Biography
Diego Armando Maradona (1960-2020) was an Argentine football legend widely considered one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. Born in Lanús, Argentina, his extraordinary talent was evident early on, leading him to join the youth ranks of Argentinos Juniors and make his professional debut at just 16 years old.
His incredible skill, vision, and dribbling defined Maradona‘s career. He played for several prestigious clubs, including Argentinos Juniors, Boca Juniors, Barcelona, and most famously, Napoli. At Napoli, he became a true icon, guiding the club to its first-ever Serie A titles in 1987 and 1990, cementing his place in the hearts of Neapolitan fans.
On the international stage, Diego Maradona‘s legacy was solidified by leading Argentina to victory in the 1986 FIFA World Cup. During that tournament, he scored two of football’s most unforgettable goals against England: the infamous “Hand of God” and the brilliant “Goal of the Century.” He also captained Argentina to the 1990 FIFA World Cup final, though they were defeated by West Germany.
Maradona‘s life off the pitch was marked by personal struggles, including battles with drug addiction, obesity, and health issues, which often overshadowed his football brilliance. Despite these challenges, his influence on the sport and beyond remains profound. Maradona was more than just a footballer—he was a cultural icon who impacted politics, art, and social issues, particularly in Argentina and Naples.
Diego Maradona passed away on November 25, 2020, but his legacy as a footballing legend and global figure continues to inspire generations.
Argentine football player
Diego Maradona |
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 Diego Maradona: History ‧ Bio ‧ Photo |
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| Wiki Facts & About Data | |
| Real Name: | Diego Armando Maradona |
| Stage Name: | Diego Maradona |
| Born: | 30 October 1960 (age 60 years old) |
| Place of Birth: | Lanús, Argentina |
| Died: | 25 November 2020 (age 60 years), Dique Luján, Argentina |
| Nationality: | Argentine |
| Education: | N/A |
| Height: | 1.65 m |
| Parents: | Diego Maradona Senior (Chitoro), Dalma Salvadora Franco |
| Siblings: | Hugo Maradona, Raúl Maradona, Rita Maradona, Elsa Maradona, Maria Rosa Maradona, Ana Maria Maradona, Claudia Maradona |
| Spouse: | Claudia Villafañe (m. 1989–2004) |
| Girlfriend • Partner: | Evangelina Anderson (2006), Belén Francese (2005), Veronica Ojeda (2013), Silvina Luna (2005), Cristiana Sinagra (1985), Lucía Galán (1981-1982), Merle Uribe, Rocio Oliva (2014) |
| Children: | Dalma Maradona, Giannina Maradona, Javielito Maradona, Lu Maradona, Joana Maradona, Diego Sinagra, Jana Maradona |
| Occupation: | Footballer |
| Net Worth: | $100 million (USD) |
Early Life & Education
Diego Maradona was born on October 30, 1960, in Lanús, Buenos Aires, Argentina. He grew up in the impoverished neighbourhood of Villa Fiorito, where he honed his remarkable football skills playing in the streets with friends.
Maradona‘s heritage was a mix of Spanish, Italian, and Croatian roots, reflecting Argentina’s diverse immigrant background. There were also suggestions of him having Indigenous ancestry, with his darker complexion earning him the label “morocho,” a term that led to instances of racial abuse during his youth. While specific details of his religious beliefs are not widely documented, it is generally assumed he was raised Catholic, given Argentina’s predominantly Catholic culture.
Diego Maradona‘s parents, Diógenes Maradona and Dalma Salvadora Franco, played a crucial role in his early life. His father worked in a chemicals factory, while his mother was a domestic worker. Both supported his football talent, encouraging him to focus on the sport rather than work. Maradona had six siblings, including his brother Hugo Maradona, who also pursued a football career, Raúl Maradona, Rita Maradona, Elsa Maradona, Maria Rosa Maradona, Ana Maria Maradona, and Claudia Maradona.
Maradona‘s formal education was limited due to his early football career. He joined the youth academy of Argentinos Juniors at age 10 and made his professional debut at just 16, suggesting that his education was likely secondary to his intense focus on football development.
Career
Diego Maradona‘s career is one of the most iconic in football history, defined by extraordinary talent, dramatic highs, and personal struggles. He began his professional journey with Argentinos Juniors in 1976 at just 16, quickly rising to stardom with his incredible dribbling, vision, and passing abilities.
In 1981, he joined Boca Juniors, where he won his first league title. The following year, Maradona transferred to Barcelona for a then-record fee. Despite impressive performances, his time in Spain was marred by injuries and controversies, though he did lead Barcelona to a Copa del Rey victory in 1983. A serious injury ultimately cut his stint short, leading to a move to Napoli in Italy in 1984.
Maradona‘s time at Napoli is often regarded as the pinnacle of his career. He transformed the club from a mid-table side into a dominant force, guiding Napoli to their first-ever Serie A titles in 1987 and 1990. He also led them to a UEFA Cup victory in 1989 and the Italian Cup in 1987. Maradona‘s impact on Napoli extended beyond football; he became a symbol of pride and hope for the city, cementing his legendary status in Italian football.
Internationally, Diego Maradona‘s role with the Argentina national team is the stuff of legend. He was instrumental in Argentina’s 1986 FIFA World Cup triumph, where his performances, particularly against England in the quarter-finals, became historic. He scored the controversial “Hand of God” goal, followed by the “Goal of the Century,” where he dribbled past nearly the entire English team. In 1990, he captained Argentina to another World Cup final, though they lost to West Germany. His 1994 World Cup campaign ended in controversy when he was sent home after failing a drug test.
After his glory days at Napoli, Maradona‘s career began to decline due to injuries, suspensions for drug use, and personal struggles. He had brief spells with Sevilla in Spain, Newell’s Old Boys in Argentina, and a return to Boca Juniors before retiring in 1997.
In his post-playing days, Maradona took up coaching with mixed success. He managed clubs like Dorados de Sinaloa in Mexico, Fujairah FC in the UAE, and Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata, where he coached until his passing.
Diego Maradona‘s legacy is multifaceted. He is celebrated as one of the greatest football talents of all time, revered for his creativity, passion, and unforgettable moments on the pitch. However, his career was also marked by well-known battles with addiction and personal challenges, adding complexity to his enduring legacy.
Awards & Recognitions
- FIFA Player of the 20th Century: Maradona was one of two joint winners of this prestigious award, highlighting his status as one of the greatest players ever.
- FIFA World Cup Golden Ball: He won this award for being the best player at the World Cup in both 1986 and 1990, making him one of only three players to achieve this feat twice.
- FIFA Goal of the Century: His solo run against England in the 1986 World Cup was voted the Goal of the Century by FIFA.
- South American Footballer of the Year: Maradona received this award multiple times, showcasing his dominance in the region.
- Serie A Top Scorer: In the 1987-88 season, he scored 15 goals, leading the Serie A in scoring.
- Italian Football Championship: Won with Napoli in 1987 and 1990, marking the first and only times Napoli has won the Serie A.
- UEFA Cup: Won with Napoli in 1989.
- Copa del Rey: Won with Barcelona in 1983.
- Spanish Super Cup: Also won with Barcelona in 1983.
- Argentine Primera División: Won with Boca Juniors in 1981.
- FIFA World Youth Championship: Led Argentina to victory in 1979, where he was also named the best player of the tournament.
- Olimpia de Oro: Awarded as the best Argentine sportsman of the year in 1979-80.
- Honorary Ballon d’Or: Received in 1995 for his contributions to football.
- Doctorate Honoris Causa: Although not widely publicized, there was mention of him receiving an honorary doctorate.
- Golden Ball at the World Cup: Besides 1986 and 1990, he was also recognized for his performance in other tournaments.
- Posthumous Recognitions: After his death, numerous tributes and recognitions have been made in his honor, including awards named after him, like the “Diego Maradona Award” for the top goal scorer of the year.
Personal Life
Diego Maradona married Claudia Villafañe on November 7, 1984, in Buenos Aires. Their relationship began when Claudia was 17, and they were married for 20 years before divorcing in 2004. Although they initially remained on friendly terms, even taking vacations together, their post-divorce relationship eventually deteriorated due to financial disputes, leading to legal battles over the alleged misappropriation of funds by Villafañe.
Maradona and Villafañe had two daughters together: Dalma Nerea Maradona, born in April 1987, and Giannina Dinorah Maradona, born in May 1989. In addition to his daughters with Claudia, Maradona later acknowledged fathering several other children, including Diego Sinagra, from an affair with Cristiana Sinagra. In 2019, Maradona also recognized three Cuban children—Joana Maradona, Lu Maradona, and Javielito Maradona including Jana Maradona—bringing his total number of acknowledged children to eight.
Standing at 5 feet 5 inches, Maradona‘s physical stature was often remarked upon, given his dominant presence on the football field. Throughout his life, Maradona‘s personal relationships were highly publicized, and he was known for his numerous romantic involvements.
In addition to his marriage to Claudia Villafañe, Diego Maradona was engaged to Rocio Oliva in 2014. He also had relationships with Veronica Ojeda (2013), Silvina Luna (2005), Cristiana Sinagra (1985), Lucía Galán (1981–1982), and Merle Uribe. Maradona was rumoured to have been involved with Evangelina Anderson (2006) and Belén Francese (2005).
Cause of Death
Diego Maradona passed away on November 25, 2020, at the age of 60. The preliminary autopsy reports determined the cause of death to be acute pulmonary edema resulting from chronic heart failure. This condition was aggravated by Maradona‘s long history of health issues, including heart problems, which were likely compounded by his battles with cocaine and alcohol addiction.
Following his death, investigations raised serious concerns about the medical care he received. A panel of medical experts criticized Maradona‘s medical team as “deficient, reckless, and indifferent,” noting that the care he received after brain surgery for a blood clot was inadequate.
This negligence potentially contributed to his death, as better medical supervision might have improved his chances of survival. At the time of his death, there were no indications of recent alcohol or drug use, leading to a focus on his chronic health conditions and their management.
Net Worth
At his peak, Diego Maradona‘s net worth was estimated to be around $100 million. However, his financial situation fluctuated significantly over the years due to lavish spending, legal disputes, and substantial tax debts. By the time of his death, some reports suggested his net worth had diminished to around $50 million or even less, owing to complex financial management and lifestyle choices.
During his prime, Maradona commanded some of the highest salaries in football. When he transferred to Barcelona in 1982, he reportedly earned around $1 million annually, a record-breaking figure at the time. His move to Napoli in 1984 saw his earnings increase to an estimated $2 million per year, once again setting new standards for player wages. Over his time at Napoli, his salary continued to rise, reflecting both his value to the club and his global marketability.
In addition to his club salary, Maradona‘s marketability brought in substantial income from endorsements. He had lucrative deals with brands such as Puma and Coca-Cola, further boosting his wealth. Maradona generated income after his playing career ended through coaching roles, media appearances, and occasional endorsement deals. However, his financial situation remained precarious at times, largely due to ongoing tax issues, legal battles, and a lifestyle characterized by extravagant spending.
Maradona faced numerous financial troubles, including tax evasion charges in Italy, which resulted in fines and a suspended prison sentence. His lifestyle, marked by generous gifts, parties, and financial support for friends and family, contributed to the fluctuations in his wealth throughout his life.
