The Hand of God. Four words that changed football forever. On June 22, 1986, Diego Maradona punched the ball into the net against England in the World Cup quarter-final and CELEBRATED like he'd scored the greatest goal ever. The referee gave it. Maradona called it 'the Hand of God.' England called it CHEATING. And that was just the START of Maradona's villain career!
Country: Argentina Position: Attacking midfielder / Forward Career: 1976-1997 Clubs: Argentinos Juniors, Boca Juniors, Barcelona, Napoli, Sevilla, Newell's Old Boys
The Rap Sheet
- Scored the infamous 'Hand of God' goal — punching the ball past Peter Shilton in the 1986 World Cup
- Failed a drug test for cocaine at the 1994 World Cup — was sent home in disgrace
- Was banned for 15 months in 1991 for cocaine use while playing for Napoli
- Shot at journalists with an air rifle outside his Buenos Aires home in 1994
- Despite all the scandals, is STILL worshipped as a god in Argentina and Naples
The Verdict
Maradona also scored the Goal of the Century in the SAME game as the Hand of God. He took Napoli to their first-ever Serie A title. He was probably the most talented footballer who ever lived. But cheating, drugs, and scandal followed him everywhere. The ultimate flawed genius — and the #3 football villain of all time!
Watch the Chaos
Tomorrow: #2 — Stay tuned for the next villain!
