Diego Maradona's Legend Will Always Live on in Napoli

A mural depicting Diego Maradona, by street artist Jorit, is painted on a building in Naples, Italy, March 24, 2017. (AP)
A mural depicting Diego Maradona, by street artist Jorit, is painted on a building in Naples, Italy, March 24, 2017. (AP)
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Diego Maradona's Legend Will Always Live on in Napoli

A mural depicting Diego Maradona, by street artist Jorit, is painted on a building in Naples, Italy, March 24, 2017. (AP)
A mural depicting Diego Maradona, by street artist Jorit, is painted on a building in Naples, Italy, March 24, 2017. (AP)

If there’s one place outside Argentina that will likely match — or possibly even exceed — the outpouring of mourning for Diego Maradona, it’s in Naples.

While Maradona was revered around the world as perhaps the greatest football player ever, in Naples he was more than that.

Maradona was treated as a deity for the way he led Napoli to its only two Serie A titles — in 1987 and 1990 — and raised the spirits of the southern Italian city, which remains far removed both geographically and socio-economically from the country’s football capitals of Milan and Turin.

“Maradona wasn’t just a player. He represented the spirit of Napoli for years,” said former Napoli president Corrado Ferlaino, who owned the club when Maradona played there.

A person close to Maradona said he died Wednesday of a heart attack. He was 60. The person spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly.

Upon hearing the news, Naples Mayor Luigi De Magistris immediately proposed that the city’s San Paolo Stadium be renamed for Maradona — and ordered the stadium's lights be turned on all night even though there was no game being played there.

“Maradona is Napoli. The passion for him here is known to everyone,” De Magistris said. “Maradona united Neapolitans all over the world — as well as fans of other squads.

“Today all Neapolitans embrace his family, with the awareness that this embrace will never end,” the mayor added. “Because it was real love. A great love.”

Maradona also led Napoli to the 1989 UEFA Cup title during his seven-season stay. He also allegedly became a regular cocaine addict in the city — a dependence that eventually led to his downfall from football.

“Yes, he was also a controversial man,” De Magistris said. “But for us Maradona is the one who made Naples and Neapolitans dream — with his genius, his uniqueness, he gave us happiness. Many have named their sons Diego, for he was able to redeem a city that was often the target of prejudices and discrimination.”

In a sign of mourning, Napoli changed its usual blue logo on its Twitter account to black.

“Everyone is awaiting our words,” the club tweeted in Italian. “But what words can we use for the pain that we are experiencing? Now is the moment for tears. Then will come the time for words.”

Italian sports minister Vincenzo Spadafora, who is from Naples, said: “He was more than a champion. He was a football genius, an absolute star. He represented unrepeatable dreams and hopes for the people of my city. Naples cries tonight.”



FIFA Announces Details to Apply for World Cup Tickets

 13 July 2025, US, East Rutherford: US President Donald Trump (R) and FIFA President Gianni Infantino hold the trophy during the award ceremony following the FIFA Club World Cup final between Chelsea FC and Paris Saint-Germain at MetLife Stadium. (dpa)
13 July 2025, US, East Rutherford: US President Donald Trump (R) and FIFA President Gianni Infantino hold the trophy during the award ceremony following the FIFA Club World Cup final between Chelsea FC and Paris Saint-Germain at MetLife Stadium. (dpa)
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FIFA Announces Details to Apply for World Cup Tickets

 13 July 2025, US, East Rutherford: US President Donald Trump (R) and FIFA President Gianni Infantino hold the trophy during the award ceremony following the FIFA Club World Cup final between Chelsea FC and Paris Saint-Germain at MetLife Stadium. (dpa)
13 July 2025, US, East Rutherford: US President Donald Trump (R) and FIFA President Gianni Infantino hold the trophy during the award ceremony following the FIFA Club World Cup final between Chelsea FC and Paris Saint-Germain at MetLife Stadium. (dpa)

Applications for tickets for the 2026 World Cup open Sept. 10, FIFA said Tuesday.

The next edition of the tournament, which will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States, kicks off at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City on June 11.

Soccer's world governing body FIFA said that due to anticipated high demand tickets would be released in phases.

It did not say if it would use dynamic pricing, as was the case for the Club World Cup, which saw ticket prices fluctuate wildly.

"We’re looking forward to welcoming the world back to North America, as Canada, Mexico and the United States host what will be the biggest and greatest sporting event ever," FIFA president Gianni Infantino said in a statement. "We encourage fans everywhere to get ready to secure their place — these will be the most coveted seats in world sport."