Maradona Injured by Andoni Goikoetxea

In a La Liga match at Camp Nou, Diego Maradona sustained a serious injury due to a tackle from Andoni Goikoetxea, a player known for his aggressive style of play and infamously referred to as 'the Butcher of Bilbao'. The incident occurred during a game against Athletic Bilbao, where Maradona not only faced a reckless challenge but also endured racial taunts from the opposing fans, which were linked to his father's Native American heritage. The tackle resulted in a broken ankle for Maradona, a setback that posed a significant threat to his professional career. The injury required extensive treatment and rehabilitation, leading to a recovery period of approximately three months before he could return to competitive football. This incident highlighted the physical nature of football during that era and raised discussions about player safety and the need for stricter regulations regarding tackles in the sport.