Today, October 30, Diego Armando Maradona would be turning 61 years old. He is no longer physically present, but he is present in the memories of all Boca Juniors fans, who chanted his name at La Bombonera.
The '10' minute of the match between Boca Juniors and Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata. The referee - as agreed - asked for the ball and stopped the game to pay tribute to the Argentine idol, who passed away on November 25, 2020. Diego Maradona was connected to both clubs.
The lights of the xeneize colossus dimmed. His name was chanted in all four stands of La Bombonera while images of El Diez in blue and gold appeared on the giant screen, representing the jersey he defended, cheered for, and won the championship with in 1981.
And in the box was Dalma Maradona, who couldn't hold back the tears. Next to her, a white polo shirt. "Justice for D10s". In another box was Juan Román Riquelme applauding. All of this happened while a Boca Juniors jersey held with balloons was released, rising into the sky.
"Olé ole olé, Diego, Diego," chanted the Boca fans, who also sang other chants dedicated to Maradona 40 years ago, when El Pibe de Oro played for the club and was decisive in winning the Metropolitano Championship that season. He had another stint between 1995 and 1997, when he ended his playing career.
Tribute to Maradona before Boca-Gimnasia match
Before the Boca-Gimnasia match, Dalma Maradona received a shirt with her father's name and a commemorative plaque from Boca's captain, Carlos Izquierdoz, and Colombian player Frank Fabra.
What was the Boca-Gimnasia score?
Gimnasia defeated Boca Juniors 1-0 with a penalty goal by 'Pulga' Rodríguez. He scored in the 17th minute and the score remained the same until the end of the match.
After scoring his goal, the 'Pulga' celebrated by kissing the image of Diego Maradona that he had underneath his shirt.