Roberto Cejas has died, the fan who lifted Maradona after the World Cup win | OneFootball

Football mourns the protagonist of one of the most iconic moments in the history of this sport. At the age of 68, Roberto Cejas, the famous fan who lifted Maradona after the victory in the 1986 World Cup final against West Germany, has passed away.

Who was Roberto Cejas, the fan who went down in history for lifting Maradona

Sometimes, it takes little to make history. This is what happened to Roberto Cejas, who became famous for a gesture made at the end of the 1986 World Cup final in Mexico. Argentina, led by Diego Armando Maradona, defeated West Germany and became World Champion for the first time. At the end of the match, the enthusiasm of the Argentine people was sky-high, and they stormed the field. Among them was Mr. Cejas, who approached Maradona, with the cup in his hands, and lifted him onto his shoulders.

Roberto, who couldn't even attend that match because he didn't have a ticket, decided to go anyway and managed to get a ticket through scalpers. He later gave an interview in which he recounted the episode: "I had said that if we made it to the final, I would go to Mexico. And I did. When the match ended, we immediately jumped onto the field. Suddenly, I found myself in front of Diego, who, with his eyes, made me understand that I had to lift him to the sky. He didn't say a word, just a look was enough. On my shoulders, he told me where to go, he told me to take him here and there. At one point, we were alone doing the lap around the field: me, him, and the World Cup. I don't know why it was me, but God put me there, and I will be there forever."

On the day of that episode, Roberto was 30 years old. Today he has passed away at 68. His passing was announced on social media by the wife of his brother Oscar.

Francesco Landi

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.