Diego Maradona, widely regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time, was born on October 30, 1960, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He was the first son after his parents had three daughters. Despite growing up in severe financial hardship, Maradona developed a deep passion for football from a very young age. At just three years old, he received his first football as a gift, igniting his lifelong devotion to the sport. His extraordinary talent was soon discovered by a talent scout, who introduced him to the Argentinos Juniors youth team in Buenos Aires. From there, his ascent in the world of football began in earnest.
Maradona's prowess on the pitch quickly set him apart. Known for his exceptional ball control, vision, speed, and reflexes, he overcame criticism about his short stature with skill and technique that made him unforgettable. He achieved global fame when he captained Argentina to victory in the 1986 FIFA World Cup. That tournament solidified his legacy, thanks in part to his iconic performances including the controversial “Hand of God” goal and the “Goal of the Century,” both scored against England in the quarterfinals. His brilliant leadership throughout the tournament earned him the prestigious Golden Ball award for best player.
Maradona was again the captain of the Argentine national team during the 1990 World Cup, where the team reached the final. However, his performance was affected by a severe ankle injury. Nevertheless, his contributions kept him in the spotlight, both for his skill and charisma. In total, Maradona scored 34 goals in 91 appearances for the national team, leaving a lasting legacy in Argentine football history.
After the 1986 World Cup, Maradona transferred to FC Barcelona for what was then a world-record fee of approximately $7.6 million. His time at Barcelona was notable but turbulent, featuring flashes of brilliance along with disciplinary issues and injuries. He later played for Napoli in Italy, where he reached the peak of his club career, leading the team to its most successful era, including two Serie A championships. His adoring fans nicknamed him “El Pibe de Oro,” or “The Golden Boy,” a title that followed him throughout his career.
| Birth Date: | 30 Oct, 1960 |
| Age: | 59 yrs |
| Occupations: | Association football player Association football manager |
| Citizenship: | Argentina |
| Birth Place: | Lanús |
| Gender: | Male |
| Description: | Argentine association football manager and former player |
| Spouse: | Claudia Villafañe[1989-2003] |
| Net Worth 2021: | 500 thousand |
