March 15, 2017
One of soccer's greatest--and most controversial--all-time players reflects on his life and career.Short and stocky, fast and aggressive, and supremely confident, Maradona (b. 1961) helped carry Argentina to victory in the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, where he earned perhaps his most memorable nickname, -Barrilete cosmico- (-Cosmic Kite-), after scoring the -Goal of the Century- against England in the quarterfinal match (they beat West Germany in the championship). That victory is the ostensible subject of this book, but it is much more. Imagine Robert Evans' The Kid Stays in the Picture (1994), but the backdrop is the world of soccer rather than Hollywood. Does Maradona settle scores? You bet! Does he call out soccer officials in Argentina and in the sport's global governing body, FIFA? Absolutely! Do even his compliments come with backhands? Of course. Maradona has clearly never forgotten a slight, and he gets the last word on seemingly every argument in which he fears someone may have spoken last. He pulls no punches, and while there is no doubt that Maradona is an enormous fan of Maradona, he does not always elude his own rapier. The result is a rollicking book festooned with vicious critiques and frontal attacks. Many readers will appreciate a soccer memoir that throws elbows rather than blowing kisses--and while it is -written- by Maradona, it has all of the characteristics of an -as-told-to- account, courtesy of Argentine soccer journalist Arcucci. Maradona presupposes a solid knowledge of soccer--players and coaches and other figures from three decades ago and more enter with nary an introduction--and one has to buy into his view of the world. But there is plenty of guilty pleasure to be had from all the name-calling and vitriol from arguably the sometimes-petulant but always entertaining footballer. Not a great book but great fun for soccer fans.
COPYRIGHT(2017) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
May 15, 2017
Maradona is a soccer star that even nonsoccer fans recognize, though perhaps he's more acclaimed for his controversial and turbulent career than his achievements on the field. The event that propelled him into the international spotlight was the 1986 World Cup, specifically the quarter-final match against England. Maradona scored two goals in this game that came to symbolize and define him: the "Goal of the Century," and the controversial "Hand of God" goal. Maradona, along with journalist Arcucci, takes readers through the trials of the Argentinian international team up until the 1986 tournament. They also provide a game-by-game analysis of Argentina's victory in the finals. Throughout, Maradona attempts to be deferential to his teammates and competitors while simultaneously boasting about his individual role in the events, deservedly so at times, and unapologetic of his faults. VERDICT Maradona's rambling style can be quite tedious at times, much like his Maradona Star. This latest work may be worthwhile for soccer fans eager to hear more about his thoughts on the 1986 World Cup.--Michael C. Miller, Austin P.L. & Austin History Ctr., TX
Copyright 2017 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
May 1, 2017
Seven years after coaching the Argentine national team to an ignominious exit at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Maradona returns to happier days, when his on-field genius helped La Albiceleste hoist the Jules Rimet trophy. But time has not mellowed the feisty, controversial player: he gives then-manager Carlos Bilardo no credit, insisting the players did what they wanted; excoriates teammate Daniel Passarella as a quitter; remains unrepentant about his hand-ball goal against England in the 1986 World Cup quarterfinals; and praises other teammates in ways that always sound like praise for himself. Straying into modern soccer, he comes across as a kids-today-have-it-easy curmudgeon and even gives himself credit for improving Lionel Messi's free kicks. Fans of Maradona, Argentine soccer, and World Cup history will no doubt be drawn to this slim volume, but, by its end, even admirers of El Pibe de Oro (the Golden Boy) are likely to feel like fans whose dream-come-true audience with a legend has left them glancing at their watches. Others will find it compelling despiteor perhaps because ofMaradona's endless contradictions.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)