In a significant development that highlights the enduring legacy of one of football’s most beloved figures, the children of Diego Maradona have unveiled detailed plans for a memorial project intended to celebrate and honour the Argentine legend’s monumental impact on the sport and his native country. During a live presentation broadcast on YouTube, Dalma Maradona, one of Maradona’s daughters, expressed the family’s heartfelt motivation behind the initiative, saying, “We want our father to be close to the love of the people, and to grant the wish of all those who want to bring him a flower.”
The centrepiece of this ambitious venture is the creation of a foundation that aims to encapsulate Maradona’s legacy for future generations. Central to the foundation’s efforts will be the M10 Memorial—an evocative commemoration site that is strategically planned to be established in the heart of Buenos Aires. Slated for its grand opening in 2025, the memorial will be located in the bustling tourist district of Puerto Madero, a choice that reflects both the city’s vibrant spirit and Maradona’s larger-than-life persona.
Spanning an impressive 1,000-square-metre area, the site is designed to accommodate up to one million visitors each year, offering a broad spectrum of individuals—from die-hard football fans to casual tourists—a unique space to pay homage to Maradona. Access to this iconic memorial will be provided free of charge to Argentine citizens. Additionally, those choosing to support the Maradona Foundation through donations will have the opportunity to place their photographs on a specially designed “heritage wall,” further connecting them with the legendary figure in a tangible and personal manner.
The family-led foundation administering this project is chaired by Dalma, alongside four of Maradona’s other children from his various relationships. This collaborative effort is driven by the common goal of honouring their father’s unparalleled contributions to both sports and cultural spheres. “The foundation arose from a desire to pay tribute to him and preserve his legacy,” Dalma emphatically stated, outlining the group’s dedication to these lofty goals.
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In a move intended to deepen the memorial’s significance, legal authorisation was granted earlier this month to relocate Maradona’s remains from his current resting place in a cemetery to a grand mausoleum within the planned site. This change is designed to facilitate public access, allowing both local residents and international guests to engage more intimately with the memory of Argentina’s great idol.
Diego Maradona, whose career transcended borders, left an indelible mark on football through his extraordinary skill and charismatic presence on the pitch. His untimely passing in November 2020, at the age of 60, was met with widespread mourning across the globe. Maradona died while recovering from a surgery involving a blood clot on his brain, which was compounded by his long-standing battles with addictions to cocaine and alcohol. Following surgery, he died unexpectedly from a heart attack, a tragedy that unfolded just two weeks post-operation in a rented property located within an exclusive neighbourhood of Buenos Aires.
As with many high-profile deaths, the circumstances surrounding Maradona’s passing have prompted ongoing investigations. A court is currently exploring potential negligence claims levelled against his medical team, probing whether lapses in care could have contributed to the events leading up to his death.
The Maradona Memorial Project not only represents a celebratory tribute to one of football’s most iconic personalities but also serves as a vital cultural landmark. It reflects the collective desire of Maradona’s family and admirers to preserve his legacy, ensuring that his impact on both the sport and Argentine cultural identity continues to inspire and resonate within the hearts of countless fans around the world.
