Diego Maradona Forever: His History in the CONMEBOL Copa América™
On the anniversary of Diego Maradona’s birth, we look back at his three CONMEBOL Copa América™ appearances, his goals and his legacy with Argentina.
- Diego Armando Maradona was born on October 30, 1960, and would have turned 66 this year.
- He played in three editions of the CONMEBOL Copa América™: 1979, 1987 and 1989.
- He scored four goals in 12 matches and achieved a third-place finish in 1989.
Every October 30, the football world remembers the birth of Diego Armando Maradona, one of the greatest legends in the history of the sport. A World Cup winner with Argentina in 1986, the iconic No. 10 also left his mark on the CONMEBOL Copa América™, featuring in three editions and producing unforgettable moments in the Albiceleste shirt.
Maradona at the Copa América: three editions and four goals
Diego Maradona made his CONMEBOL Copa América™ debut in 1979, at just 18 years old.
Throughout his time in the tournament, he recorded the following numbers:
- 1979: 2 matches and 1 goal.
- 1987: 4 matches and 3 goals.
- 1989: 6 matches.
In total, the Argentine captain made 12 appearances and scored four goals in the competition.
Although he never managed to lift the trophy, he played a leading role in three editions of the world's oldest international football tournament.
The Day Maradona Wore the Number 6 Shirt
One of the most interesting details of Maradona's CONMEBOL Copa América™ history dates back to the 1979 edition.
Despite being known worldwide for wearing the iconic No. 10 shirt, Maradona wore No. 6 during that tournament.
The traditional No. 10 shirt was worn by Juan Carlos Bujedo, a defender for the Argentina national team.
Wearing a number rarely associated with his career, Diego scored his first goal in the competition against Bolivia.
It remains one of the most memorable images from his first appearance in the continental tournament.
Argentina 1987: Maradona's Goals in Front of His Home Fans
Eight years after his debut, Maradona returned to the CONMEBOL Copa América™, this time on home soil in Argentina.
The 1987 edition took place just one year after he had been crowned world champion in Mexico in 1986.
Diego played four matches and scored three goals, his best goalscoring performance in a single edition of the competition.
Among them was a remarkable free-kick against Ecuador, which flew into the top corner.
Argentina finished fourth in the tournament, with Uruguay claiming the title.
Brazil 1989: His Final Copa América Appearance
Maradona's third and final appearance in the CONMEBOL Copa América™ came in Brazil in 1989.
He played six matches as Argentina finished third, their best result across the three editions in which he participated.
Brazil won the title that year, while Maradona concluded his continental tournament career with 12 appearances and four goals.
Diego Maradona's Legacy in South American Football
Diego Armando Maradona passed away on November 25, 2020, but his legacy remains an enduring part of football history.
A winner of the 1986 FIFA World Cup™ with Argentina and the driving force behind an extraordinary club career that included spells at Boca Juniors, Barcelona and Napoli, the iconic No. 10 was one of the greatest South American footballers of all time.
The CONMEBOL Copa América™ was also part of his remarkable journey. From the 18-year-old who wore the No. 6 shirt in 1979 to the captain who made his final appearance in Brazil in 1989.
On October 30, the anniversary of his birth, the football world once again remembers a player who transcended generations and borders.
Diego Maradona, forever part of South American football history.
