Ask almost any football fan who mastered the line between genius and defiance, and Diego Maradona’s name emerges as the defining answer. His 1986 World Cup victory, capped by the infamous “Hand of God” goal, cemented a legacy that transcends the sport entirely. Yet behind the glory was a body struggling against its own limits. Here is the story of his career, his controversies, and the definitive medical account of his cause of death.
Full name: Diego Armando Maradona · Born: 30 October 1960, Buenos Aires, Argentina · Died: 25 November 2020, Tigre, Argentina · Cause of death: Acute pulmonary edema, congestive heart failure · World Cup wins: 1 (1986) · Notable goal: “Hand of God” vs England, 1986
Quick snapshot
- Born 30 October 1960 in Buenos Aires, Argentina (FC Barcelona official profile)
- Died 25 November 2020 in Tigre, Argentina (Le Monde)
- Official cause: acute pulmonary edema due to congestive heart failure (ESPN)
- Full name: Diego Armando Maradona Franco (FC Barcelona)
- Exact net worth at death (estimates range $500k to $5m)
- Whether illicit drugs directly contributed to his heart failure
- Full circumstances of his final hours before he was found
- 1976: Professional debut for Argentinos Juniors at age 15 (Britannica)
- 22 June 1986: Hand of God goal vs England in World Cup quarter-final (Britannica)
- 25 November 2020: Died at age 60 (Reuters)
Six key facts that define Maradona’s biography, one pattern: a life lived intensely from start to finish.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Born | 30 October 1960, Lanús, Buenos Aires, Argentina (FC Barcelona official profile) |
| Died | 25 November 2020, Tigre, Argentina (Le Monde) |
| Age at death | 60 |
| Cause of death | Acute pulmonary edema, congestive heart failure (ESPN) |
| Height | 1.65 m (5 ft 5 in) (FBref) |
| Playing career | 1976–1997 (FBref) |
What is the cause of Diego Maradona’s death?
Official medical findings
The official cause removed suspicion of direct foul play but pointed to a heart condition that had been documented for years. The fluid buildup in his lungs was a symptom of a broader cardiovascular collapse.
The official autopsy report, examined by ESPN (sports news network), concluded that Diego Maradona died from acute pulmonary edema secondary to chronic congestive heart failure. This means fluid filled his lungs because his heart could no longer pump effectively. The report explicitly noted “no signs of violence or foul play.”
Toxicology and autopsy reports
- No signs of violence or trauma, per the forensic panel cited by ESPN
- Alcohol, marijuana, and other substances were present, but the medical team concluded they were not the direct trigger of the fatal lung condition (Le Monde)
- Seven medical professionals were subsequently charged with criminal negligence in connection with his death (ABC7 News)
Health decline timeline
- 2004: Hospitalized for heart and lung issues
- 2 November 2020: Admitted for brain surgery (subdural hematoma) (Reuters)
- 25 November 2020: Found dead at his private residence in Tigre while recovering
The implication: the official record rules out physical violence, but the role of his lifestyle and the quality of his end-of-life care remain deeply contested.
What is Diego Maradona’s full name and when was he born?
Diego Armando Maradona
- Full name: Diego Armando Maradona Franco (FC Barcelona official profile)
- Born: 30 October 1960 in Lanús, Buenos Aires, Argentina (FC Barcelona)
Birth date and place
The first son of Diego Maradona Senior and Dalma Salvadora Franco, he grew up in the tough barrio of Villa Fiorito. His birthplace, Lanús, is a city in the Greater Buenos Aires area. The FBref statistics platform confirms his height at 1.65 meters and his positional role as an attacking midfielder and forward.
Why it matters: the son of a factory worker rose from poverty to become the most famous athlete of his generation, carrying Argentina’s hopes on his shoulders.
What was Diego Maradona’s net worth?
Estimated wealth at death
Maradona earned an estimated $400 million during his playing career through club salaries, endorsements, and appearances. He spent enormous sums on lifestyle, taxes, legal fees, and an extensive entourage. His net worth at death was a fraction of his lifetime earnings.
Exact figures are disputed. Most estimates place his net worth at death somewhere between $500,000 and $5 million. The wide range reflects the complexity of his financial affairs, including debts, lawsuits, and assets spread across multiple countries.
Sources of income
- Club salaries (Napoli, Barcelona, Boca Juniors)
- Endorsements with brands such as Puma
- Television and media appearances later in life
The brutal reality: one of the highest-paid athletes of his era died without the fortune his talent should have secured.
What are Diego Maradona’s career stats?
Club statistics
Five clubs, one trajectory: from a teenage prodigy in Buenos Aires to the undisputed king of Napoli.
| Club | Years | Official Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Argentinos Juniors | 1976–1981 | 166 | 115 |
| Boca Juniors | 1981–1982, 1995–1997 | 71 | 35 |
| FC Barcelona | 1982–1984 | 58 | 38 |
| Napoli | 1984–1991 | 259 | 115 |
| Sevilla | 1992–1993 | 29 | 7 |
| Newell’s Old Boys | 1993 | 5 | 0 |
Data compiled from FBref and Adelphi University statistical archive. His total official career tally stands at 345 goals in 588 appearances.
International goals
- 91 appearances for Argentina (FBref)
- 34 international goals
- 8 goals in World Cup tournaments
World Cup performance
- Played in four World Cups: 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994 (Transfermarkt)
- 1986: World Cup champion with Argentina; received the Golden Ball as best player
- 1990: World Cup runner-up
- 1994: Expelled from the tournament after a positive drug test for ephedrine
The pattern: Maradona’s career numbers reflect an elite playmaker rather than a pure goal scorer, yet his impact on football’s biggest moments far exceeds any single stat line.
What is the Hand of God goal?
The 1986 World Cup quarter-final vs England
The same match produced the most controversial goal in World Cup history and what FIFA later called the “Goal of the Century.” Maradona’s hand gave Argentina the lead; his left foot sealed the win.
On 22 June 1986, Argentina faced England in the quarter-final of the FIFA World Cup in Mexico City. Britannica (reference publisher) confirms that Maradona opened the scoring by punching the ball past goalkeeper Peter Shilton. The referee, despite protests from English players, allowed the goal to stand.
Controversy and legacy
- Maradona later said the goal was scored “a little with the head of Maradona, and a little with the hand of God” (Wikipedia, community encyclopedia)
- Just four minutes later, he picked up the ball from his own half, dribbled past five England players, and scored what is widely regarded as the greatest goal in World Cup history (Chicago Tribune)
The incident sealed his reputation as the ultimate football maverick — equal parts audacious trickster and virtuoso genius.
When did Diego Maradona die?
Date and location
- Date: 25 November 2020
- Location: Private residence in Tigre, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina
- Announced by the Argentine Football Association (Reuters)
- The Argentine government declared three days of national mourning
Circumstances of death
Maradona was recovering from brain surgery for a subdural hematoma, performed on 2 November 2020. Reuters (international news agency) reported that he was found dead in his bed at the rented house where he was staying under 24-hour medical supervision.
The legal aftermath: seven medical professionals were charged with criminal negligence, signaling a reckoning over how one of the world’s most treasured athletes was cared for in his final weeks.
Timeline of Diego Maradona’s Life and Career
- 30 October 1960: Born in Lanús, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- 1976: Professional debut for Argentinos Juniors at age 15
- 1981–1984: Played for Boca Juniors
- 1982–1984: Played for FC Barcelona
- 1984–1991: Played for Napoli in Serie A
- 22 June 1986: Scored the “Hand of God” goal and the “Goal of the Century” vs England
- 1986: Won the FIFA World Cup with Argentina; received the Golden Ball
- 1990: World Cup runner-up with Argentina
- 1994: Expelled from the World Cup for a failed drug test
- 1997: Retired from professional football
- 2008–2010: Managed the Argentina national team
- 25 November 2020: Died from acute pulmonary edema due to congestive heart failure
What is confirmed and what remains unclear?
Confirmed facts
- Date of birth: 30 October 1960
- Date of death: 25 November 2020
- Official cause: acute pulmonary edema due to congestive heart failure
- Full name: Diego Armando Maradona
- Hand of God goal occurred in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final
- He led Argentina to the 1986 World Cup title
What’s unclear
- Exact net worth at death (estimates vary widely from $500,000 to $5 million)
- Whether illicit substances directly contributed to his heart failure or were incidental
- Exact circumstances of his final hours before being found dead
- The full degree of responsibility of his medical team
Quotes on Diego Maradona
A little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God.
— Diego Maradona, 1986 post-match interview
We remember Diego Armando Maradona, one of the greatest football players of all time.
— FIFA statement, 25 November 2020
Acute pulmonary edema secondary to congestive heart failure.
— Official autopsy report, via ESPN
For Argentina, and for football fans around the world, Diego Maradona’s legacy is a story of spectacular success and devastating failure. He gave a nation its greatest football triumph, yet his body and personal life could not sustain the pressure. For the medical professionals now facing trial in Argentina, the consequences of his final days have only just begun to unfold.
Frequently asked questions
How tall was Diego Maradona?
1.65 m (5 ft 5 in), as listed on his FBref profile.
What teams did Diego Maradona play for?
Argentinos Juniors, Boca Juniors, FC Barcelona, Napoli, Sevilla, and Newell’s Old Boys.
How many goals did Diego Maradona score for Argentina?
34 goals in 91 international appearances, according to FBref.
Did Diego Maradona win the Ballon d’Or?
Yes, he won the Ballon d’Or in 1986, the year he led Argentina to the World Cup title.
Was Diego Maradona married?
Yes, he was married to Claudia Villafañe from 1989 to 2003. They had two daughters together, Dalma and Gianinna.
How old was Diego Maradona when he died?
He was 60 years old at the time of his death on 25 November 2020.
Is the Hand of God goal still controversial?
Yes, it remains one of the most debated moments in World Cup history — widely acknowledged as a deliberate handball that the referee missed.
Catherine Roy is Editor-in-Chief at Downunder Brief, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.