“D10S” echoes in the air. We are standing before the Diego Armando Maradona Showcase. This is more than a collection of memorabilia. It’s a shrine to a cultural icon. It is a legend. Diego Armando Maradona was an urban legend. He was a symbol. He knew no borders. He made Argentina known throughout the world.
This tour honors El Diego. It celebrates the neighborhoods that embrace his legacy. A year ago, El Diego left us. The world was surprised. He remains a strong personality. He is Argentina’s biggest idol. His departure brought sadness. There are many reasons to remember him.
Let’s explore places that shaped his life. We will learn about Diego. We will visit different neighborhoods. We will discover more about Buenos Aires.
The Argentinos Juniors Stadium is our first stop. It is on Gavilán Street 2151. This is where Maradona played professionally for the first time. That was in 1976. The stadium houses a museum. Inside are the awards and trophies Maradona won.
After his death, fans left offerings at the stadium. The Argentinos Juniors Club created a Shrine for Maradona. It features a huge mural. It also has benches like a Maradona church. A bronze sculpture stands nearby. It is at Gavilán and Álvarez Jonte streets. This sculpture honors Maradona. The neighborhood gifted it. Murals adorn the stadium walls. They depict him with his parents. They show him with the ball. They show him raising the 1986 World Cup in Mexico.
Next, we visit the Diego Maradona House Museum. It is now called “The House of God.” Find it at Lascano Street 2257. Diego and his family lived here between 1978 and 1980. This house is near the Argentinos Juniors stadium. After Maradona’s debut in 1976, Argentinos Juniors bought the house for him. The original decoration and furniture are preserved. Even the piano Maradona played remains. Book a visit to step back 40 years into Maradona’s world.
The Basilica of the Blessed Sacrament awaits us. It is at San Martín Street 1035. This is where Maradona married Claudia Villafañe. She is the mother of Dalma and Giannina. Besides Maradona’s wedding, the church is historic. It was built in 1914. It is considered the oldest and most luxurious in the city. Its eclectic style is worth seeing.
No Maradona tour is complete without La Bombonera. This is the Boca Juniors Stadium. It is in La Boca. Maradona played here from 1981 to 1982. He returned in 1995 for two more years. In 1997, he retired. He wore the blue and yellow shirt.
The stadium is at Brandsen Street 805. La Bombonera is a museum. Thousands of tourists visit it. They tour the dressing rooms and stands. They even see Maradona’s private box. The Boquense Passion Museum is here. It covers 100 years of Boca Juniors history. It shows the evolution of the jersey. It shows the players who shaped the club.
Open your eyes to the murals coloring La Boca and Paternal. On the corner of Brandsen and Juan de Dios Filiberto streets is an immense mural. It depicts Maradona lifting the World Cup. It shows him with the Boca Juniors shirt. It shows him with the Argentina shirt. Between Irala and Aristóbulo del Valle streets, find the unforgettable 1986 World Cup goal. It is followed by “D10S.” At Aristóbulo del Valle 50, Maradona is painted as a saint. Boyacá 2145 features one of the most visited murals. It is on the Argentinos Juniors external walls. The corner of San Blas and Boyacá streets displays “Pride of a neighborhood.” Diego wears the Argentinos Juniors shirt. Between Linneo and Álvarez Jonte streets stands the tallest mural. It is at the Maradona House Museum. It is eleven meters high. It can be seen from the street. The corner of Miguel Ángel and Av. San Martín shows “Tierra de Dios.” Maradona wears the Argentinos Juniors jersey.
Every corner honors the number 10. Number 10 equals Diego. It equals D10S.