Sheffield Doc/Fest will open the 26th edition on Thursday June 6, with the UK premiere of the much anticipated Diego Maradona, directed by Asif Kapadia, with over 500 hours of footage from Maradona’s personal archive.

Diego Maradona is a wild and irreverent look at one of the world’s most iconic sportsmen, both on and off the pitch, during his infamous time in Naples. Having never won a major tournament, SSC Napoli had always underachieved. But when Diego Maradona arrived in 1984, all hell broke loose. Maradona was blessed on the field but cursed off it, by performing miracles on the pitch he could do as he pleased but when the magic faded, he became a prisoner of the criminal city of Naples.

In a city where the devil would have needed bodyguards, Maradona became bigger than God himself. This is the unforgettable story of a natural-born talent, glory, despair and betrayal, of corruption and ultimately redemption.

Asif Kapadia says, “I’m incredibly proud and honored that Diego Maradona will have its UK premiere as the opening film at Sheffield Doc/Fest. After three long, hard years making the film, my producers, crew and I are really excited to finally present the film to the UK audience. Those with long (football related) memories will recall that Diego almost signed for Sheffield United in the late 70’s, the deal fell through, (over money), so on the 6th June 2019, Diego Maradona will finally make his long awaited debut in Sheffield! Game on!”

The 26th Sheffield Doc/Fest takes place June 6 to 11, 2019.