“From Now On, Go Shaquille O’Neal”: Argentinian Soccer Icon Diego Maradona Revealed His Admiration for the Lakers Legend in the 1990s

Every sport has legends that define the game, and there are a select few who elevate the sport to another level. Soccer and Basketball are two of the most followed sports in the world and there are many illustrious names that have graced these sports. Players like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, basketball, and Pele, Beckham from soccer are some of the biggest names of the sport. Today’s story is about two such names. Players who have defined their sport, achieved greatness, and left a legacy that everybody admires. This is the story of Diego Maradona and Shaquille O’Neal.

There are many differences to be pointed out between these two legends. Their sport, their personalities, and their frame. Yes! Diego Maradona was 5’5” while Shaquille stands at a mammoth height of 7’1”. However, they shared a story that people hardly know and talk about.

When Maradona admired Shaquille O’Neal

The basketball legend in the late 1990s appeared to talk with an Argentinian TV crew. Journalists gave Shaquille O’Neal a soccer ball to show some skills, after which he started talking about soccer and told the press about how much he admired Maradona.

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The crew then flew back to Argentina and showed the clips to Diego Maradona. The soccer legend appeared surprised. While talking about his reaction, he said, “If you ever lose your capacity of feeling surprise, you have lost everything, man.” While sharing his admiration for Shaq he said, “…from now on, go Shaquille”.

The amazing career of Diego Maradona

The legendary soccer player died in November 2020, aged 60, and left behind a legacy that is hard to surpass. Maradona played 91 games for the national team of Argentina and helped win the world cup with one of the most legendary moments of soccer.

The ‘hand of god’ is when Maradona scored a goal using his hand in the 1986 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals against England. The referee ended up allowing it as he didn’t have a clear look and there was no VAR back then. Four minutes later, in the same match, he scored the best world cup goal ever after he dribbled past five hapless defenders. Diego Maradona scored 310 goals in his senior club soccer career. After retiring, Maradona got into management in 1994 and eventually managed the national team of Argentina from 2008 to 2010.

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Both O’Neal and Maradona acquired legendary status in their respective fields. It is funny that they both didn’t know that they shared a mutual respect for each other for so long.