Diego turns 49 dreaming of the World Cup

Nearly half a century ago one of the best players in football history was born in the Villa Fiorito slum of Greater Buenos Aires. With a life full of ups and downs, the “10″ turns 49 as coach of his greatest love, Argentina national squad.

Maradona made his debut for the Argentina national team as a 16-year-old in 1977, and he would go on to lead his country to their second ever World Cup in Mexico in 1986, scoring two crucial braces against England and Belgium respectively in the knock-out phases.

He is the current coach of the national team, and is now preparing for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, having recently guided them to the finals with a victory over Uruguay in the final round of qualifiers.

The legendary Argentinean, is undoubtedly one of the very best players the world has ever seen.

His relationship with the Italian peninsula was cemented in history during his unforgettable seven year stint at Napoli.

The little magician led the club to their only two Scudetti in their history – in 1986/87 and 1989/90 respectively.

He also managed to lift a UEFA Cup, a Coppa Italia and the Italian Super Cup with the Napoletans in a period that will live forever in the collective memory of the people of the southern city. He scored 129 times in just 188 appearances for the club.