Diego Maradona, often hailed as the world’s greatest player, passed away five years ago today. On this solemn occasion, we reflect on his poignant conversation with the Mirror. In this interview, Maradona discussed his early endorsement of VAR, his struggles with cocaine addiction, and his profound passion for football and family. Argentina’s banking authorities have recently unveiled a special coin in anticipation of the 2026 World Cup, commemorating Maradona’s iconic ‘goal of the century.’ It is a nostalgic moment to revisit his decision to engage with the Mirror in 2005, where he expressed his admiration for English striker Wayne Rooney.
I vividly recall a moment after our discussion when Maradona was preparing for a coaching session with young players. When I asked him how he would react if one of them scored a goal by punching the ball into the net, he humorously replied, “I would say good, very good,” with a mischievous twinkle in his eye. Despite his infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal that would have been disallowed with video technology, Maradona was an advocate for its introduction, showcasing his forward-thinking mindset.
During our conversation, it was evident that Maradona had transformed himself – shedding weight, improving his fitness, and exuding a newfound sense of tranquility. He openly shared his regrets about not spending enough time with his daughter due to his past struggles with cocaine addiction, acknowledging that he had reclaimed his zest for life.
When asked to choose the best player ever between Pele, Johan Cruyff, and himself, Maradona humorously quipped, “My mum said it’s me – and everyone listens to my mum!” Five years after his demise at the age of 60, Argentina has honored Maradona with a special silver coin featuring his legendary dribble against England in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final, a moment etched in football history.
The Central Bank of the Argentine Republic unveiled this commemorative coin dedicated to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, highlighting Maradona’s remarkable play that mesmerized fans worldwide. As the 40th anniversary of this historic event approaches, the coin symbolizes the enduring love for football. The design elegantly captures Maradona’s dribble past English defenders before slotting the ball past goalkeeper Peter Shilton, ultimately leading Argentina to victory in the quarter-final.
Following this iconic match, Argentina triumphed over Belgium in the semi-final and Germany in the final to secure their second World Cup title. The coin, measuring four centimeters in width and weighing 27 grams with a reeded edge, will also be available in gold with a similar design for global sale. Valued at 10 Argentine pesos, approximately 50p, these coins serve as a lasting tribute to Maradona’s indelible legacy in the world of football.