Argentine legend Diego Maradona has been voted the best athlete in history by readers of Corriere dello Sport.

The Italian daily’s survey follows a special playoff format which places random famous athletes in a head-to-head vote count among readers which has 16 rounds.

Maradona, currently in charge of UAE Pro League club Al Wasl, beat MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi in the final round, by an overwhelming 2:1 vote ratio.

Upon hearing he had won, Maradona said, “I’m glad to receive this award. Especially since it is by people, who admire you and follow you without any ulterior motives. I’m happy. And more so because I was in Italy, a great country.”

‘El Diego’ faced stiff competition on the way to the final, beating the likes of Jamaican sprint king Usain Bolt and Michael Jordan, arguably the greatest basketball player of all-time.

Maradona reached legendary status during his time in Italy with perennial underachievers Napoli with whom he spent seven successful seasons between 1984-1991, winning the Serie A Scudetto twice, the Italian Cup, the UEFA Cup and the Italian Super Cup.

“I like to think that what I did in Italy is not lost in the memories of fans. Of all the fans, not only of Naples,” said the 51-year old, who is currently in the frame for the UAE coaching job.

In contrast to Maradona, Argentina’s current footballing icon and Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi couldn’t get past the second round after he was beaten by Formula One legend and seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher.