Diego Maradona in 2019: A Year of Reflection and Tribute

In 2019 the football world turned its attention back to one of its most enigmatic figures, Diego Maradona. While the Argentine legend had already stepped away from the pitch, the year brought renewed focus on his life and legacy through a major documentary, heartfelt tributes from peers, and continued discussion of his impact on the sport.

The Asif Kapadia Documentary

Oscar‑winning director Asif Kapadia, known for his immersive portraits of athletes such as Senna and Amy, released a feature‑length documentary titled simply Diego Maradona in 2019. The film was built around more than 500 hours of previously unseen archival material, including match footage, training sessions, and personal recordings that spanned Maradona’s career from his early days in Buenos Aires to his time with Napoli and the Argentine national team.

Kapadia’s approach lets the images and audio speak for themselves, minimizing narration and allowing viewers to form their own impressions of Maradona’s brilliance on the field and the complexities of his life off it. The documentary premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2019 and subsequently received a limited theatrical release before becoming available on various streaming platforms.

Key Themes Explored in the Film