Although the current coronavirus pandemic has affected people in so many different ways, there’s no doubt about the fact that sports fans are struggling under these lockdown rules. Some of the biggest competitions have been canceled or postponed, and what would normally keep these people entertained has been taken off the airways and canceled until further notice. However, it seems as though things are starting to get back to normal – and the Bundesliga is back.

Rules In Germany

It was a huge blow for soccer fans across the world when the German Bundesliga was canceled by Chancellor Angela Merkel. Of course, it was understandable. As coronavirus plagued the country, lockdown measures and social distancing was put in place to ensure the health and safety of all those who live in the country – just as similar measures have also come to light across the rest of the world. Fans went months without their soccer fix, but thankfully, Bundesliga is back once more.

A Few Changes

Unfortunately for some, the Bundesliga isn’t quite what it used to be, and many experts are suggesting that this could be the future of soccer as a sport. Due to the ongoing social distancing measures, the new games are being played without crowds or spectators, and this is to minimize the risk of anyone contracting the virus. Alongside this, the players have had to make a few changes on the pitch. While it’s impossible to remove contact completely when in the midst of a game, players are being told to be more careful when not caught up in the game. For example, they are to touch elbows rather than shake hands or high five.

With these measures set to be in place for months, we have a feeling that many other sports will also adopt these new changes. The world of sport could have changed as we know it.

November 25th, 2020, is a date that will forever mark football as the Argentinian icon, Diego Armando Maradona, aged 60, passed away. He suffered a heart attack at home just two weeks after being released from hospital following surgery for a bleed on his brain.

Born on October 30th, 1960, in Lanús, Buenos Aires Province to a poor family, Maradona was the fifth of seven siblings and the oldest son. He started showing his talents at a very young age and was quickly spotted by a talent scout while playing in his neighborhood club, Estrella Roja. He was transferred to Argentinos Juniors junior team where he continued his amazing performances, which earned him his nickname “El Pibe de Oro” (“The Golden Boy”).

Ten days before his 16th birthday, Maradona made his professional debut for Argentinos Juniors in a match against Talleres de Córdoba. He played with the number 16 on his back, and became the youngest player in the history of Argentine top-tier football. He spent five years at the club before transferring to Boca Juniors, one of Argentina’s and South America’s most popular and successful football clubs.

Maradona, Napoli’s Mythical Number 10

After a single season with Boca, he moved to Europe to play for Spanish giants, Barcelona. Maradona had a difficult tenure in Spain due to injuries and controversial incidents on the field. Two years later, he was transferred to the Italian club Napoli where he was welcomed by 75,000 fans at his presentation. It is with this team that “The Golden Boy” achieved his greatest success at club level, winning two Scudettos, a Coppa Italia, a Supercoppa Italia, and the UEFA Cup in 1989. His vision, passing, ball control, and dribbling enchanted the Napoli fans who continue to adore and love him to this day. Maradona became Naple’s favorite son!

The Architect of Argentina’s Second World Cup

Maradona’s greatest achievement came during the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. He captained his team to victory, playing every minute of every game, scoring five goals, and making five assists. The quarterfinal against England will forever be part of football’s folklore. The Argentinian legend scored both goals. The first by using his hand, which remained unnoticed by the game officials, and later became known as the “Hand of God”. The second, however, was a display of his mastery and talent. He took the ball in his own half, dribbled past six English players, including the goalkeeper, Peter Shilton, before slotting the ball into the net. The goal was recognized as the “Goal of the Century” in 2002.

The passing of Maradona affected greatly every football aficionado in the world. It made his country fall in tears while President Alberto Fernández announced three days of national mourning. Napoli decided to honor its greatest player by renaming its stadium after him. On November 25, 2020, football lost arguably its most-talented number 10!