O QUE VOCÊ FARIA SE PABLO ESCOBAR TE CONVOCASSE PRA UM JOGO NA PRISÃO? | #RadarPELEJA 170

Summary

The script delves into the fascinating intersection of football and crime in 1990s Colombia, where Pablo Escobar, the notorious drug kingpin, used his influence to host legendary players like René Higuita, Carlos Valderrama, and even Diego Maradona at his luxurious prison, 'La Catedral.' Despite his criminal empire, Escobar remained passionate about the sport. The story also includes a disputed account of Maradona allegedly playing a match in Escobar’s prison, which Maradona later denied. This tale highlights the blending of Colombian football culture with the influence of the Medellín Cartel during a tumultuous period in the nation's history.

Takeaways

• 😀 Pablo Escobar, the infamous drug lord, was deeply passionate about football, which influenced Colombian football during the 1980s.
• 😀 After winning the 1989 Copa Libertadores, Colombia’s national team achieved its best World Cup performance in 1990, with a significant influence from Escobar.
• 😀 Escobar’s love for football led him to build a luxurious prison called La Catedral, where he continued his lavish lifestyle while confined.
• 😀 La Catedral prison had amenities like a nightclub, a bar, a football field, and a jacuzzi, allowing Escobar to live like a king even while imprisoned.
• 😀 To alleviate boredom, Escobar began inviting famous football stars to play in his prison, including Colombian football legend René Higuita.
• 😀 Another notable player who visited Escobar's prison was Carlos ‘El Pibe’ Valderrama, another star of Colombian football.
• 😀 The story of Diego Maradona playing football in La Catedral is a legendary and controversial one, with some questioning its authenticity.
• 😀 Maradona was allegedly invited to play by a mediator, and upon arriving in Colombia, he was blindfolded and taken to Escobar’s prison without knowing who he was meeting.
• 😀 Maradona reportedly played a game of football with Escobar's associates and was paid handsomely before leaving the following morning, though some say this story is exaggerated.
• 😀 In a 2019 interview, Maradona denied the story, calling it a fabrication, but it remains one of the most enduring legends of football and drug cartels.

Q & A

What is the significance of Pablo Escobar in the context of Colombian football?

Pablo Escobar, the notorious drug kingpin, had a significant influence on Colombian football during the 1980s and early 1990s. He was passionate about the sport and used his immense wealth and power to support football, including inviting top players to his luxurious prison, La Catedral, to play in private matches.

What happened to Colombian football in the late 1980s and early 1990s?

During this period, Colombian football experienced a golden era. In 1989, Atlético Nacional won the Copa Libertadores, the first by a Colombian club, and in 1990, the Colombian national team progressed to the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup for the first time.

Why did Pablo Escobar prefer to stay in Colombia rather than face extradition to the United States?

Escobar famously stated that he would rather die in a hole in Colombia than be extradited to the United States. This sentiment led to his negotiation with Colombian authorities, which allowed him to build his own prison, La Catedral, under very lenient conditions.

What was La Catedral, and what made it different from a typical prison?

La Catedral was a luxurious prison that Escobar personally designed and built. Unlike typical prisons, it featured a nightclub, a bar, a jacuzzi, and even a football pitch. Escobar was allowed to live in comfort, surrounded by his guards and protected by his own security.

How did Escobar's prison, La Catedral, remain a secret despite its luxury?

Escobar’s prison was kept relatively secret because he used his power and influence to ensure that everything within the prison was under his control. Even though it was a well-guarded compound, Escobar held extravagant parties and played football matches with famous Colombian footballers without drawing public attention.

Which famous footballers visited Escobar in La Catedral?

Among the famous footballers who visited Escobar in La Catedral were René Higuita, a legendary Colombian goalkeeper, and Carlos Valderrama, the country's most iconic footballer. Both were involved in playing football matches with Escobar during his time in prison.

Was it true that Diego Maradona played football at La Catedral?

According to some reports, Diego Maradona did visit Escobar’s prison to play football. However, in an interview in 2019, Maradona denied the story, claiming it was a fabrication. Some sources suggest it might have been a myth, while others claim it was a real event, albeit surrounded by secrecy.

How did Maradona come to play at La Catedral according to the reports?

Reports suggest that Maradona was contacted by a mediator, who promised him a large sum of money to play a football match in Colombia. Unaware of Escobar’s identity, Maradona agreed, only to be blindfolded and transported to La Catedral. Upon arrival, he was introduced to Escobar, though he did not initially know who he was.

Why did Maradona claim he never visited La Catedral despite the reports?

In 2019, Maradona denied the story of visiting La Catedral, calling it a lie. He claimed he never went to Escobar’s prison and even expressed confusion over the reports, suggesting that the entire narrative was a fabrication or an exaggerated myth.

What role did drug trafficking play in the rise of Colombian football during the 1980s?

The drug trade played a crucial role in Colombian football's rise. The immense wealth generated by drug cartels like Escobar's allowed them to invest in football clubs and players. This financial backing helped elevate Colombian football to an international level, contributing to the success of clubs like Atlético Nacional and the national team.