Maradona and Napoli, the most beautiful fairytale in football

The memory of a champion who changed the history of Naples and Italian football forever

Maradona's move to Naples created an incredible football fairytale. The city welcomed him with great enthusiasm from the very first moment, worshipping him like a God. And Diego was able to repay what Naples gave him, leading the Neapolitan team to the conquest of two championships (1986/1987 - 1989/1990), one Coppa Italia, one Supercup and one UEFA Cup. But apart from his sporting merits, Maradona has created a bond with Naples and the Neapolitans that is perhaps unparalleled in the history of football.

"The presentation at the San Paolo Stadium" - Photo Credit: SSC Napoli

On 30th June 1984, the transfer of Maradona from Barcelona to Naples was made official. A real revolutionary movement was about to hit Italian football: the greatest footballer in the world arrived in the most passionate city in the world. The consequences were natural.

The city of Naples was entirely involved in this affair. On 5th July there was the presentation of Maradona in front of his new public. At the Stadio San Paolo that day there were 70,000 people, all flocking to welcome their new champion. And everyone knew that something important was about to happen in the Serie A championship: Napoli could finally play their chances against the most famous teams from the North.

Maradona was not just an idol for the Neapolitans, he was one of them. He wasn’t just a footballer he had an amazing and special bond with the fans and the city. But it was on 10th May 1987 that the Campania’s capital football club finally exploded, when Napoli drew 1-1 with Fiorentina at the San Paolo and became champions of Italy for the first time in its history. What happened in the streets of the city was something never seen before. And Maradona will always be the symbol of this victory, he is the man who made a dream come true.

In the world of football, it is impossible not to associate the number 10 with Diego Armando Maradona. The Argentinean was the one who best embodied the role of the number 10, both from a playing and a human point of view. He was a leader, capable of carrying an entire nation on his shoulders and leading them to victory. And he did it with the class and elegance that perhaps made him the only true owner of the number 10 shirt. That's why today it is considered such a heavy jersey: whoever wears it knows he has a very important legacy printed on his back. In fact, Napoli retired the number 10 shirt in his honour after his farewell. A certificate that explains the respect and love of a city for its champion.

The death of Maradona shocked the whole world. Even the youngest football fans were shocked by his death. This testified the fact that his greatness had no epoch. Even those who did not had the opportunity to appreciate his achievements first-hand know how important Maradona was. A football legend passed down from generation to generation, whose name alone evokes the memory of his incredible plays. A champion has left us and will be remembered as such forever.