Diego Maradona

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Greatest World Cup Players - Maradona

Maradona remains the greatest rival to Pele's crown and received substantially more votes from the general public in the one-off FIFA Player of the Century award.

CHEAT ... Diego Maradona rises above Peter Shilton to score his infamous Hand of God goal

DIEGO MARADONA took part in four World Cups between 1982 and 1994, proving to be both a hero and a villain.

The Argentine lifted the trophy, scored some of the best goals the tournament has seen and inspired his team-mates.

But he also picked up a red card, failed a drugs test and got involved in plenty of cheating along the way.

A 17-year-old Maradona was heartbroken when he was left out of the victorious Argentina squad for the 1978 World Cup.

But he was a key part of the team that tried to defend the title in Spain four years later, scoring two goals in the 4-1 win over Hungary.

Sadly, the 5ft 4in midfielder's tournament ended in disgrace when he was sent off in the 3-1 defeat to Brazil.

Four years later in Mexico, Maradona had earned the captain's armband and scored in the 1-1 draw with Italy as he guided his team to a quarter-final against England.

His infamous handball goal — which he later referred to as the Hand of God — gave Argentina the lead despite furious English protests.

And just minutes later he showed the other side to his talent, waltzing past half England's team to score what was voted FIFA's goal of the century.

Argentina went on to win 2-1 and Maradona scored two more crackers as they saw off Belgium 2-0 in the semis and laid on the winner in the 3-2 final victory over West Germany.

At Italia '90, Argentina were much weaker but still reached the final again thanks to the drive and determination of their captain.

After using his hand again — this time to stop a goal against USSR — Maradona helped Argentina beat Brazil 1-0 in the second round with a 40-yard run and a clever pass for Claudio Cannigia to score.

Little Diego scored in the penalty shootout as hosts Italy were beaten in the semi-finals, but could not prevent his team losing 1-0 to West Germany in the final.

USA 1994 was supposed to be his glorious swansong for the national team.

But after a goal against Greece, he was kicked out the tournament for failing a drugs test.

It was a sad — but somewhat fitting — way for his controversial World Cup career to end.

Take a look at some of Diego Maradona's best World Cup highlights by clicking on the graphic below.

Diego Maradona's best World Cup highlights