5 most controversial figures in football history

#3 Diego Maradona

Diego Armando Maradona is regarded as an inspirational figure in football.

While he enjoyed a stellar footballing career, he was quite a controversial figure. His genius was often complemented by his erratic behaviour.

The Argentine was addicted to cocaine and had several health issues due to his lifestyle.

UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin introduces a minute of silence at #UEFACongress in memory of members of the European football family who have passed away since the last Congress, with a special thought for a "genius who made us all dream", Diego Maradona. pic.twitter.com/TAvOqmU7nd
— UEFA (@UEFA) April 20, 2021

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Argentina's game against England in the quarter-finals of the 1986 FIFA World Cup perfectly encapsulated Maradona.

Argentina beat England 2-1, courtesy of a Maradona brace. His first goal was the infamous "Hand of God," where he used his hand to guide the ball into the net.

The second one was described as the "Goal of the Century." Maradona's incredible technical ability was on display as he ran 60 yards with the ball, passed four opponents and slotted the ball into the net.

#2 Florentino Perez

Florentino Perez is the president of Real Madrid

The Real Madrid president maintained a low profile before his involvement in the controversial European Super League cast the spotlight back at him.

Perez became Los Blancos president for the first time in 2000 and oversaw the start of Real Madrid's "Galacticos" era. Superstar footballers like Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo, David Beckham and Michael Owen arrived to play for the club, but Perez's policy stuttered after a good start, and he resigned in 2006.

Florentino Perez says we may need to make football matches shorter than 90 minutes 😳 pic.twitter.com/wvxbIFdp5c
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) April 20, 2021

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He once again became president in 2009 and signed Cristiano Ronaldo in a world-record deal from Manchester United. While Real Madrid have been incredibly successful under his reign, his role in the European Super League has created immense controversy.

His comments regarding the European Super League caused uproar, and it remains to be seen what Perez's views are now, with many clubs having withdrawn from the competition.

#1 Josep Maria Bartomeu

Josep Maria Bartomeu is not a fan favourite at Barcelona, despite serving as the club's president from 2014 to 2020.

The Spaniard was involved in several controversial player moves. However, it was the Barcagate scandal that created the most controversy.

Bartomeu was accused of hiring a PR company to paint a positive image of himself, while damaging the reputations of star players like Lionel Messi and Gerard Pique.

Bartomeu resigned in 2020, and a heavy police investigation followed. Barcelona now have a new president at the helm in the form of Joan Laporta.

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