The one-year anniversary of Argentine soccer legend Diego Maradona’s death will be marked by a friendly game between Barcelona and Boca Juniors in Saudi Arabia.
“FC Barcelona and Club Atletico Boca Juniors will play the ‘Maradona Cup’ on Dec. 14, a game to pay tribute to the star Diego Armando Maradona when the first anniversary of his death is remembered,” Barcelona said in a statement.
The match between both of Maradona’s former clubs will take place at the 25,000-seat capacity Mrsool Park stadium in the capital city of Riyadh.
Maradona died from a heart attack last year in November. He was widely regarded as one of the best football players in history and his monumental career includes two spells with the Argentine club Boca Juniors, where he ended his career in 1997, and a two-year spell with Barcelona in the early 80s.
His legacy is mostly highlighted by his time playing for the Italian club Napoli, around the same time that he helped Argentina win their second World Cup in Mexico in 1986.
“The Hand of God” goal that he scored against England during that same World Cup is one of the most notorious goals in football history, where he punched the ball over goalkeeper Peter Shilton. Most people were confused by the incident, but Maradona followed the controversial goal with one of his finest moments. Fans watched Maradona’s ball control as he ran 60 yards across the field and passed four English outfield players before scoring what is now known as “The Goal of The Century.”
Maradona also struggled with drug addiction and failed a drug test in 1991, causing him to receive a 15-month ban from playing football professionally. Issues involving substance abuse, illegitimate children and money feuds were ongoing throughout various stages of his career.
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