Animated Glory for Maradona’s Legacy

By Pickle November 25, 2025

As Reliance Animation brings Diego Maradona’s story to life, the world is set to discover that some heroes never stop playing—they just change the field.

In a move that underscores both the international appeal of legendary sports figures and the surging capabilities of India’s Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics (AVGC) sector, Reliance Animation has announced the acquisition of global character IP rights to develop an animated series based on the life and legacy of football icon Diego Maradona. The ambitious project, now in development, promises to bring the story of one of the world’s most celebrated athletes to a new generation of viewers across streaming and television platforms.

A Story Worthy of Animation

Maradona’s journey from the dusty streets of Villa Fiorito, Buenos Aires, to the hallowed stadiums of world football is the stuff of legend. His career was a tapestry of dazzling triumphs, personal battles, and cultural impact that transcended sport. Now, for the first time, this remarkable narrative will be rendered through the transformative medium of animation, offering a fresh, intimate, and inspiring portrayal uniquely suited to global audiences of all ages.

Reliance Animation, a division of Reliance Entertainment, has secured these coveted rights in association with SATTVICA SA—the Argentina-based rights holder for Maradona’s IP—facilitated by Bridge Marketing Group Inc. The series will explore milestones in Maradona’s career, his personal challenges, and the indelible mark he left on world culture. The project aims to capture not just Maradona the footballer, but Maradona the man: resilient, passionate, and larger than life.

Industry Leaders Speak

“We are thrilled to bring the extraordinary story of Diego Maradona to a new generation through animation,” said Shibasish Sarkar, CEO of Reliance Entertainment. “His journey of resilience, passion, and achievement transcends sports, and we believe it will inspire audiences worldwide.”

Tejonidhi Bhandare, CEO of Reliance Animation, added, “This collaboration marks a landmark moment for Reliance Animation. Our team is committed to capturing the spirit, struggles, and triumphs of Maradona’s life in a way that resonates with viewers across ages and cultures.”

Rita Maradona, representing SATTVICA SA, is equally enthusiastic: “We, Diego’s sisters, are very happy and proud of this new project with such a prestigious company as Reliance. We hope all the children of the world will come to know our brother’s story.”

Samuel Nieto, CEO of Bridge Marketing Group Inc., the global licensing agent for the Diego Maradona brand, emphasized the project’s significance: “This partnership with Reliance Animation will help extend the legacy of the great Diego Maradona in the minds of future generations of young athletes around the world. It is going to be a beautiful story told through the magic of animation.”

India’s AVGC Sector: A Global Powerhouse

The Maradona project arrives at a time when India’s AVGC sector is gaining unprecedented global recognition. Indian animation studios are increasingly at the forefront of high-profile international projects, leveraging top-tier creative talent and cutting-edge technology. The sector has witnessed exponential growth over the past decade, propelled by supportive government policies, skilled professionals, and a vibrant ecosystem of studios and content creators.

Reliance Animation: At the Heart of India’s Creative Renaissance

Headquartered in Mumbai, Reliance Animation is a key player in the entertainment sector of the Reliance Group, with ventures spanning production, digital platforms, gaming, and music. The studio’s expanding portfolio of biographical and original content highlights its commitment to producing stories that inspire and entertain audiences worldwide.

The Maradona animated series is currently in development, with further announcements expected regarding its creative team, distribution platforms, and launch timeline. As anticipation mounts, the project is poised to not only celebrate Maradona’s legendary life but also showcase the creative and technological muscle of India’s animation industry on a global stage.

A Legacy for Future Generations

As the world eagerly awaits this unique retelling of Maradona’s life, the project stands as a testament to the power of storytelling, the universal appeal of sports, and the limitless potential of Indian animation. In bringing Maradona’s epic journey to screen, Reliance Animation is not just chronicling the story of a football legend—it is raising the bar for what Indian studios can achieve on the world stage.