Loading ...Diego Maradona: A Champion of Palestine's Cause
By: Nissrine Bedda / Arab America Contributing Writer
Born in Lanús, Argentina, the legendary Diego Maradona holds a special place in the hearts of not only Argentinians and Napolitanos but football fans around the world. His unwavering passion for the sport (not to be confused with American football) continues to inspire us. Maradona’s influence runs so deep that some of his fans took admiration to a whole new level—founding a religion inspired by his life. Apparently, “The Hand of God” wasn’t just a phrase; it was a revelation.
The former Barcelona, Napoli, and Boca Juniors star had 91 caps, scoring 34 goals, before retiring from competitive football at the age of 37 in 1997. Beyond his brilliance on the field, Maradona’s dedication to supporting his community in Argentina and his outspoken advocacy for the Palestinian cause ensure his legacy is remembered with deep admiration and warmth.
Maradona has been hailed as an anti-imperialist, left-wing socialist, who has supported progressive movements. In 2012, Maradona declared himself “the number one fan of the Palestinian people… I respect them and sympathize with them…I support Palestine without any fear,” a statement that resonated deeply with his supporters, millions of whom continue to show unwavering admiration for the football legend.
Argentina has a long-standing history of Zionism, deeply rooted since the influx of Jewish immigrants during and after World War I and II. Thousands of Jews sought refuge in Argentina, taking advantage of its open-door immigration policy during the rise of the Holocaust. Today, the Argentinian-Jewish community holds a significant presence in the country, with Zionist influences deeply woven into its cultural fabric.
Discussions around Palestine and its advocacy have often been overlooked. However, Diego Maradona, widely celebrated as one of the greatest figures in Argentinian history, became a pivotal voice. His open admiration for Palestine marked a turning point, inspiring many Argentinians to support the Palestinian cause.
He lit up a room full of people with his cordial presence full of energy, humor, and full attention rooted with an indescribable level of sincerity for his fans. In 2014, a summer where Israel’s destruction of the Palestinian land murdered more than 3,000 Gazans, Maradona himself took his anger out to release a statement announcing that “What Israel is doing to the Palestinians is shameful”.
During a meeting in Moscow in 2018, Maradona met Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and told him the famous words whilst embracing him: “In my heart, I am Palestinian.” This heartfelt statement brought the Arab community closer together, as the legend acknowledged Palestine and its struggle with deep sympathy. It touched the hearts of many, offering comfort and unity through this powerful show of solidarity.
Before his passing, prominent advocates for the Palestinian cause, such as French-born Spanish musician Manu Chao, paid tribute to Diego Maradona. Chao wrote a song that not only echoed Maradona’s own activism and reflections but also used poetic lyricism to express the deep admiration and love fans around the world felt for the legendary footballer. When we sing it, it’s as if we were singing the song right in front of the icon.
On November 25, 2020, the world mourned the loss of Diego Maradona, a football legend who passed away at the age of 60. Maradona’s impact on the sport and beyond remains unparalleled, as his legacy continues to inspire countless professional athletes striving to emulate his greatness—not only as a player but also as a friend and advocate.
For the Arab world, Maradona represented more than just a sports icon. He became a pivotal figure in raising awareness about the ongoing plight of Palestinians, shedding light on a centuries-long struggle that many were unaware of. As we honor his memory, we are reminded of his heartfelt words, “Palestine is in our hearts.” His advocacy calls us to continue preserving Palestinian identity and raising awareness about its significance, even as we grieve the loss of this extraordinary figure.
I leave you with the lyrics of “La Vida es una Tombola” to keep in your hearts!
“The lottery life”
Si yo fuera Maradona viviría como él
If I were Maradona, I’d live like him
Si yo fuera Maradona frente a cualquier portería
If I were Maradona in front of any goal
Si yo fuera Maradona nunca m′equivocaría
If I were Maradona, I would never make mistakes
Si yo fuera Maradona perdido en cualquier lugar
If I were Maradona lost anywhere …
La vida es una tómbola, de noche y de día
Life is like the lottery, by night by day
La vida es una tómbola, y arriba, y arriba
Life is a tombola … and up and up
La vida es una tómbola, de noche y de día
Life is like the lottery by night by day
La vida es una tómbola, y arriba, y arriba
Life is a tombola … and up and up
Si yo fuera Maradona viviría como él
If I were Maradona, I’d live like him
Mil cohetes, mil amigo’ y lo que venga a mil por cien
A thousand rockets, a thousand friends and anything to a thousand percent
Si yo fuera Maradona saldría en Mondovisión
IF I were Maradona i would go out in mondovision
Pa′ gritarles a la FIFA que ellos son el gran ladrón
To shout those at FIFA that I am the grand thief
La vida es una tómbola, de noche y de día
Life is a tombola by night by day
La vida es una tómbola, y arriba, y arriba (tómbola, tómbola, tómbola)
Life is a tombola, and up, and up (tombola, tombola, tombola)
La vida es una tómbola, tómbola, tómbola (de noche y de día)
Life is a tombola, tombola, tombola (as in night as in day)
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