Diego Maradona Biography, Age, Career, Net Worth and Death

Diego Armando Maradona Franco was an Argentine international footballer and manager. He is regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time alongside Brazilian footballer Pepe. He was often times referred to as the Golden boy for his outstanding performance in the pitch. Diego Maradona was born on 30 October 1960 in Evita Hospital, Lanús, Buenos Aires, Argentina. His father was Diego Maradona “Chitoro while his mother was Dalma Salvadora Franco ‘Doña Tota

Maradona Profile

Name	Maradona
Real Name	Diego Armando Maradona Franco
Date of Birth	30 October 1960
Age	60 years (2020)
Nationality	Argentina
Occupation	Professional footballer, Coach
Spouse	Claudia Villafañe
Net Worth	$100,000

Club Career

Diego Maradona was spotted at the age of 8 by talent scouts while he was playing for Estrella Roja, a club in his neighborhood.

On 20th October 1976, he made his debut as a professional footballer against Talleres de Córdoba while playing for Argentinos Juniors. Maradona was the youngest player in the history of Argentine Primera División.

On 14th November 1976, he scored his first goal against San Lorenzo

In 1981, Maradona signed a contract with Boca Juniors and on 22nd February 1981, he made his first debut against Talleres de Córdoba.

Maradona played his first Superclásico on 10th April 1981 against River Plate. Nova won the league despite the rocky relationship between Maradona and Boca Manager.

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In 1982, he was transferred from to FC Barcelona for a record breaking deal of £5 million then.

Maradona won the Spain’s annual national cup competition, Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup under coach César Luis Menotti in 1983.

However, Maradona sustained injury an ill-timed tackle by Athletic Bilbao’s Andoni Goikoetxea. He had hepatitis earlier, thus Maradona spent three months in recovery.

In 1984, Maradona was promoted to leave Barcelona after his involvement in a fight in a football stadium. Sixty people were injured in the fight.

He moved from to Napoli for another record breaking deal of £6.9 million.

At Napoli, Maradona reached the peak of his professional career, elevating the team to the most successful era in its history. Napoli won their first Seria A Italian Championship in 1986–87 season.

Napoli won their second league title and came second runner up twice in 1989–90, 1987–88 and 1988–89 respectively.

In 1992, Maradona left Napoli for Sevilla after serving 15 months an for the use of cocaine.

In 1993, he moved to Newell’s Old Boys before moving to Boca junior in 1995.

Maradona was an all time leading goal scorer in Napoli before 2017.

Diego Maradona wore the number 10 jersey. He is the first player to be transferred for a record breaking deal twice.

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In honor of Maradona, the number 10 jersey is officially retired.

International Career

Maradona made his debut for Argentina on 27 February 1977 against Hungary.

In 1979, Maradona played the FIFA Youth Tournament in Japan. He emerged as the star of the tournament. Maradona scores his first international goal in his senior career on 2 June 1979 against Scotland.

Maradona and his compatriot Lionel Messi are the only players to win the Golden Ball at both the FIFA U-20 World Cup and FIFA World Cup. Maradona won the Golden Ball in 1979 and 1986

Maradona made his World Cup debut against Belgium in 1982. Argentina was knocked out of the tournament in a 3-0 defeat by Brazil.

In 1986, Maradona led the Argentine team to a World Cup victory. Argentina beat West Germany to win the World Cup in Mexico City, Mexico.

In 1990, Maradona led the Argentine national team to another World Cup finals.

In 1994, Maradona came for another World Cup in the United States but was sent home after failing drug test.

The failed drug test brought Maradona’s international career to an end. Maradona scored 34 goals from 91 games, as well as one winner’s medal and one runners-up medal in the World Cup.

Coaching Career

Maradona started his career as a coach in January 1994. He coached Textil Mandiyú. He however left the club for Racing Club in May 1995.

In 2008, He picked up a career as Argentine national team coach. He led the team to the 2010 World Cup.

Other clubs he coached were Al-Wasl, Fujairah, Dorados and Gimnasia de La Plata.

Controversies

Diego Maradona was fined $70,000 for allegedly using cocaine. He was also served a 15 months ban from football

Hand of God

During the 1986 World Cup match against United Kingdom, Diego Maradona scores a goal using his fist. Maradona was coyly evasive, describing it as “a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God”.

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Death Diego Maradona

On 25th November 2020, Diego Maradona died of heart attack at the age of 60. Diego Maradona Walter underwent surgery after Tests at the La Plata clinic revealed a blood clot on the brain.

Maradona Net Worth

According to UK newspaper, Maradona is estimated to worth between $75,000 to $100,000

Personal Life

Diego Maradona got married to Claudia Villafañe on November 7, 1984 in Buenos Aires. They divorced in 1994. Together they have two daughters Dalma Nerea and Gianinna Dinorah. However, Maradona had eight other children from different women.