Diego Maradona, the legendary Argentine footballer, is one of the most recognizable names in the history of the sport. Known for his incredible skills, agility, and controversial moments, Maradona’s career was marked by several World Cup appearances. In this article, we will delve into how many World Cups Maradona played and explore some frequently asked questions about his participation in the prestigious tournament.

Diego Maradona participated in four FIFA World Cup tournaments throughout his illustrious career. These tournaments were held in 1982, 1986, 1990, and 1994.

Maradona’s journey in the World Cup began in 1982, when he made his debut in the tournament held in Spain. Despite being just 21 years old at the time, Maradona showcased his immense talent and was a key player for the Argentine national team. However, the team’s campaign ended in disappointment as they were eliminated in the second group stage.

Four years later, Maradona returned to the World Cup stage in Mexico in 1986. This tournament would become his most memorable and iconic one. Maradona’s exceptional performances led Argentina to victory as they clinched the World Cup title. He scored five goals throughout the tournament, including his famous ‘Hand of God’ goal against England in the quarter-finals, followed by the ‘Goal of the Century’ against the same opponent. Maradona’s remarkable displays during the 1986 World Cup solidified his status as one of the all-time greats in football history.

In 1990, Maradona once again represented Argentina in the World Cup, held in Italy. Despite carrying an injury, he played a crucial role in guiding Argentina to the final. However, they were unsuccessful in lifting the trophy as they were defeated by West Germany. Maradona’s performances were still highly regarded, and he was awarded the Golden Ball for being the tournament’s best player.

Maradona’s final World Cup appearance came in 1994, hosted by the United States. However, this tournament marked a turbulent period for him. After scoring a goal against Greece in the group stage, Maradona failed a drug test and was subsequently banned from the competition. This incident marked the end of his World Cup journey.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. How many goals did Maradona score in World Cups?
Maradona scored a total of eight goals in World Cups, with five goals in 1986, two goals in 1990, and one goal in 1994.

2. Did Maradona win any World Cup titles?
Yes, Maradona won the World Cup in 1986, where he played an instrumental role in Argentina’s victory.

3. How many World Cup finals did Maradona reach?
Maradona reached two World Cup finals, in 1986 and 1990, winning the former and losing to West Germany in the latter.

4. Was Maradona the captain of the Argentine team in all his World Cup appearances?
Yes, Maradona captained the Argentine national team in all four of his World Cup appearances.

5. Did Maradona score any goals in the 1990 World Cup final?
No, Maradona did not score in the 1990 World Cup final against West Germany. The match ended with a 1-0 victory for Germany.

6. Which team eliminated Argentina in the 1982 World Cup?
Argentina was eliminated from the 1982 World Cup by Brazil in the second group stage.

7. Why was Maradona banned from the 1994 World Cup?
Maradona was banned from the 1994 World Cup after failing a drug test, which detected ephedrine in his system.

In conclusion, Diego Maradona’s World Cup journey spanned four tournaments, during which he left an indelible mark on the sport. From his incredible performances in 1986 to the controversies that surrounded him in 1994, Maradona’s presence on the World Cup stage will forever be etched in football history.