Just in a week after Brazil celebrated Pele’s 70th birthday the spotlight turns to neighboring Argentina where many will congratulate a man who has enjoyed a verbal joust or two with the great Brazilian: the one and only Diego Armando Maradona who turns 50. As some feared this anniversary he might never reach we'd like to show the moments of his madness and true majesty.
Pibe de Oro: 16-year-old Diego needs a thorough warm-up in September 1977
Young gun: Maradona celebrates winning the Youth World Cup after a 3-1 win over the USSR in 1979
Local hero: This 1981 picture shoes him being carried by fans after winning the championship with Boca Juniors
Surrounded: Belgium players gang up on 'El Diez' at the 1982 World Cup
Handy player: The infamous 'Hand of God' moment beats Peter Shilton to help Argentina past England at the 1986 World Cup
On top of the world: Diego is the darling of the Azteca Stadium after the Mexico 86 final against West Germany
Beach brothers: Maradona plays football with his brothers on a beach
Dopey Diego: The star is flanked by security and his then wife Claudia in Milan back in 1998 as he demands money from Napoli for his suspension on doping charges
Big character: Maradona waves to the press in Cartagena, Colombia, February 2005 denying rumours he was in town for surgery to reduce his belly
Sign of the times: A graffiti-style mural of the Argentine legend in Buenos Aires
Up in smoke: Diego smokes a cigar before the start of the Argentine First Division soccer match between Boca Juniors and San Lorenzo at La Bombonera
Cracking up: A wild-eyed Maradona celebrates scoring for Argentina in their 4-0 victory over Greece at USA 94 - shortly before failing a drug test
Juggling role: The football skills are still evident as he attends a photocall for the film 'Maradona' by Emir Kusturica during the 61st Cannes Film Festival
Big boss: He delights in Argentina's goal against Nigeria at the World Cup this year
Rain God: Maradona shows his emotion as his Argentina side score a crucial goal against Peru to set a course for South Africa 2010
Mini me: Maradona embraces Barcelona's Argentine genius Lionel Messi in 2005
Idols together: Maradona with Cuba's revolutionary president Fidel Castro in Havana
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