50 Facts About Diego Maradona

Diego Maradona is a name that resonates with football fans all around the globe. As an Argentine professional football player and coach, he left an indelible mark on the world of sports, earning recognition as one of the greatest football players of all time. Known for his unparalleled skills on the pitch, his life off the field was equally captivating, filled with moments of brilliance, controversy, and personal struggles. Here are 50 facts that paint a picture of the legendary Diego Maradona.

Early Life and Career

1. Diego Maradona was born on October 30, 1960, in Lanus, Buenos Aires, Argentina 3.
2. He grew up in the shantytown of Villa Fiorito, a poor neighborhood on the outskirts of Buenos Aires 3.
3. Maradona joined Los Cebollitas, a local youth team, at the age of eight 3.
4. He signed with Argentinos Juniors at age 14, making his first-division debut in 1976, 10 days before his 16th birthday 2.
5. Maradona made his debut with the Argentine national team at 16, becoming the youngest Argentine to do so 2.
6. In 1979, he led the Argentine under-20 team to a Junior World Cup championship 2.

Club Achievements

7. Maradona moved to Boca Juniors in 1981, immediately helping them win the championship 2.
8. He then moved to Europe to play for FC Barcelona in 1982, winning the Spanish Cup in 1983 2.
9. Maradona joined SSC Napoli in 1984, where he experienced great success, including two Serie A titles 2.
10. During his time at Napoli, he also helped the team win a Coppa Italia, a UEFA Cup, and an Italian Super Cup 3.
11. He scored 115 goals in 167 appearances for Argentinos Juniors 3.
12. Maradona scored a total of 311 goals in 589 appearances in all competitions during his club career 3.

International Career and World Cup

13. Maradona participated in four World Cups with Argentina (1982, 1986, 1990, and 1994) 2.
14. He led Argentina to victory in the 1986 World Cup, scoring five goals and providing five assists 3.
15. The “Hand of God” goal and a spectacular solo goal against England in 1986 are among the most famous in World Cup history 2.
16. Maradona won the Golden Ball award as the tournament’s best player in 1986 2.
17. He scored a total of 34 goals in 91 appearances for the Argentine national team 3.

Records and Accolades

18. Maradona was voted the FIFA Player of the Century in 2000, jointly with Pele 1.
19. He was inducted into the Italian Football Hall of Fame in 2005 1.
20. Maradona also entered the International Football Hall of Champions in 2005 1.
21. He scored 28 goals for Napoli in the 1987-88 season, a record for a midfielder in Serie A 3.
22. Maradona holds the record for the most goals scored by an Argentine player in the World Cup, with eight goals 3.
23. He captained Argentina in 62 matches, a national team record 3.
24. Maradona became the first player to break the world record transfer fee twice 3.

Controversies and Personal Life

25. His career was marred by controversies, including a suspension for verbally abusing journalists and failing a drug test 1.
26. Maradona struggled with drug addiction, specifically cocaine, which led to various health issues 3.
27. He faced several legal issues, including tax evasion, drug possession, and links to organized crime in Italy 3.
28. Despite his personal struggles, Maradona was known for his charitable work and support for children’s rights 3.

Coaching Career and Legacy

29. In 2008, Maradona became the head coach of the Argentine national football team, leading them to the quarter-finals of the 2010 World Cup 1.
30. His tenure as Argentina’s head coach ended after the 2010 World Cup, following disagreements on a contract extension 2.
31. Maradona passed away on November 25, 2020, at the age of 60, after suffering cardiac arrest 12.
32. An Internet poll conducted by FIFA named Maradona the top player of the 20th century 2.

Additional Facts

33. He displayed football talent early, joining Las Cebollitas and achieving a streak of 136 consecutive wins 2.
34. Maradona’s stint with Napoli ended due to a 15-month suspension for cocaine possession 2.
35. He played for Sevilla in Spain and Newell’s Old Boys in Argentina before returning to Boca Juniors, where he retired in 1997 2.
36. Maradona’s international debut was in 1977 against Hungary 3.
37. He was excluded from the 1978 World Cup-winning squad due to his young age 2.
38. Maradona led Argentina to South American championship wins in 1987 and 1989 2.
39. He was a stocky and tenacious midfielder, revered especially in Argentina and southern Italy 2.
40. Maradona’s “Hand of God” goal was scored with his hand, which the referee mistakenly thought had struck his head 2.
41. He tested positive for ephedrine during the 1994 World Cup and was suspended 2.
42. Maradona’s 1987-88 season goal record for Napoli remains unbroken for a midfielder in Serie A 3.
43. He broke the world transfer fee record moving to Barcelona for £5 million and then to Napoli for £6.9 million 3.
44. Maradona was known for his incredible dribbling skills, speed, and precise ball control 1.
45. He grew up playing football on the streets with his friends 3.
46. Maradona dropped out of school at the age of 16 to focus on his football career 3.
47. He played his last professional match on October 25, 1997 2.
48. Maradona underwent several surgeries and was hospitalized numerous times due to his health issues 3.
49. He was first linked to cocaine use in the mid-1980s and went to rehab several times 3.
50. Despite controversies, Maradona’s football legacy continues to inspire millions around the world 123.