NEO Studios partners with Diego Maradona’s son for docuseries

NEO Studios and Italian production company Roma Press have partnered with Diego Maradona Jr. to make a docuseries about his father.

Based on an original concept by well-known journalist Gabriele Parpiglia, He Was My Father will chronicle the experiences of Diego Jr. growing up as the unknown son of Maradona. Maradona denied paternity for almost three decades until 2016, with the pair then strengthening their relationship in the four years until his death.

Unable to attend his father’s funeral due to COVID-19, He Was My Father follows Diego Jr. as he travels to Argentina to gain insight into his father’s life off the pitch. The four-part docuseries will look at the pair’s complex relationship, the emotional challenges Diego Jr. faced growing up with a father who refused to acknowledge him and living in his father’s shadow, before highlighting their special bond, reconciliation, and the time they shared before Maradona’s passing.

He Was My Father will also feature never-before-released recordings of Maradona, as well as interviews with his family, friends and former teammates. 

Diego Jr. said: “My father lived in the public eye, with all the controversy and speculation that goes along with that. Though it was a challenging road, it was also a great one that ultimately brought us together. It was important to me to set the record straight and to share my story – which is also my mother’s story – while honoring the true legacy of my father, Diego Maradona.”

Anouk Mertens, global CEO of NEO Studios, added: “Maradona is widely regarded as one of the best soccer players of all time, but his life off the field was sensational as well, often drawing criticism. Through the lens of his first-born son, viewers will get unprecedented access into Maradona’s life and impact on sport. We’re excited for Diego Jr. to finally share his story, as he honors his father’s legacy.”