Buenos Aires - Former Argentine footballing star Diego Maradona got the vote from the country's sporting journalists on Tuesday as Argentina's sportsman of the century.
Rugby star Gonzalo Quesada was voted sports personality for 1999 - but there was no question of anyone other than Maradona getting the overall vote, largely for lifting the 1986 World Cup almost single-handed - his slamdunk goal against England in the quarterfinals followed by a brilliant second which will live in the memory.
Maradona, who courted controversy throughout a tempestuous career with Boca Juniors, before European stardom with Barcelona and Napoli, was present at a special ceremony on Monday night at Quilmes near Buenos Aires to honour his achievements.
"Long live Argentine sport, which is a healthy sport," said Maradona, who said the award was "the best prize of my life and which makes me feel very proud."
Maradona, who was accompanied to the ceremony by wife Claudia and daughters Dalma and Yanina, saw off competition from Formula One driver Juan Manuel Fangio, tennis star Guillermo Vilas, boxer Carlos Monzon and golfer Roberto De Vicenzo. - Sapa-AFP