Diego Maradona – Biography, Cause of Death, Stats and Net Worth

Diego Maradona, who died on November 25, 2020, at the age of 60, remains one of the most iconic and controversial figures in the history of football. Born in a Buenos Aires slum, his journey from poverty to global superstardom was marked by breathtaking skill, World Cup glory, and profound personal struggles. This article provides a comprehensive overview of his life, covering his full name and early years, the cause and circumstances of his death, his career statistics and legendary jersey number, his net worth at the time of his death, and the details of his family and children.

Who Was Diego Maradona? Full Name, Birth, and Early Life

His full name was Diego Armando Maradona Franco. He was born on October 30, 1960, in Lanús, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina, the fifth of eight children. Maradona grew up in Villa Fiorito, a poor slum on the outskirts of Buenos Aires.

His extraordinary talent was evident from a very young age. At just eight years old, he joined a youth team known as “Los Cebollitas” (The Little Onions). The team became famous for winning an astonishing 136 consecutive games. This early success earned him the lifelong nickname “El Pibe de Oro”, or The Golden Boy.

Key Insights into Maradona’s Life

• Maradona is consistently ranked among the greatest footballers of all time, alongside Pelé and Lionel Messi.
• His death was officially ruled a heart attack, but subsequent investigations raised questions about the quality of his medical care.
• He made the number 10 jersey iconic for both the Argentina national team and for clubs like Napoli.
• Despite earning tens of millions during his career, he faced severe financial difficulties, with his net worth at death estimated at only around $500,000.
• He had eight children from six different partners, and his estate has been the subject of a complex and public legal battle.

Snapshot Facts About Diego Maradona

When and How Did Diego Maradona Die? Cause of Death

Diego Maradona died on November 25, 2020, at his home in Dique Luján, Buenos Aires Province. He was 60 years old. The official cause of death was acute pulmonary edema secondary to congestive heart failure, which is commonly described as a heart attack or sudden cardiac arrest.

While the immediate medical cause was a heart attack, the events surrounding his death have been subject to intense legal scrutiny. A medical board later determined that his treatment in the period leading up to his death was “deficient and reckless,” as reported by BBC Sport. Seven people, including his neurosurgeon and nurses, were subsequently put on trial in Argentina for alleged negligent homicide.

Diego Maradona Career Stats, Jersey Number, and Club History

Club Career Goals and Appearances

Maradona made his professional debut for Argentinos Juniors at just 15 years old. He went on to play for six clubs in total, with his most famous and successful period coming at Napoli in Italy. His career spanned from 1976 to 1997.

In total, he scored 259 goals in 490 official club games. He was also the first player in history to be transferred for a world-record fee twice: £5 million to Barcelona in 1982 and £6.9 million to Napoli in 1984, as recorded by Wikipedia.

International Career with Argentina

Maradona made his debut for the Argentina national team in February 1977 at age 16. Over his international career, he earned 91 caps and scored 34 goals. His crowning achievement was captaining Argentina to victory in the 1986 FIFA World Cup. In that tournament, he scored two iconic goals against England in the same match: the controversial “Hand of God” goal and the “Goal of the Century,” which FIFA later voted the greatest goal in World Cup history. The FIFA Museum describes his performance as defining an era.

The Significance of Jersey Number 10

Throughout the vast majority of his career, Maradona wore the number 10 jersey for both his clubs and the Argentina national team. He briefly wore number 9 during the 1977 South American Youth Championship, but it was his association with the number 10 that made it iconic. In honor of his legacy, the jersey number has been retired by both SSC Napoli and the Argentine Football Association. His nicknames include “D10S,” a clever pun that combines the Spanish word for “God” (Dios) with his jersey number.

Diego Maradona Net Worth: How Much Did He Earn?

Despite earning tens of millions of dollars during his peak playing years, Maradona’s finances were in a troubled state at the time of his death. Estimates of his net worth vary significantly.

At the time of his death, most credible sources, including International Business Times and BBC News, estimated his net worth to be between $100,000 and $500,000. This low figure was attributed to years of debt, addiction struggles, unpaid taxes, and legal troubles. During his time at Napoli alone, he was reported to have earned roughly $43 million in wages, a sum equivalent to about $100 million today.

However, his posthumous estate is a different matter. Some Argentine media have speculated that the value of his image rights, properties, and future licensing deals could be worth between $75 million and $150 million. The exact figure is the subject of ongoing legal proceedings among his eight children.

Diego Maradona’s Children and Family Life

Maradona had eight children from six different partners, a fact that has made the settlement of his estate particularly complex.

• 4 in Argentina: Including Dalma and Giannina, with his ex-wife Claudia Villafañe, to whom he was married from 1989 to 2004.
• 1 in Italy: Cristiano Jr., with Cristiana Sinagra. His paternity was legally established.
• 3 in Cuba: Born during his time living in Cuba while undergoing treatment for drug addiction.

His eight children are the legal heirs to his estate, and the division of assets—including potential future earnings from his image—is being managed in a complex inheritance trial in Argentina.

Maradona’s Legacy: The Hand of God and Cultural Impact

Diego Maradona’s legacy is a tapestry of genius, flaw, and profound cultural influence. He is widely regarded as one of the two greatest footballers of the 20th century, alongside Pelé, an honor they shared as co-winners of the FIFA Best Player of the 20th Century award.

His impact extends far beyond statistics. In Naples, he is revered as a deity for leading Napoli to its first Serie A titles. In Argentina, he is a national symbol of pride and resilience. The “Hand of God” goal—a deliberate handball that he cheekily attributed to divine intervention—encapsulates his mix of skill, cunning, and charisma. After his playing days, he managed seven different clubs, including the Argentina national team during the 2010 World Cup.

His later life was marred by well-documented struggles with cocaine addiction, obesity, and health problems. A religion of sorts has even been founded in his honor, the “Church of Maradona,” whose followers celebrate his life and achievements.

Key Dates in Diego Maradona’s Life and Career

1. 30 Oct 1960: Born in Lanús, Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina.
2. 20 Oct 1976: Professional debut for Argentinos Juniors at age 15.
3. 1981: Transferred to Boca Juniors.
4. 1982: Moved to FC Barcelona for a then-world record fee.
5. 1984: Joined SSC Napoli; led them to their first Serie A title in 1987.
6. 1986: Won the FIFA World Cup with Argentina; scored ‘Hand of God’ and ‘Goal of the Century’ vs England.
7. 1990: Led Argentina to World Cup final, lost to West Germany.
8. 1991: Failed drug test for cocaine, suspended 15 months.
9. 1997: Retired from professional football after a brief return with Boca Juniors.
10. 2008-2010: Managed the Argentina national team.
11. 25 Nov 2020: Died of a heart attack at age 60.

What Is Known and What Remains Unclear About Maradona’s Life

What the Sources Say About Maradona

Archival material from official football bodies provides some of the most authoritative statements on his legacy. Britannica notes that he is “generally regarded as the top footballer of the 1980s and one of the greatest of all time.”

Maradona’s skill, vision and ability to carry a team single-handedly made him perhaps the most complete player in history.

— FIFA.com

The circumstances of his death are also well documented. BBC Sport reported on the medical board’s findings, which labeled his final medical treatment as “deficient and reckless.” This has led to a criminal trial in Argentina to determine if there was criminal negligence involved in his care.

Maradona’s death was caused by a heart attack, but a medical board later determined his treatment was ‘deficient and reckless’.

— BBC Sport

Summary: The Enduring Complexity of Diego Maradona

Diego Maradona was a figure of immense extremes: a genius on the pitch who conquered the world, and a deeply flawed man off it who struggled with addiction and financial ruin. His life story is defined by the 1986 World Cup, the number 10 jersey, and a legacy so powerful that it has spawned its own church. Whether measured by his career stats, his net worth, or the number of his children, every facet of his life invites both awe and scrutiny. The legal proceedings regarding his death and his estate ensure that his story continues to evolve.

Frequently Asked Questions About Diego Maradona