International Career: Argentina (1977–1994)

Major Honors:  FIFA World Cup (1986), Coppa Italia (1986–87), Serie A (1986–87, 1989–90), UEFA Cup (1988–89), Supercoppa Italiana (1990)

Individual Honors: FIFA World Player of the Year (1986), Onze d’Or (1986, 1987), South American Footballer of the Year (1979, 1980, 1986), Argentine Footballer of the Year (1979, 1980, 1981, 1986, 1989, 1990, 1992), Serie A Footballer of the Year (1985, 1986, 1990), European Golden Shoe (1985–86), Golden Ball (1986 FIFA World Cup), Goal of the Century (1986 FIFA World Cup vs. England)

Nicknames: El Pibe de Oro (The Golden Kid), D10S (a play on the Spanish word for “God”, Dios, with Maradona’s jersey number 10)

Diego Armando Maradona, an Argentine football legend, was born on October 30, 1960, and passed away on November 25, 2020. He is widely considered one of the greatest footballers in history, sharing the FIFA Player of the 20th Century award with Pelé.

Maradona was renowned for his exceptional skills as an advanced playmaker, playing in the classic number 10 role. His vision, ball control, dribbling, and passing abilities were unrivaled, amplified by his low center of gravity due to his small stature. He was a prolific goal-scorer and a free-kick specialist. Maradona earned the nickname “El Pibe de Oro” (The Golden Boy), which defined his footballing genius.

His club career featured stints with Argentinos Juniors, Boca Juniors, Barcelona, Napoli, Sevilla, and Newell’s Old Boys. He broke transfer fee records twice, moving to Barcelona in 1982 for £5 million and to Napoli in 1984 for £6.9 million. His time at Napoli was especially memorable, leading the club to two Serie A titles.

In international football, Maradona earned 91 caps for Argentina, scoring 34 goals. He captained the national team to victory in the 1986 World Cup, with one of the most iconic moments being the “Hand of God” goal and the “Goal of the Century” in the quarter-final against England.

Maradona later ventured into coaching, leading Argentina in the 2010 World Cup and taking on various club coaching roles, including Al Wasl and Dorados. He was coaching Gimnasia de La Plata when he tragically passed away in 2020.

Despite his exceptional talent and accomplishments on the field, Maradona’s life was marked by controversies, including issues with substance abuse. His legacy in football remains indelible, as he continues to be celebrated as an extraordinary and unforgettable figure in the sport’s history.

Personal Life

Diego Maradona, born to a Roman Catholic family, had a complex personal life. He was married to Claudia Villafañe in 1989, and they had two daughters, Dalma Nerea and Gianinna Dinorah. However, their marriage ended in divorce in 2004, but both remained on friendly terms, occasionally appearing together at events, even after their separation. During the divorce proceedings, Maradona acknowledged his paternity of Diego Sinagra, who was born in Naples in 1986. Italian courts had already confirmed this fact in 1993. Maradona and Sinagra finally met in 2003.

Maradona’s relationship with his immediate family was close, and he maintained strong connections with his parents and siblings, often spending a significant amount on international calls to stay in touch. His mother, Dalma, passed away in 2011 while Maradona was in Dubai, unable to make it in time for her farewell. His father, “Don” Diego, also passed away in 2015.

Maradona’s personal life was marked by ups and downs. He faced allegations of assaulting his girlfriend, Rocío Oliva, in 2014, which he denied. He also had a great-nephew, Hernán López, who pursued a career in professional football. Despite the complexities of his personal life, Maradona’s close ties with his family members were a significant aspect of his life, and he continued to be a beloved figure both on and off the football field.

Diego Armando Maradona’s Net Worth 

Diego Armando Maradona’s net worth at the time of his death in 2020 was estimated to be around $100,000. He was one of the greatest footballers of all time, but he also struggled with financial problems throughout his life.

Maradona earned a lot of money during his playing career, but he also spent a lot of money on gambling, drugs, and alcohol. He also had a long-running dispute with the Italian government over unpaid taxes.

In addition to his financial problems, Maradona also had a number of personal problems. He was addicted to drugs for many years, and he also had a number of failed relationships.

Despite his personal and financial problems, Maradona was still a beloved figure in Argentina and around the world. He is considered to be one of the greatest footballers of all time, and his “Hand of God” goal against England in the 1986 FIFA World Cup is one of the most iconic moments in football history.

It is important to note that there is some uncertainty about Maradona’s net worth at the time of his death. Some sources estimate that his net worth was actually much higher, perhaps as much as $90 million. However, these estimates are based on speculation, and there is no concrete evidence to support them.

It is also worth noting that Maradona’s estate is currently in dispute. He died without a will, and a number of people are claiming to be his heirs. This dispute is likely to continue for some time, and it is unclear how much money Maradona’s rightful heirs will eventually receive.

Diego Armando Maradona’s Death

Diego Maradona’s passing unfolded in a series of events. On November 2, 2020, he was initially hospitalized in La Plata, reportedly for psychological concerns. Despite initial assurances that his condition was not serious, a day later, Maradona underwent emergency brain surgery to address a subdural hematoma. Following the surgery, he was released from the hospital on November 12 and continued medical supervision as an outpatient.

However, the world was shocked on November 25 when, at the age of 60, Maradona experienced cardiac arrest and peacefully passed away in his sleep at his residence in Dique Luján, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina.

In the aftermath of his death, Maradona’s coffin, adorned with Argentina’s national flag and three of his iconic number 10 shirts (from Argentinos Juniors, Boca Juniors, and the Argentine national team), was displayed at the Presidential Palace, Casa Rosada. Mourners from around the world paid their respects as they filed past his coffin.

The next day, his wake, attended by tens of thousands, was curtailed due to fans taking over an inner courtyard and clashing with the police. Subsequently, a private funeral service was held, and Diego Maradona was laid to rest beside his parents in the Jardín de Bella Vista cemetery in Bella Vista, Buenos Aires. His passing marked the end of an era for football and left a profound impact on fans and admirers worldwide.