Maradona: The Hand of God
by Jimmy Burns
The story of Argentine soccer legend Diego Maradona, from his humble beginnings in Buenos Aires to his rise to global stardom on the soccer field, and delves into the complex and often controversial aspects of his life, including his drug addiction, his political views, and his impact on the sport of soccer, the book is widely considered a classic work of sports journalism and biography.
"I have a gut feeling that there's something greater than me, and that's God. I can feel it when I'm playing. I'm convinced that he's helped me out in certain situations on the field. But when I score a goal, it's me who's done it, not God."
- Diego Maradona
My Review:
A biography of the Argentine soccer player Diego Armando Maradona, one of the most talented and controversial players in the history of the sport. Written by Jimmy Burns, a journalist and writer who has covered soccer for many years, the book provides a detailed account of Maradona's life, from his childhood in Buenos Aires to his rise to fame as a professional player and his eventual downfall due to drug addiction and other personal problems.
Some of the lessons I learned from this book are:
- The importance of hard work and dedication in achieving success.
- The dangers of fame and success and how they can lead to personal problems.
- The importance of having a strong support system in dealing with adversity.
- The role of luck in achieving success and the importance of being prepared to take advantage of opportunities when they arise.
- The importance of humility and understanding one's own limitations.
- The impact of mental health on one's life, both good and bad.
- The importance of learning from one's mistakes and moving forward in life.
- The impact of addiction and the importance of seeking help when needed.
- The importance of integrity and being true to oneself.
- The importance of understanding the culture and context in which one operates in and how it can influence one's life.