Diego Maradona‘s left foot is gilded in Napoli’s statue honouring the club legend.
One day before the legendary Argentine attacker, who passed away in November 2020, would have been 62, the Italian club paid an emotional homage on Saturday.
Victor Osimhen’s hat-trick helped Luciano Spalletti’s team defeat Sassuolo 4-0 at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium to celebrate the occasion and extend their lead at the top of the standings.
It’s appropriate that Napoli is putting on another masterclass on what would have been Diego Maradona’s 62nd birthday, tweeted football writer Sacha Pisani. It’s not shocking at this point. Diego would be happy after the pre-game tribute, though.
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Maradona’s picture filled the stadium screen as a massive banner bearing his likeness was erected on the playing surface.
In Naples, where he led the team to its most successful period in club history, winning their first-ever Serie A title in 1986–87 in addition to the Coppa Italia, Supercoppa Italia, and UEFA Cup titles, Maradona is given almost godlike status.
The small former great had an illustrious career that included playing for Boca Juniors and Barcelona in addition to winning the World Cup with Argentina in 1986.
Napoli immediately renamed their stadium in his honour after he passed away, retired his No. 10 shirt, and installed a statue, which the newer statue, which was initially shown in November 2021 and will be on display once more on Saturday, will join.
But in 2021, Maradona’s family announced legal action against Stefano Ceci, claiming that he had improperly given the team permission to use Diego’s likeness on their uniform.
Diego Junior, the son of Maradona, said at the time: “I lament Napoli’s lack of consideration, but the shirt in honour of my father is a source of pride.” The legitimate heirs were not involved in this and did not approve of the operation.
