global football world. So how many World Cup trophies has Maradona won? Let's explore the details with Wintips through the article below.
Biography of famous football player Diego Maradona
Diego Maradona, born on October 30, 1960 in Villa Fiorito, Buenos Aires, Argentina, was known for his natural football talent from a young age. At the age of 10, he joined the youth team Los Cebollitas, impressing with his dribbling skills and creativity. At the age of 15, Maradona began his professional career at Argentinos Juniors, starting his journey to becoming a football legend.
In 1982, Maradona joined Barcelona, but his career there was affected by injuries and internal conflicts. It was not until he moved to Napoli in 1984 that he truly shone. Maradona led the Italian team to two Serie A titles and many other titles, becoming an immortal symbol in Napoli.
On the international stage, Maradona reached his peak at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. He scored two historic goals in the quarter-final against England: the "Hand of God" and the "Goal of the Century". With his brilliant form, Maradona helped Argentina win the World Cup and was named the tournament's best player.
Although his later career was overshadowed by injuries and scandals, Maradona remained an inspiration to millions of fans. After his death in 2020, he left behind an immortal legacy, honored as one of the greatest players in football history.
How many world cups did Maradona win
Argentina have won three FIFA World Cups in their illustrious footballing history, behind only Brazil's five best teams, and Germany and Italy's four each.
La Albiceleste won their first World Cup in 1978 as hosts. They won their second two World Cups later when Diego Maradona led Argentina to glory in the 1986 World Cup hosted by Mexico. This tournament featured the famous 'Hand of God' goal that saw Argentina overcome England in the quarter-finals.
In the 2022 final, Argentina beat France on penalties after a 3-3 draw in Qatar, which is considered one of the best matches the famous tournament has ever seen.
1978 FIFA World Cup
As hosts, Argentina lifted the nation's first FIFA World Cup, led by tournament top scorer Mario Kempes, then playing for Valencia in Spain.
As runners-up in the first group stage behind Italy, they overtook Brazil on goal difference in the second group stage, largely thanks to a 6-0 thrashing of Peru in the final. Kempes scored two of his six World Cup goals in that crucial match, but was not done yet.
In the final against the Netherlands, Kempes opened the scoring in the 38th minute, and while the Netherlands responded in the 82nd minute to send the game into extra time, Kempes scored the winning goal in the 105th minute to lift the trophy, eventually winning 3-1. The match was marred by controversy as the Netherlands took issue with some of Argentina's delaying tactics before the game, but the hosts dominated.
1986 World Cup
The tournament, originally scheduled to be held in Colombia, was eventually held in Mexico due to financial problems in the South American country. Mexico would be attracted by Diego Maradona, who shone in the tournament and led Argentina to World Cup glory.
A 1-1 draw with Italy was the only blemish of the group stage as Argentina topped Group A and advanced to the knockout stages. The Albiceleste defeated Uruguay and England in their first two knockout matches, both by one goal. The match against England became famous for the 'Hand of God' goal in which Maradona jumped to head the ball into the goal, but instead the ball hit his hand and went into the net, unseen by the referee as the goal was still awarded.
Maradona's brace helped Argentina overcome Belgium 2-0 in the semi-finals, and while the superstar failed to score in the final against Germany due to Lothar Matthaus's defending, it opened up space for his teammates, and Maradona's stunning assist led to Jorge Burruchaga's 86th-minute winner, giving Argentina a 3-2 win to claim their second FIFA World Cup title.
2022 FIFA World Cup
Lionel Messi played a key role in Argentina's run to the final after a surprise 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia at the start of the tournament. He scored one goal and assisted another in a win over Mexico before a 2-0 win over Poland - in which he missed a penalty - took them into the last 16. Messi guided Argentina past Australia and then the Netherlands (on penalties) before a stunning 3-0 win over Croatia in the semi-finals.
Messi's penalty opened the scoring against France in the final and Angel Di Maria made it 2-0 before Kylian Mbappe scored twice in a minute to send the game into extra time. Mbappe again cancelled out Messi's goal in extra time, but Argentina would not be denied on penalties, winning 4-2.
Diego Maradona's other achievements
In addition to the 1986 World Cup, Diego Maradona had many other notable achievements in his career. At club level, he led Napoli to two Serie A titles (1986–87, 1989–90), the 1988–89 UEFA Cup, and several other domestic titles, making the team an icon in Italy. Before that, at Barcelona, he won the Spanish King's Cup in 1983. On an individual level, Maradona received many prestigious awards, including the 1986 World Cup Golden Ball and was twice voted South American Footballer of the Year (1979, 1980). After his playing career, he continued to be involved in football as a coach and was named "The Greatest Player of the 20th Century" by FIFA, along with Pelé.
Conclusion
Diego Maradona, a world football icon, won one World Cup in his illustrious career. This feat was achieved at the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, where he led the Argentine national team to glory. With memorable performances, Maradona left a deep mark, including the "Hand of God" and the "Goal of the Century" in the quarter-final match against England. The victory in this tournament not only cemented his legendary status but also became a great milestone in the history of Argentine football. Maradona's journey at the 1986 World Cup remains an endless source of inspiration for football fans around the world.
