Diego Maradona Biography: The Rise, Fall, and Legacy of a Football Legend
Diego Maradona is one of the most legendary football players from Argentina and also one of the best footballers all over the world. He was one of those with super skills in dribbling, vision, and leadership, which saw him become a legend in football.
Personal Information
| Full name | Diego Armando Maradona |
| Date of birth | 30 October 1960 |
| Date of death | 25 November 2020 |
| Height | 5 ft 5 in |
| Position | Attacking midfielder |
| Nationality | Argentina |
Diego Maradona’s Family
Parents:
- Father: Diego Maradona Sr. (Don Diego), a hardworking factory worker.
- Mother: Dalma Salvadora Franco (Doña Tota), his closest supporter.
Siblings:
- Maradona was one of eight children, with five sisters and two brothers, Hugo and Raúl, who were also footballers.
Marriage:
- Married childhood sweetheart Claudia Villafañe in 1984 and divorced in 2004.
Children:
- Dalma (1987) and Gianinna (1989): Daughters with Claudia.
- Diego Sinagra (1986): Son with Cristiana Sinagra.
- Jana (1996): Daughter with Valeria Sabalain.
- Diego Fernando (2013): Son with Verónica Ojeda.
Grandchildren:
- His grandson, Benjamin Agüero, is the son of Gianinna and footballer Sergio Agüero.
Early Life of Diego Maradona
Childhood and Family Background
Born on October 30, 1960, in Villa Fiorito, a shantytown on the outskirts of Buenos Aires, Diego Armando Maradona grew up in a poor home. He was the fifth of eight children in a very close family and suffered financial hardship. However, love for football came early in his life when his first football was given to him at three years of age, and it was this that defined his life.
Early Talent and Youth Clubs
By the time he was eight years old, Maradona was spotted by a local team, Los Cebollitas, where his skills quickly separated him from the rest. He led the team to an unbeaten streak of 136 games, showing raw talent and getting attention from scouts all over Argentina.
The Professional Career of Maradona
Early Club Career
At 15 years of age, Maradona had his first game professionally for Argentinos Juniors back in 1976. In the next five years, this teenager scored 116 goals for 167 appearances, which shows how marvelous that was for any other young player. His performances at Argentinos Juniors sent him to Boca Juniors in 1981, where he won the Primera División title in his first season there.
European Stardom
He transferred to Europe in 1982 for a then-world record transfer fee to join FC Barcelona. Despite his disastrous stint in Spain with injuries and controversy, Maradona gave moments of glory in the few times he represented the team when they won the Copa del Rey.
In 1984, he moved to Napoli, a transfer that would describe his club career. Maradona at Napoli became a legendary figure as he led the team to its first-ever Serie A titles in 1987 and 1990, a Coppa Italia, and a UEFA Cup victory. He is a hero of Naples, much loved by fans for his exceptional skill and hard work.
Maradona’s International Career
Argentina’s Golden Boy
Maradona’s international career began in 1977, when he made his debut for the Argentina national team at just 16 years old.
The 1986 World Cup Triumph
He shone at his brightest in the 1986 FIFA World Cup, held in Mexico. With his team being the captain, Argentina won that world cup to enter the elite ranks of all-time football players.
The “Hand of God” Goal: A goal made against England by Maradona with his hand while playing against England in the quarterfinals remains the most memorable for controversy, however.
The “Goal of the Century“: Within minutes, Maradona was again seen to show his natural talent as he dribbled past five England players, scoring what has come to be known as the greatest goal in football history.
Diego Maradona: Career Stats
Diego Maradona’s football career is filled with legendary performances, iconic moments, and incredible achievements. Below are his detailed statistics across clubs, international games, and key tournaments.
Club Career Stats
| Club | Years | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Argentinos Juniors | 1976–1981 | 167 | 116 |
| Boca Juniors | 1981–1982, 1995–1997 | 70 | 35 |
| Barcelona | 1982–1984 | 58 | 38 |
| Napoli | 1984–1991 | 259 | 115 |
| Sevilla | 1992–1993 | 29 | 7 |
| Newell’s Old Boys | 1993–1994 | 5 | 0 |
Total (Club Career):
- Appearances: 588
- Goals: 311
International Career Stats (Argentina)
| Years | Caps | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| 1977–1994 | 91 | 34 |
Major Tournaments:
- FIFA World Cup Appearances: 4 (1982, 1986, 1990, 1994)
- Goals in World Cups: 8 (5 in 1986, 2 in 1982, 1 in 1994, none in 1990)
- Assists in World Cups: 8 (joint record for most assists in a single World Cup, 1986)
Key Achievements in Numbers
Club Achievements:
- Serie A Titles (Napoli): 2 (1986–87, 1989–90)
- Coppa Italia (Napoli): 1 (1986–87)
- UEFA Cup (Napoli): 1 (1988–89)
- Copa de la Liga (Barcelona): 1 (1983)
International Achievements:
- FIFA World Cup Winner (Argentina): 1 (1986)
- Runner-up: 1 (1990)
- FIFA World Youth Championship Winner: 1 (1979)
Individual Awards:
- Golden Ball (Best Player) – FIFA World Cup: 1986
- FIFA Goal of the Century: 2002 (for his solo goal against England in 1986)
- Ballon d’Or (Honorary): 1995
Iconic Moments in Stats
- “Hand of God” Goal (1986): Maradona scored this infamous goal against England in the quarterfinals of the 1986 World Cup.
- “Goal of the Century” (1986): In the same match, he scored a legendary solo goal, dribbling past five England players.
- World Cup 1986:
- Matches: 7
- Goals: 5
- Assists: 5
- Directly involved in 10 of Argentina’s 14 goals.
Legacy in Numbers
- Most Appearances for Napoli (At the Time of Retirement): 259
- Most Goals for Napoli (At the Time of Retirement): 115
- World Cup Matches Played: 21 (Spanning four tournaments)
Diego Maradona Jersey: A Symbol of Football Legend
Diego Maradona’s jerseys symbolize his legendary football career:
- Argentina Jersey: His No. 10 jersey from the 1986 World Cup, worn during the “Hand of God” and “Goal of the Century” moments, is one of the most iconic. It sold for $9.3 million at auction.
- Club Jerseys:
- Napoli: Dark blue No. 10 jersey, representing his peak years with two Serie A titles.
- Boca Juniors: Yellow and blue jersey, beloved by Maradona and fans alike.
- Barcelona: Red and blue striped jersey from his early European stint.
- Jersey Number: Maradona’s famous No. 10 became synonymous with creativity and genius, inspiring players like Lionel Messi.
Maradona’s Struggles and Controversies
The Dark Side of Fame
Maradona’s career did have the dark side of fame. Being under such immense pressure caused him to indulge in drugs and controversies on and off the field.
- Drug Scandal: In 1991, he tested positive for cocaine and received a 15-month suspension.
- 1994 World Cup: Maradona’s return to the World Cup ended abruptly after testing positive for ephedrine, tarnishing his legacy.
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Legal and Personal Issues
Maradona’s post-playing career was marked by legal battles, health issues, and tumultuous relationships. Despite these setbacks, his charisma and passion for football kept him in the public eye.
Post-Retirement Career
Coach Diego Maradona
After retiring as a player, Diego Maradona ventured into coaching, bringing his passion for football to the sidelines.
- Argentina National Team (2008–2010):
- Coached Argentina during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, where they reached the quarterfinals.
- His leadership was celebrated for motivating players, though his tactics faced criticism.
- Club Management:
- Al Wasl (UAE): Coached the team in 2011–2012, showcasing his global appeal.
- Dorados de Sinaloa (Mexico): Managed the second-division team in 2018–2019, leading them to playoff finals.
- Later Roles:
- Maradona also managed clubs like Racing Club (Argentina) and Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata (Argentina), demonstrating his enduring commitment to the sport.
Diego Maradona: Awards and Honors
Diego Maradona received numerous awards and honors throughout his legendary career, recognizing his unparalleled talent and contributions to football.
Individual Awards
- FIFA World Cup Golden Ball (1986)
- Awarded to the best player of the tournament, where he led Argentina to victory.
- FIFA Goal of the Century (2002)
- For his stunning solo goal against England in the 1986 World Cup quarterfinals.
- South American Footballer of the Year (1986, 1989, 1990)
- Recognized as the best player in South America multiple times.
- Ballon d’Or (Honorary) (1995)
- Awarded by France Football for his lifetime contributions to football, as he was ineligible during his career due to rules limiting the award to European players at the time.
- FIFA Player of the Century (2000)
- Joint winner with Pelé after a global vote.
- Serie A Top Scorer (1987–88)
- For his exceptional goal-scoring with Napoli.
Team Honors
- FIFA World Cup Champion (1986)
- Led Argentina to their second World Cup title.
- FIFA World Cup Runner-Up (1990)
- Helped Argentina reach the final.
- Serie A Champion (1986–87, 1989–90)
- Won two league titles with Napoli, the club’s first-ever Serie A victories.
- Coppa Italia Winner (1986–87)
- Secured Italy’s domestic cup with Napoli.
- UEFA Cup Winner (1988–89)
- Played a key role in Napoli’s triumph in Europe.
- Argentine Primera División Winner (1981)
- Won the league with Boca Juniors.
Posthumous Honors
- Napoli Stadium Renamed (2020)
- The Stadio San Paolo was renamed Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in his honor.
- Argentine National Mourning (2020)
- Argentina declared three days of mourning after his death, reflecting his cultural impact.
- UNESCO Champion for Sport (2005)
- Recognized for his efforts to promote social causes through football.
The Death of Diego Maradona
On November 25, 2020, Maradona died from an attack due to a heart that had attacked itself at the young age of 60. As an end was marked, accolades flowed around the world following his death. His death called on Argentina to celebrate three days of national mourning following his immense impression on the entire nation and his sport.
Maradona’s Legacy
The Eternal Football Icon
For football, Maradona has done the immeasurable. His talent, creativity, and enthusiasm for football are inspiring to both players and fans around the globe.
Cultural Phenomenon
Beyond football, Maradona became an icon—a cultural symbol of the triumph of talent over adversity. He is still worshipped in Naples as a god; numerous documentaries, songs, and tributes flow from this legacy.
Conclusion
What football fan will ever forget Diego Maradona, and what’s not forgotten is that for a short period of time, he was able to be one with the pitch, like a poet among players? His magical performance in 1986 during the World Cup will always be remembered, much like his unique talent for captivation, which still inspires many players today.
Legends’ Quotes on Maradona
“Diego was a magician with the ball. A legend on and off the pitch, he will never be forgotten.” -Pelé
“Even if I played for a million years, I’d never come close to Maradona. He’s the greatest there’s ever been.” -Lionel Messi
“Maradona is an idol to anyone who loves football. I watched him as a child, and he made me dream of becoming a player.” -Zinedine Zidane
“Today, I say goodbye to a friend, and the world says goodbye to an eternal genius. One of the best ever. An unmatched magician.” -Cristiano Ronaldo
“The best player of my generation, and arguably the greatest of all time. After a life of a blessed but troubled existence, hopefully, he’ll finally find some comfort in the hands of God.” -Gary Lineker
“There’s Pelé, there’s Maradona, and then there’s the rest of us.” -Michel Platini
FAQs
What were Maradona’s hobbies?
Diego Maradona’s hobbies included:
Music and Dancing: Enjoyed traditional Argentinian music like tango and cumbia and loved dancing at social gatherings.
Watching Sports: Passionate about football, boxing, and tennis.
Video Games: Developed an interest in gaming and was featured in popular football video games.
Charity Work: Actively engaged in philanthropy to support underprivileged communities.
Cooking and Food: Loved traditional Argentinian dishes and occasionally enjoyed cooking.
Collecting Memorabilia: Treasured football-related items like jerseys and signed balls.
Socializing and Storytelling: Thrived in sharing stories and connecting with people.
How Maradona got his nickname Hand of God?
Diego Maradona was nicknamed the “Hand of God” from the quarterfinal in the 1986 FIFA World Cup between Argentina and England. That was the moment when he scored with his hands and the punch was not watched by the referee. He was famously said to have scored a goal ‘a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the Hand of God.’ The contentious goal is now so famous that this incident has portrayed his cunning nature on the playground.
What ended Maradona’s career?
Maradona’s career was marred by injuries, weight problems, and doping bans, such as the 15-month suspension in 1991 and his expulsion from the 1994 World Cup for failing a drug test.
Why is Maradona removed from FIFA?
Maradona faced temporary removal from FIFA-affiliated events due to controversies, including his 1994 World Cup suspension and outspoken criticism of FIFA’s administration.
Why is Maradona so famous?
Maradona is famous for his extraordinary football skills, including leading Argentina to victory in the 1986 World Cup, where he scored the “Hand of God” and “Goal of the Century.” He’s also celebrated for his success with clubs like Napoli and his larger-than-life personality.
What was the cause of Maradona’s death?
Maradona died on November 25, 2020, due to a heart attack following long-standing health issues, including complications from brain surgery and a history of drug and alcohol addiction.
What Was Maradona’s Net Worth?
At the time of his death in 2020, Diego Maradona’s estimated net worth was around $500,000.
During his playing career, Maradona raked in millions from football contracts, endorsements, and sponsorships. However, court cases, tax disputes, and excessive spending significantly reduced his wealth. Even with all the financial troubles he had, his legacy as one of the best footballers ever remains priceless.
