From Hand of God to Hands of the Camorra
The Corruption of Diego Maradona
Diego Maradona’s rise from the dusty streets of Buenos Aires to the grandest stages of world football remains one of the sport’s most captivating tales. In “Killing Maradona: How cocaine, the Camorra, cartels and crime corrupted football's greatest talent,” acclaimed author David Arrowsmith peels back the glamorous veneer of global stardom to reveal a world shaped by mafia power, the drug trade, and addiction. Arrowsmith’s meticulous research and incisive writing shine a harsh light on the powerful criminal networks—the Camorra in Naples, the notorious Colombian cartels—and the sinister figures whose influence stretched from the heart of Italian football to South America’s shadowy underworld. Through Arrowsmith’s detailed storytelling, the beautiful game becomes a battleground, echoing with the struggles of one extraordinary athlete facing forces far beyond his control.
As Arrowsmith documents, Maradona’s time at Napoli was marked by brilliance on the pitch and increasing chaos off it. The grip of the Camorra extended into every corner of Maradona’s life in Naples, transforming iconic victories into a nightmare of coercion and surveillance. The author’s investigations demonstrate how Maradona, courted by cartels and scrutinised by both the Italian authorities and the FBI, became a tragic symbol of lost innocence in the modern game. Arrowsmith skilfully weaves together testimonials, case files, and interviews, creating a portrait of football’s ‘Golden Boy’ trapped in the crossfire between superstardom and criminal manipulation.
David Arrowsmith’s background as a documentary producer brings a forensic intensity to this gripping narrative. His past work—in particular, “1966: Who Stole the World Cup?” and “Britain’s Bloodiest Dynasty”—shows a talent for cutting through myth to reveal the stark, uncomfortable truths beneath. Born in London and proudly half-Colombian, Arrowsmith’s deep connection to football and history infuses every page. His fresh perspective—not just from the boardrooms of British television, but also as a lifelong player—enables readers to engage with Maradona’s complexity as both a footballer and a haunted man. With “Killing Maradona,” Arrowsmith elevates sports biography, transforming it into a powerful cautionary tale of brilliance undone.
“Killing Maradona” doesn’t just recount the tale of a footballing legend mired in scandal; it searches for understanding amidst the ruin. David Arrowsmith’s compassionate but unflinching examination navigates Maradona’s battles with addiction, betrayal, and exploitation: a story shaped by adulation and self-destruction in equal measure. For anyone interested in the intersection of football, crime, and human fallibility, this book delivers a searing investigation that is both contemporary and urgent—marking the 40th anniversary of Argentina’s World Cup triumph with a compelling reminder of the costs of genius.
ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48
Published: May 21, 2026
Price: £22.00
Hardback: 304 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1788406154
Dimensions: 158 x 241 (mm)
