Continuing Maradona’s legacy: Launch of Maradona Global Ltd gives brands opportunity to work with the football icon

UK venture builder Podium Ventures has successfully completed a deal with Sattvica S.A. – owner of the worldwide rights to Maradona’s brand name, image and likeness – and the Maradona sisters, led by Lili and Rita, to officially launch Maradona Global Limited. 

The new company, headquartered in London, will build upon the Maradona brand and create new ventures with partners and licensees across the globe who share the principles of social equity, diversity, and inclusion. It will lead on commercial development of the Maradona brand globally, and commence a broader vision to enact Diego’s last wish of establishing a charitable foundation in his name.  

Sanjay Wadhwani, CEO of Maradona Global, comments: “I am thrilled to have been given the honour of building and leading Maradona Global with the purpose of sharing the story of a remarkable man and – in time – promoting social and charitable causes in his name. 

“From media and entertainment, gaming, apparel and footwear, to food and beverage and the metaverse, Maradona Global has ambitions to create unique opportunities for brands to be able to ‘work’ with Maradona again, reconnect his global fan base with the iconic sporting star, as well as open the door to a brand-new era of fandom.”

Speaking on behalf of the Maradona family who have been inundated with proposals from businesses wanting to make use of the Maradona name and rights, sister Rita Maradona, said: “We are truly thankful to Sanjay and the Podium Ventures team for all the love and passion they have shown towards our late brother, as well as the respectful progress they have made with his legacy.  Maradona should not be left in a certain time and place.  All of the things he worked on up until his passing, led him to leave a legacy which we, the family, wish to continue building on for all people to enjoy and to stand for many generations to come.”

Maradona was the prime example of the hero’s journey:  He was the poor boy from Buenos Aires who reached the heights of global stardom but he never forgot his roots. He used his fame to help those in need, notably twice captaining teams in the “Match for Peace” – the match in aid of Pope Francis’ charity Scholas. Funds raised from this supported more than 400,000 educational centres and more than one million children and young people around the world.

The third “Match for Peace” is being held again in Rome this year on 14 November 2022, in tribute to Maradona.  For this reason, Maradona Global will be commencing work to launch a charitable foundation to honour his legacy. The Maradona Foundation will support social causes and charities around the world promoting justice, equity, diversity and inclusion, mental health and reducing economic inequality and the impact of climate change.

Matias Morla, CEO of Sattvica adds: “The death of Maradona sent sadness across the world. To many he is the greatest, and will be regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of football. This is why Maradona Global has been set up to preserve the Argentinian football star’s legacy in accordance with his wishes. People will continue to talk about him for decades to come because of the way he played the game.  His character on and off the pitch made his legend even greater, and I am very happy with our partnership with Podium Ventures for ensuring the legacy will live on.” 

For more information about Maradona Global visit: www.maradonaglobal.com