Legendary Football Fan Who Carried Maradona After World Cup Victory Passes Away

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Legacy of Roberto Cejas
• The Iconic Moment
• Personal Account of the Day
• Reunion with Maradona

The man who unexpectedly became famous after carrying Diego Maradona on his shoulders following the 1986 World Cup final victory in Mexico has passed away.

Roberto Cejas, 68, who died on Sunday after battling an illness, was featured in the iconic photographs taken at the event.

Roberto Cejas carried Diego Maradona on his shoulders after the 1986 World Cup final but has passed away at the age of 68Credit: Getty – Contributor The famous photographs were taken just a week after Maradona’s Hand of God against EnglandCredit: Getty

Cejas became one of the most recognized supporters of all time after he rushed onto the field at full-time and lifted Maradona in front of the world.

His face is prominently visible in images of Maradona parading the World Cup trophy above his head after the thrilling 3-2 win over West Germany.

Cejas held Maradona on his shoulders, supporting his legs as the celebrations unfolded around them.

Maradona, who passed away in November 2020, received the Player of the Tournament award for his five goals scored at the same venue just a week earlier.

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Cejas, sporting a large moustache, accompanied Maradona at full-time, but he later revealed that his moment of fame was purely coincidental.

Reflecting on the iconic incident, he said: “I only went for the final.

“I arrived in Mexico on Saturday afternoon, and the game was on Sunday at noon. I thought, ‘If we beat Belgium, I’ll go to the final.’

“I had a teammate in Mexico who told me, ‘Come, there’s someone here who has a ticket and wants to sell it.’ That’s how it all began.

“But when I arrived and went to find that person, he’d already sold the ticket. That’s when things began to get complicated.”

Many have remained unaware of Cejas’ story over the years, but he later shared: “The stadium had a pit with an iron structure; we went to the corner where two police officers were stationed. We made a feint and jumped onto the field.”

He continued: “Initially, I went to the center of the field. There, I jumped, twirled, and sang, thinking: ‘One day they’ll see the video and recognize me, but I’ll know who I am, on my own.’

“As the players began their lap of honor, we saw them and formed a kind of barrier for them to pass alone. But it was impossible.

“As I approached the six-yard box, wearing a light blue and white wig, Diego stopped in front of me as if he was about to take a penalty.

“He turned, looked at me, and without a word, I bent down and lifted him.

“And thus, I started trotting him around. It was hard to see where we were going; he guided me, telling me where to go.”

Cejas and Maradona later reunited at the . The Santa Fe-based fan explained: “We shared a beautiful hug.

“Diego laughed and said: ‘You know how much the cup weighs, but I know how much the cup weighs.’ It was a very emotional moment.”