Diego Maradona – Full Biography, Career Stats and Hand of God Goal
Diego Armando Maradona, born on 30 October 1960 in Lanús, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina, and died on 25 November 2020 in Tigre, Buenos Aires Province, is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time. His career, marked by extraordinary skill, iconic moments, and personal struggles, has left an indelible mark on the sport. Often compared with Pelé, Maradona captained Argentina to the 1986 FIFA World Cup title and remains a symbol of footballing genius.
Maradona’s professional journey began with Argentinos Juniors in 1976 and later included stints at Boca Juniors, Barcelona, Napoli, Sevilla, and a return to Boca Juniors before retiring in 1997. He was famously known as “El Diez” (The Ten) and “Pelusa,” and his legendary number 10 jersey is synonymous with his name. Britannica reports 490 official club games and 259 goals, plus 91 games and 34 goals for Argentina, though other sources include unofficial matches, giving totals of 680 appearances and 345 goals or 695 matches and 353 goals.
Maradona’s death on 25 November 2020 was officially attributed to acute pulmonary edema caused by heart failure, though subsequent investigations raised questions about medical negligence. His legacy continues to be debated, with ongoing legal proceedings and tributes from around the world.
What was Diego Maradona’s full name and when was he born?
- Maradona is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers, often compared to Pelé.
- His ‘Hand of God’ goal and the subsequent solo goal against England in 1986 are iconic moments.
- His career was marked by brilliance on the pitch and personal struggles, including drug addiction.
- Cause of death was officially a heart attack, but subsequent investigations revealed medical negligence.
- He was jointly awarded FIFA’s Player of the Century award alongside Pelé.
- His nickname “El Diez” reflects his iconic number 10 jersey.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Diego Armando Maradona |
| Date of Birth | 30 October 1960 |
| Place of Birth | Lanús, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina |
| Height | 1.65 m (5 ft 5 in) |
| Position | Attacking midfielder / Second striker |
| Clubs (notable) | Argentinos Juniors, Boca Juniors, Barcelona, Napoli, Sevilla, Boca Juniors (return) |
| National Team Caps | 91 (Argentina) |
| National Team Goals | 34 |
| World Cup Titles | 1 (1986) |
| Major Club Honors | Serie A (2), Coppa Italia (1), UEFA Cup (1), Copa del Rey (1) with Napoli and Barcelona |
| Date of Death | 25 November 2020 |
| Cause of Death | Acute pulmonary edema secondary to congestive heart failure (heart attack) |
What caused Diego Maradona’s death?
Maradona died on 25 November 2020 in Tigre, Buenos Aires Province. The official cause of death was reported as a heart attack, later specified as acute pulmonary edema caused by heart failure. Sources such as Britannica and Football History confirm this. However, subsequent investigations revealed potential medical negligence, leading to a trial of medical staff in Argentina that continues as of 2025.
While the immediate cause of death is clear, whether medical negligence directly contributed remains under legal scrutiny. The trial of healthcare professionals is ongoing, and no final verdict has been reached.
What are Diego Maradona’s career stats and records?
Official career statistics
Britannica records 490 official club appearances and 259 goals, plus 91 international caps and 34 goals for Argentina. Other tallies, including unofficial matches, vary: Wikipedia reports 680 appearances and 345 goals for club and country combined, while the Italian Wikipedia gives 695 matches and 353 goals across all senior and U-20 levels. This provides a comprehensive breakdown of his numbers.
The iconic number 10 jersey
Maradona is strongly associated with the number 10 jersey, described as the “legendary number 10” by the FIFA Museum. He wore it for both club and country, and his nicknames “El Diez” (The Ten) and “Pelusa” reflect his identity. The number 10 has become a symbol of his genius.
For more on his enduring influence, explore related football features.
What is the ‘Hand of God’ goal?
In the 1986 World Cup quarterfinal against England, Maradona scored both goals in Argentina’s 2–1 win. The first, a controversial handball that the referee mistook for a header, is known as the “Hand of God” goal. The second, a 60-metre solo run, was later voted the “Goal of the Century.” Britannica and the FIFA Museum detail these events.
Maradona himself said, “A little with the head of Maradona, a little with the hand of God.” The goal remains one of the most debated moments in football history.
The 1986 quarterfinal carried extra tension due to the Falklands War four years earlier. Many Argentines saw the victory as symbolic revenge. The “Hand of God” goal, though illegal, became a cultural touchstone.
How does Diego Maradona compare to Pelé?
Maradona and Pelé are consistently ranked as the two greatest footballers in history. Britannica notes Maradona was “generally regarded as the top footballer of the 1980s and one of the greatest of all time,” while another source places him alongside Pelé, Alfredo di Stéfano, Franz Beckenbauer, and Johan Cruyff. EBSCO also highlights this comparison. FIFA awarded both players the Player of the Century award jointly, as recorded by Wikipedia.
While Pelé boasts three World Cup titles, Maradona’s single triumph in 1986 is often considered one of the most dominant individual performances in a tournament. The debate over who is the greatest continues to divide fans.
What were the key events in Diego Maradona’s life?
- : Born in Lanús, Argentina.
- : Professional debut for Argentinos Juniors.
- : Transferred to Barcelona.
- : Joined Napoli.
- : Won the World Cup; scored the “Hand of God” goal and “Goal of the Century.”
- : World Cup runner-up with Argentina.
- : First doping ban.
- : Retirement from playing.
- : Appointed Argentina national team coach.
- : Died of heart attack.
- : Nurses convicted of negligence in his death (ongoing appeal).
What is known and what remains uncertain about Maradona’s death?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| Date and location of death: 25 November 2020, Tigre, Argentina. | Whether medical negligence directly caused his death – ongoing trial. |
| Official cause: acute pulmonary edema secondary to heart failure. | Exact details of his final moments – not fully documented. |
| His World Cup victory and “Hand of God” goal are undisputed. | Rumors about alleged involvement in organized crime remain unsubstantiated. |
What was the cultural and historical context of Maradona’s career?
Maradona’s “Hand of God” goal came during the 1986 World Cup quarterfinal against England, just four years after the Falklands War. Many Argentines viewed the match as a symbolic confrontation. His time at Napoli, from 1984 to 1991, transformed the club and the city, but was also marred by rumors of connections with the Camorra, the local mafia. Despite these controversies, Maradona is considered a folk hero in Argentina, representing the country’s spirit and resilience.
His legacy is a blend of extraordinary footballing achievement and personal flaws, including well-documented drug addiction. This duality makes him a complex figure in sports history. For a deeper look at similar stories, visit gigguideuk.uk.
What did Maradona and others say about his legacy?
“A little with the head of Maradona, a little with the hand of God.”
— Diego Maradona, on his “Hand of God” goal
“The best player in the world is Diego Maradona.”
— Pelé, as reported in various sources
“Diego Maradona will forever be remembered as the genius of football.”
— FIFA statement, as reported by the FIFA Museum
What is the latest on Maradona’s legacy?
The trial of medical staff accused of negligence in Maradona’s death continues in Argentina in 2025. New documentaries and biographical films are in development, and annual tributes are held on the anniversary of his death. His impact on football remains undeniable, and his story continues to inspire and provoke debate.
Frequently asked questions about Diego Maradona
What jersey number did Diego Maradona wear?
Maradona is famously associated with the number 10 jersey for both club and country. He was known as “El Diez” (The Ten).
When did Diego Maradona join Napoli?
He joined Napoli in 1984 from Barcelona, becoming a legend at the club.
How many goals did Diego Maradona score in his career?
Over 345 official goals, plus numerous assists. Exact stats vary by source; Britannica reports 259 club goals and 34 international goals.
What is the “Hand of God” goal?
A controversial goal scored by Maradona with his hand in the 1986 World Cup quarterfinal against England, which the referee thought was a header.
What was Diego Maradona’s full name?
Diego Armando Maradona.
What was Maradona’s nickname?
He was known as “El Diez” (The Ten) and “Pelusa.”
How many World Cups did Maradona win?
He won one World Cup, in 1986, where he captained Argentina.
When did Diego Maradona retire?
He retired from professional football in 1997 after a second stint at Boca Juniors.
Who was better, Maradona or Pelé?
The debate is ongoing. Both are considered the greatest; they were jointly awarded FIFA’s Player of the Century.
What is the cause of Maradona’s death?
Acute pulmonary edema caused by heart failure, commonly referred to as a heart attack.
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