First Diego Maradona Bobbleheads Unveiled to Celebrate Soccer Legend on Birthday

MILWAUKEE – This morning, the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum unveiled the first Diego Maradona Bobbleheads honoring the legendary soccer player on what would have been his 65^th birthday. The series of three bobbleheads celebrate one of the greatest footballers of all time and feature the legend in the jerseys worn by Argentina in the 1986 World Cup. Two bobbleheads commemorate one of the most memorable plays in soccer history—The Hand of God Play, while the third features Maradona in the other jersey that Argentina wore during the historic World Cup run. The limited edition bobbleheads are being produced by the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum, an official licensee of Diego Maradona.

Standing on bases bearing his name, the smiling Diego Maradona bobbleheads are wearing the Argentina jerseys. The first bobblehead features “The Hand of God” play while the second features Maradona celebrating following one of the most memorable goals in soccer history with both bobbleheads positioned on replica turf. The third bobblehead features Maradona running. The bobbleheads, which are individually numbered to 1,986, are currently available exclusively through the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum’s Online Store. The bobbleheads, which are expected to ship in February, are $40 each for the two Hand of God Bobbleheads and $35 for the third bobblehead each, plus a flat-rate shipping charge of $8 per order. A set of three is available for a discounted price of $110.

Born in Argentina, Maradona grew up in Villa Fiorito, a poor neighborhood on the edge of Buenos Aires. He got his first football as a gift when he was three years old. Five years later, a talent scout noticed him playing for his local club, Estrella Roja. On October 20th, 1976, Maradona made his professional debut for Argentinos Juniors. He was 10 days shy of his 16th birthday and became the youngest player in the Argentine Primera Division. “Bold, fast and utterly unpredictable, Maradona was a master of attack, juggling the ball easily from one foot to the other as he raced upfield,” ESPN wrote after his death. “Dodging and weaving with his low center of gravity, he shrugged off countless rivals and often scored with a devastating left foot, his most powerful weapon.”

Maradona was the first player to set the world record transfer fee twice: in 1982 when he transferred to Barcelona, and in 1984 when he moved to Napoli. In addition to Argentinos Juniors, Barcelona and Napoli, he also played for Boca Juniors, Sevilla, and Newell’s Old Boys. He is most famous for his time at Napoli (1984-91) where he helped the side win its only two Italian league titles. Napoli retired Maradona’s No. 10 jersey in 2000 as a tribute to his legacy with the club.

In his international career with Argentina, Maradona scored 34 goals in 91 appearances. He played in four FIFA World Cups, including the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, where he captained Argentina and led them to victory over West Germany in the final, and won the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player. In a 2-1 victory over England in the quarterfinals, he scored both goals. The first goal – one of the most famous in the history of the sport – was an unpenalized handing foul known as the “Hand of God” goal where the diminutive Maradona punched the ball into England’s net. The second goal followed a 66-yard dribble past five England players and was voted the “Goal of the Century” by FIFA.com voters in 2002. 2026 will mark the 40^th anniversary of Maradona’s amazing World Cup performance and Argentina’s title. Maradona also captained Argentina in the 1990 World Cup in Italy where his team lost, 1-0, to West Germany in the final.

One of two winners of the FIFA Player of the 20th Century award, Maradona retired as a player in 1997. He later had a career in management and became the coach of the Argentina national team in 2008. He oversaw the team at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa before leaving at the end of the tournament. He also coached Al-Wasl in Dubai, Fujairah, and the Mexican club Dorados. He was the coach of Gimnasia de La Plata in Argentina until his death in 2020.

“We’re excited to unveil the first bobbleheads of Diego Maradona, who was appropriately called “The King of Soccer” by Sports Illustrated,” National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum co-founder and CEO Phil Sklar said. “Maradona captivated fans around the world over his two-decade career. This bobblehead is sure to be a must-have for those who witnessed the greatest soccer player of his time and all those who still watch his highlights and look up to him today!”

About the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum:
The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum, which is located at 170 S. 1st St. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, opened to the public on February 1st, 2019. The HOF and Museum also produces high quality, customized bobbleheads for retail sale as well as organizations, individuals and teams across the country. Visit us online and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.