The 7 most notorious bad boys of the sporting world

#2 Diego Maradona

The Golden Boy

The Argentinian football demi-god is exemplary of a troubled public figure whose life took a rapid downturn after his sporting career, but managed to redeem himself and still keep the love of his fans. "El Pibe de Oro"(The Golden Boy), was worshipped by fans globally for his football mind, control, speed and reflexes. Maradona broke the record for transfer fees twice, remaining the only player to do so, and scored the “goal of the century” against England.

But his life outside football is in startling contrast to his on-field magic. From being suspected of being a Mafia member to openly befriending Fidel Castro and Che Guevara, Maradona shocked the public with his actions. His vociferousness against America and the Pope won a few hearts, but antagonised many. But perhaps the most saddening is his cocaine addiction, which lasted over two decades. After a major heart attack, a bypass surgery and treatment for hepatits and alchohol addiction, Maradona announced to the media in 2007 that he had been completely sober for over two years.