How One Argentine Football Player Inspired a Religious Movement
Football, the world’s most popular sport, is so embedded in the culture of South America that it creates such an extreme following that it could be classified as a cult, or even a religion. In fact, the supporters of one of Argentina’s most beloved yet hated, talented but tainted sports stars have actually created a religion honouring this player, making him figuratively, and literally, a soccer God.
Whether you’re a fan of football or not, you’ve probably seen the grainy footage of the short, stocky player in baby-blue and white stripes weaving his way through a seemingly standstill defence, to score one of the most incredible solo goals in soccer history. No? How about the controversial goal where the smallest player on the pitch jumped to head the ball, and out of reach, he punched, literally, Argentina’s way into the semi-finals of the World Cup and punched England’s ticket home. If you answered yes to one, or yes to both, they were the workings of the most famous football player in Argentina history – so famous in fact, that his supporters consider him not only the greatest footballer in history, but they consider him a god.
Diego Armando Maradona was born on October 30, 1960 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and 38 years later, after collecting numerous trophies – most notably the World Cup in 1986 to pair with his Golden Ball that year as the tournaments best player – his paisanos (countrymen) immortalised him as the centrepiece to a religion known as Iglesia Maradoniana, or the Church of Maradona.
Also, he is never to be referred to as a player of one specific team (he played for six club teams over Argentina and Europe) and the ‘churches’ where you pay homage to Maradona are the stadiums in which he graced with his presence and talent.
This type of insatiable following in regards to a football player whose incredible talent is sometimes overshadowed by his less-than-ethical style of play as well as off-field antics, make North American supporters who paint their whole body their team’s colours look sane and civilised, which is a very disturbing, yet entertaining thought.
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
Culture Trip Spring Sale
Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.
- Post ID: 1848121
- Sponsored? No
- View Payload