What Happened to Diego Armando Maradona?
Diego Maradona, widely regarded as one of football's greatest players, led Argentina to World Cup glory in 1986 and achieved legendary status with Napoli. His life was marked by both unparalleled brilliance on the pitch and significant personal struggles off it, including drug addiction and health issues. Maradona passed away in November 2020 from a cardiac arrest, triggering ongoing legal battles over his estate and a high-profile medical negligence trial concerning his death, which is scheduled for a retrial in March 2026.
Quick Answer
Diego Maradona, the iconic Argentine footballer, died on November 25, 2020, at the age of 60, due to a cardiac arrest while recovering from brain surgery. His death sparked national mourning in Argentina and a complex legal aftermath, including a contentious inheritance dispute among his numerous children and an ongoing trial of medical professionals accused of negligence in his care. A retrial for seven members of his medical team is set to commence on March 17, 2026, as his legacy continues to be celebrated through memorials and tributes worldwide.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Born in Lanús, Argentina
Diego Armando Maradona was born in Lanús, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina.
Professional Debut for Argentinos Juniors
Maradona made his professional debut for Argentinos Juniors ten days before his 16th birthday, showcasing his prodigious talent.
Transfers to Napoli
Maradona joined Italian club Napoli for a world-record fee, beginning the most iconic period of his club career.
Leads Argentina to World Cup Victory
Captain Maradona led Argentina to win the FIFA World Cup, scoring the 'Hand of God' and 'Goal of the Century' against England, and winning the Golden Ball.
Wins First Serie A Title with Napoli
Maradona led Napoli to their first-ever Serie A championship, a historic achievement for the club and the city.
First Doping Scandal
Maradona was snared in his first doping scandal, admitting to a cocaine habit that would affect him for years.
Retires from Professional Football
Maradona officially retired from playing professional football at the age of 37, concluding a turbulent but brilliant career.
Appointed Argentina National Team Coach
Maradona took on the role of head coach for the Argentine national football team, leading them in the 2010 World Cup.
Dies of Cardiac Arrest
Diego Maradona passed away at his home in Buenos Aires at the age of 60, due to a cardiac arrest, weeks after undergoing brain surgery.
Inheritance Disputes Begin
Reports emerge that Maradona died without a will, initiating complex and public inheritance battles among his recognized and alleged children.
Court Allows Auction of 1986 Golden Ball Trophy
A French court ruled that the auction of Maradona's 1986 World Cup Golden Ball trophy could proceed, despite opposition from his heirs who claimed it was stolen.
Mausoleum for Maradona Approved
Argentine courts approved plans to move Maradona's remains to a public mausoleum, the 'M10 Memorial,' in Puerto Madero, Buenos Aires, scheduled to open in 2025.
Children Win Name Rights Battle
Maradona's children won a legal dispute against his sisters over the commercial rights to use his name.
Argentina Releases Commemorative Coin
The Central Bank of Argentina launched a special-edition coin honoring Maradona's 'Goal of the Century' ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Medical Negligence Retrial Scheduled
A new trial for seven medical professionals accused of negligence in Maradona's death is scheduled to begin in Argentina.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Diego Armando Maradona's life was a captivating blend of extraordinary footballing genius and profound personal turmoil. Born in Lanús, Argentina, in 1960, he rose from humble beginnings to become a global icon, nicknamed 'El Pibe de Oro' (The Golden Boy). His club career saw him play for Argentinos Juniors, Boca Juniors, Barcelona, Napoli, Sevilla, and Newell's Old Boys. He is most revered for his time at Napoli, where he led the club to its first-ever Serie A titles in 1987 and 1990, a Coppa Italia in 1987, and the UEFA Cup in 1989, transforming the club into a powerhouse and becoming an adored figure in Naples.
Maradona's international career peaked at the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, where he captained Argentina to victory. During this tournament, he scored two of the most famous goals in football history against England in the quarter-finals: the controversial 'Hand of God' goal and the mesmerizing 'Goal of the Century.' He won the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player, cementing his status as one of the game's all-time greats.
However, Maradona's life off the pitch was plagued by struggles, particularly with cocaine addiction, which led to suspensions and health problems throughout his later career and post-retirement. He was hospitalized multiple times for heart problems linked to his drug use. After a period as a coach for various teams, including the Argentine national team for the 2010 World Cup, his health continued to decline.
In November 2020, Maradona underwent emergency brain surgery for a subdural hematoma. He was discharged on November 12, 2020, to recover at a rented home near Tigre, Buenos Aires. Tragically, on November 25, 2020, he suffered a fatal cardiac arrest at the age of 60. His death prompted three days of national mourning in Argentina and an outpouring of grief globally.
The aftermath of his death has been marked by significant legal complexities. Maradona reportedly died without a will, leading to a protracted and public inheritance dispute among his five recognized children and several others claiming paternity. In August 2025, his children won a legal battle against his sisters over the commercial rights to his name. Furthermore, his medical care in the weeks leading up to his death came under intense scrutiny. Eight medical professionals, including his neurosurgeon and psychiatrist, were accused of culpable homicide due to alleged negligence. The initial trial in 2025 ended in a mistrial, but a new trial for seven of these medical professionals is scheduled to begin on March 17, 2026.
As of March 1, 2026, Maradona's legacy continues to be honored and debated. In October 2024, Argentine courts approved plans for an 'M10 Memorial' mausoleum in Puerto Madero, Buenos Aires, scheduled to open in 2025, where his remains will be relocated. In October 2025, Argentina also launched a special-edition coin commemorating his 'Goal of the Century' ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The ongoing legal proceedings ensure that discussions around his life, death, and complex legacy remain prominent.