After fall from grace, icon Maradona back on top again

	The feeling is mutual: Diego Maradona made his presence felt at the 2006 World Cup, cheering wildly for his beloved Argentina. Action Images/WireImage.com
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BUENOS AIRES, Argentina -- "El papa es alemán, pero el Dios es Argentino."

It's a popular T-shirt slogan here in the Argentine capital, and if you're up on your español, you know it means, "The pope is German, but God is Argentinean."

Hardly anyone has been a more polarizing figure in world soccer than Diego Maradona. He has worn multiple hats since he burst onto the scene in 1976 at age 16: insanely gifted teen prodigy; global megastar; drug-addled, Behind the Music-like burnout; overweight freak show at death's door; and finally, a hero finding his redemption.

Despite it all, and 10 years removed from the last time he graced a soccer pitch, Maradona is like Elvis, Michael Jordan, Michael Jackson and Barry Bonds rolled into one here. You can barely go anywhere in this bustling metropolis of 13 million without seeing the likeness of the most famous Argentine soccer player -- and perhaps the most famous Argentinean -- of all time.

During the holiday crush at Buenos Aires' posh Galerías Pacifico shopping mall, a Maradona mannequin gets equal billing next to Santa Claus. Corner markets are named "La Mano de Dios," in honor of his controversial hand-ball goal at the 1986 World Cup. Argentine TV sports network TyC Sports even has a one-hour special dedicated solely to Maradona's free-kick goals.

To be sure, Argentina has moved on as far as soccer on the pitch goes. The national team bowed out of the '06 World Cup with a stunning run to the quarterfinals by turning in one of the greatest shows on grass. The Argentine league is enjoying all-time highs in popularity (as well as all-time highs in violent behavior from some of the more passionate fans). Two of Argentina's most successful phenoms -- Gonzalo Higuaín and Fernando Gago -- have been sold to Real Madrid, the latest in a long line of amazing talent coveted by Europe's big leagues.

But to date, not one player has captivated the public imagination like Maradona did during a 21-year career in which he became perhaps the most gifted natural scorer ever, behind perhaps only Pelé.

Diego, who put Argentina's most popular club, Boca Juniors, on the global map. El Diez, who dazzled everyone watching the '86 World Cup quarterfinals when he dribbled half the length of the field, past five English defenders on his own and scored the game-winner on Argentina's road to its second title. And finally, the Golden Boy whose alcohol and drug addictions nearly killed him, prompting an outpouring of support from Argentines that outdid their affection for Eva "Evita" Perón in the '40s.