Diego Maradona is arguably one of the greatest footballers of all time, averaging a goal every two games at club level (a feat dedicated strikers fail to achieve). However, it was his impact in the 1986 FIFA World Cup that made him a legend.

The 1986 World Cup saw Argentina hungry to regain the World Cup after they lost to Italy in 1982. Captained by Maradona, Argentina swept aside all of their opposition and didn’t lose a single match throughout the entire competition. Maradona’s leadership and goal scoring ability was profound. It was the quarter-final match against an equally aggressive England that made the entire world sit up and notice the stocky playmaker.

In the 51st minute, after an English defender lifted the ball into the English goal box, Maradona leapt up and tapped the ball in with his hand. The officials allowed the goal despite the entire English defense protesting the handball. This incident was later called the ‘Hand of God’ by Maradona himself.

Three minutes later, Maradona scored again in what has been called the greatest goal ever scored in a World Cup. He ran through the entire English team from the half way line, side stepped the goalkeeper, and slotted the ball into the goal. That goal sealed England’s fate and Argentina progressed through the competition, eventually winning against West Germany and taking the prodigious cup.

Diego Maradona had godlike skill with a ball; he had fastidious aim and his shots were always taken with precision dexterity and confidence. Though not the cleanest player in the history of football he will always remain one of the most exciting men to watch on the field of play.