It had to be: nearly 500 large-format pages to tell the life and work (sporting and extra-sporting) of Diego Maradona, famous Argentinian footballer who died on November 25 at the age of 60. In an impressive special issue, the monthly team So Foot therefore intended to deliver the bible of “God of football”.
Very richly illustrated, this number, which is more like a beautiful Christmas book than a magazine or even a review, looks back on all aspects of the life of the famous number 10. It is difficult to be more exhaustive, as the menu is complete.
From his youth in the slums of Buenos Aires to his return to the lawns as a coach (with various fortunes), through the madness of his Neapolitan years, you will know everything about the “Pibe de oro”. But, as does So Foot since its inception nearly twenty years ago, it is above all on the side that we focus, both cultural and political. And this is the most exciting.
Several personalities thus tell about “their” Maradona. The range is more than varied: we can cite, among others, the Serbian director Emir Kusturica; César Luis Menotti, one of the mentors and former coach of the Argentina team, winner of the World Cup in 1978; ex-footballers Eric Cantona and Juan Pablo Sorin, or even the former French Minister of Foreign Affairs Philippe Douste-Blazy. Over the course of the reading, Maradona is therefore dissected to such an extent that he becomes a multidimensional being. All its facets are explored.
“Nietzschean character”
A political figure, fiercely anti-American and procastric, he is revered by part of the world left, especially Hispanic. His political journey, recounted at length, is however much more nebulous and complex than this summary. Twirling dribbler, his style is analyzed by Pierre Rigal, dancer and choreographer: “Maradona had all the qualities of an excellent dancer: velocity, balance, footwork and a great sense of rhythm. ”
Object of urban culture, idol of working-class neighborhoods around the world, he is often cited by French rappers, a bit like the character of Scarface, played by Al Pacino in the film of the same name by Brian De Palma (1983). Or again a subject of philosophical reflection with François Bégaudeau, who sees in Maradona a “Nietzschean character” : “Because nothing has been given to him, because life has taught him that he will help himself alone, because he has no accountability to anyone, the poor man has no values , is not courteous. Or rather shouldn’t be ”, thus advances the author ofBetween the walls (Verticals, 2006).
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