From his infamous “Hand of God” goal to his brawls on the field (using his feet, of course), Diego Maradona was pure, uncontainable drama.
Here’s the rise, fall and untamed brilliance of soccer’s most memorable personality.
“Diego Maradona” is the doc on Maradona and is currently the best documentary on soccer overall (that I know of).
Trailer for “Diego Maradona”
Watch “Diego Maradona”
You can watch “Diego Maradona” on HBO Max at https://play.max.com/show/53d8f5e8-f4b2-46b2-8370-a439951e6c3d
Ratings:
- My Rating: 93/100
- IMDB Rating: 7.7/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Ratings: 94/100 (Users); 90/100 (Critics)
Release Date:June 14, 2019
My Review of “Diego Maradona”
It’s impossible to tell the story of Diego Maradona without blending joy, chaos, and tragedy into one compelling ride.
The documentary “Diego Maradona” is directed by Asif Kapadia.
I love Kapadia’s doc style, as you’d be able to tell if you check out my high ratings of “Amy” (which I rank 94/100) and “Senna” (99/100!)).
Through never-before-seen footage and a trove of interviews, Kapadia nails this doc too.
You Can’t Make This Sh*t Up
Diego Maradona got into fights on the soccer field using only his feet. That’s right—no punches, no headbutts—just his infamous left foot.
Here’s one famous fight that’s a bit violent so you have to click the “Watch on YouTube” to see it:
It sums up Diego’s charisma and unpredictability. He was always in the thick of the drama, and Kapadia doesn’t shy away from it.
A Poor Boy With a Big Dream
Born in 1960 in Villa Fiorito, a slum on the outskirts of Buenos Aires, Diego was the youngest of five children and the first boy.
Poverty shaped his early life, but his extraordinary talent offered a way out.
By age 10, he was a street-soccer prodigy scouted by Argentinos Juniors.
For those who want a taste of how skilled Maradona was, check this out:
Kapadia layers this narrative with emotional commentary from journalist Daniel Arcucci:
“It was as if Argentina was celebrating its savior: a little black kid from a poor neighborhood. Who fights. Who stirs things up. Who wins.”
This quote sets the tone for Maradona’s career as a national hero—a double-edged sword that fueled his rise but also weighed heavily on him.
Naples’ Adopted Son
The doc spends much of its time on Diego’s years in Napoli (1984-1991), a period of glory, scandal, and personal disintegration.
Napoli was the underdog of Italian soccer, often ridiculed by the wealthier northern teams.
When Maradona led them to their first Serie A title in 1987, it was a historic moment.
The city erupted into two months of non-stop partying.
TWO MONTHS.
The relationship between Diego and Napoli wasn’t just about soccer—it was a social phenomenon.
To the Neapolitans, he was a saint, their divine savior in a world that constantly looked down on them.
The film captures this euphoria with rare footage of parades, songs, and murals that immortalized his face.
The Price of Fame
Kapadia doesn’t sugarcoat the darker aspects of Maradona’s life. Fame came with relentless media scrutiny, escalating drug use, and toxic relationships.
His association with the Camorra, a powerful mafia group in Naples, is explored, hinting at the entanglements that made his life increasingly unmanageable.
One striking detail: Maradona’s addiction to cocaine began during his Barcelona years and spiraled during his time in Naples.
This led to his eventual fall from grace, including a doping scandal at the 1994 World Cup and his ban from soccer.
Brotherhood and the 1986 World Cup
No Maradona story is complete without his exploits in the 1986 World Cup, where he cemented his legacy.
From the infamous “Hand of God” goal to his mesmerizing solo run against England, Kapadia masterfully revisits these moments.
The doc highlights not just his skills but also his ability to galvanize a team.
Diego’s camaraderie with his teammates shines in the details: the Argentinian squad kissing each other on the cheek before every game as a sign of unity and trust.
It’s these small rituals that make the doc feel intimate and human.
Lesser-Known Insights
- Maradona’s Playful Fights: Diego wasn’t just a fighter metaphorically—he literally fought back against dirty play, often using his quick feet to trip or retaliate against opponents.
- The Naples Burial: When Napoli won the title, fans hung banners at cemeteries saying, “You don’t know what you missed.” That mix of humor and devotion encapsulates the city’s unique relationship with Diego.
Kapadia’s Signature Style
Asif Kapadia’s storytelling style makes the doc feel more like a thriller than a biographical film. Known for his ability to weave archival footage with a gripping narrative, Kapadia keeps you hooked.
At 130 minutes, it’s packed with drama, emotion, and revelations that even die-hard fans might not know.
Wrap Up
I believe “Diego Maradona” is the best documentary on Maradona and just might be the best doc on soccer.
It’s not just a sports doc—it’s a study of fame, identity, and the human cost of extraordinary talent.
Thanks for reading!
Rob Kelly, Chief Maniac, Daily Doc