Naples’s Centro Storico (historical centre) is the loud and pounding heart of Naples. Here you find a warren of narrow streets with small and large squares full of life and character. Visitors to Naples should not miss the opportunity to experience the charged atmosphere of this UNESCO-protected old Roman quarter. Weaving our way through the narrow streets, we could see the portrait of Diego Armando Maradona on souvenirs, street art, and even a small altar. How did this Argentinian footballer become an antihero in the most prominent southern Italian city?
The legendary footballer arrived in Naples on 5 July 1984. He joined Napoli when it faced relegation at the end of the 1983–84 Serie A season. Before Maradona’s arrival, Italian football was dominated by teams from the country’s northern half (such as A.C. Milan, Juventus, Inter Milan, and Roma). Southern Italian teams never won a league title.
Maradona reached the peak of his professional career at Naples (Napoli), becoming an adored star among the club’s fans. He wore the captain’s armband, quickly elevating the team to the most successful era. He led Naples to win their first-ever Serie A Italian Championship in 1986–87. The city celebrated with street parties, and festivities broke, which went on for over a week. His picture was everywhere; even newborn children were named in his honour. Naples went on to win their second league title in 1989–90 (finish runners-up in the league twice, in 1987–88 and 1988–89) and the 1989 UEFA Cup.
However, Maradona’s success on the field was tarnished by personal problems involving the use of cocaine, a scandal, and suspected involvement with the Camorra crime syndicate. In 2000, his famous number 10 jersey of Naples was retired. Nine days after Maradona’s death (4 December 2020), Naples honoured by renaming the home stadium “Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.”
Maradona fits the description of an antihero perfectly. Antihero? Heroes refer to characters that we admire. They are the embodiment of idealism, courage, and morality. On the other hand, antiheroes lack many characteristics we have come to expect of traditional heroes. However, they do the right things. Despite the flaws of bad decisions and questionable moral code, an antihero is ultimately guided by good intentions. To many people, antiheroes are more realistic and likeable.
The people of Naples, in general, fans of Napoli Football Club in particular, love antiheroes. They love Maradona. And we witness their love from his picture displayed in Centro Storico.
Vince
Dr Vincent Chong is a retired Professor of Radiology at Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore.
