DUBAI // Having spent the best part of his life playing to the crowd, Diego Maradona was back in his element: the obvious object of attention, the undoubted darling of proceedings.
The Argentine may have hung up his boots some time ago and later this year will celebrate his 54th birthday, but there was little to suggest on the set of The Victorious that his star has begun to wane.
Fronting the football reality television show, shot at Dubai’s Sports City, Maradona acts as judge alongside Rabah Madjer and Hany Ramzy, distinguished former footballers with Algeria and Egypt, respectively, as a collection of aspiring Arab youngsters battle for a professional contract with either Real Madrid or Juventus. Think football-meets-Arab Idol.
The stakes are high, yet on the programme’s first “prime” here, on Saturday – the recorded show airs on Dubai Sports tonight – Maradona did his utmost to keeps things light-hearted.
The 1986 World Cup winner arrived to rapturous applause from the audience, the majority of whom are too young to remember this little man’s gargantuan feats as arguably the game’s greatest player.
In his new guise, he provided another virtuoso display. Breaks in filming were filled with Maradona cajoling the crowd and joking with the show’s contestants; he even found time to indulge in a spot of Latin dancing, much to everyone’s delight. He was in high spirits throughout, no doubt buoyed by the presence of his daughter, Dalma, who is in Dubai to mark her 27th birthday.
The tagline for the show, which runs until the week before this summer’s World Cup, is The Victorious – the No 1. In Maradona, it clearly has a rival for that claim.
jmcauley@thenational.ae
Follow us on Twitter @SprtNationalUAE
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 420hp
Torque: 623Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)
On sale: Now
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
The specs
Engine: Dual 180kW and 300kW front and rear motors
Power: 480kW
Torque: 850Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh359,900 ($98,000)
On sale: Now
Analysis
Members of Syria's Alawite minority community face threat in their heartland after one of the deadliest days in country’s recent history. Read more
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
