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Image source: StarsUnfolded

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Diego Maradona Biography: Age, Career, Family and More

F4U Editorial Desk • Updated October 4, 2026 • 6 min read

Quick Info

Date of birthOctober 30, 1960

Age60 Years (at time of death)

BirthplaceLanús, Buenos Aires, Argentina

ProfessionProfessional Footballer

NationalityArgentine

Marital statusDivorced

SpouseClaudia Villafañe (1984-2004)

FamilyChildren: Dalma Maradona, Giannina Maradona, Diego Maradona Junior, Diego Fernando Maradona, Jana Maradona

Diego Maradona Biography

Diego Armando Maradona Franco was an Argentine professional footballer whose skill, achievements and controversies made him one of the most famous figures

Early life and background
Diego Armando Maradona Franco was born on October 30, 1960, in Lanús and raised in Villa Fiorito, Buenos Aires, Argentina. He grew up in a working-class household; his father worked as a bricklayer and his mother was a homemaker. From a very young age he showed exceptional talent for football, sleeping with a ball to keep it safe and rising through local youth teams including Los Cebollitas, whom he helped guide through a lengthy unbeaten run.

Career
Maradona made his professional club debut for Argentinos Juniors on October 20, 1976, shortly before his 16th birthday. He broke into the international scene with Argentina on February 27, 1977, against Hungary. His early promise was recognised at the 1979 FIFA U-20 World Cup, where he starred for Argentina and won the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player.

In 1981 he joined Boca Juniors, and after the 1982 World Cup moved to FC Barcelona. During his time at Barcelona he scored prolifically, registering 38 goals in 58 appearances across two seasons. Maradona’s next transfer to Napoli marked the high point of his club career: he helped the club win two Serie A titles (1986–87 and 1989–90), the Coppa Italia in 1986–87, the UEFA Cup in 1989 and the Italian Supercup in 1990.

Wearing the number 10 shirt for club and country, Maradona operated primarily as an attacking midfielder. He led Argentina to victory at the 1986 FIFA World Cup, contributing five goals and five assists in the tournament and producing performances that remain widely remembered, including a famous pair of goals in the quarter-final against England.

Maradona’s international career continued through the 1990 World Cup, when Argentina reached the final. His later playing years included spells at Sevilla and Newell’s Old Boys, a return to Boca Juniors in 1995, and retirement in 1997.

Individual honours and legacy
Across his career Maradona collected numerous individual awards: multiple domestic top-scorer titles in Argentina, the FIFA World Youth Championship Golden Ball in 1979, the FIFA World Cup Golden Ball in 1986, placements in World Cup All-Star teams, and later recognitions such as the Ballon d’Or for services to football in 1996, inclusion in World Team of the 20th Century, and honorary FIFA awards.

Public profile
Maradona’s life off the pitch was as prominent as his achievements. He married Claudia Villafañe on November 7, 1984; they had two daughters, Dalma and Giannina, and divorced in 2004. He also acknowledged additional children born outside his marriage. His personal struggles with substance abuse were long-running and affected both his health and career; in 1991 he received a lengthy suspension after testing positive for cocaine, and later health incidents, including a serious cardiac event in 2004 linked to drug use, were reported.

Maradona also served as Argentina’s head coach for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. His public life involved a number of controversies, including disputes related to family and tax issues reported in later years.

Later years and death
In the years after retirement Maradona remained an influential and polarising figure in world football, receiving lifetime and honorary awards that reflected his standing in the sport. On November 25, 2020, at the age of 60, he died at his home in Buenos Aires following a heart attack, two weeks after surgery for a brain bleed. His death came after a documented history of health problems tied to long-term alcohol and drug use.

Latest updates
At the time of his passing Maradona was widely commemorated for his on-field genius and complicated personal life. Posthumous recognition has continued to reference both his footballing achievements and the difficulties he faced off the pitch.

Editorial Review and Sources

This F4U profile is written from publicly available career and profile information, then reviewed for clarity before publication. If you spot an outdated detail about Diego Maradona, send the page URL and a reliable correction source to f4udotin@gmail.com.

Reference context: StarsUnfolded
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Career Highlights

  1. Made professional debut for Argentinos Juniors on October 20, 1976
  2. Senior international debut for Argentina on February 27, 1977
  3. Winner of the 1986 FIFA World Cup with Argentina
  4. Led Napoli to Serie A titles in 1986–87 and 1989–90
  5. FIFA World Youth Championship Golden Ball (1979) and FIFA World Cup Golden Ball (1986)
  6. Named FIFA Player of the Century (2000, shared)
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Frequently Asked Questions

When was Diego Maradona born?

October 30, 1960

What is Diego Maradona known for?

Professional Footballer

What is Diego Maradona’s marital status?

Divorced

Who is Diego Maradona married to?

Claudia Villafañe (1984-2004)