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Is Diego Maradona Still Sponsored By Puma?

Argentina secured its place for the round of 16 of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in a dramatic match against Nigeria yesterday. However, while Messi marked the first goal for Argentina and Rojo scored the decisive goal for Argentina in the 86th minute, it was Diego Maradona who made the most headlines.

Maradona had gone crazy as Argentina rescued their place in the tournament with a dramatic winner. The 57-year-old icon rushed to hospital after nearly collapsing following Argentina’s dramatic win. After the match, we were asked whether Maradona is sponsored by Puma and what a kind of contract the former genius offensive midfielder has with the German brand.

Puma Became Diego Maradona's Sponsor Ahead of the 1982 World Cup

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Puma became the official sponsor of Maradona in the 1980s, shortly ahead of the 1982 World Cup. He had no worn boots of any other brand during his career, while he wore blackout cleats in his last World Cup in 1994. It was one of the worst times of his career as professional as he was sent home after failing a drug test for ephedrine doping.

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In 1995, Maradona by total surprise returned to football wearing Mizuno football boots as he signed a deal with the Japanese brand. But already in 1996, Puma recovered Maradona as an official ambassador. The brand released a special clothing line (Puma 10) to show their love for the footballer.

It is not known what kind of contract Maradona has signed with Puma, but everything suggests that both parties agreed a lifelong contract.

Last year, Puma re-released one of their most iconic football boots in honor of Maradona - The Puma King Torero, which Diego Maradona wore at his first World Cup in Spain in 1982, exactly 35 years ago.

What do you think of Puma's Maradona sponsorship? Let us know in the comments below.