Diego Maradona is a name that resonates with football lovers across the world. The Argentine was one of the greatest footballers of all time and a true icon of the sport. His skills on the pitch were unparalleled, and his off-field persona was equally fascinating. Maradona’s life was a rollercoaster ride, marked by spectacular highs and deep lows. He passed away in November 2020, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered for generations. In this article, we take a closer look at Diego Maradona’s net worth and the sources of his wealth.
Early Life and Career
Diego Maradona was born on October 30, 1960, in Lanus, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. He grew up in a humble family and began playing football at a young age. Maradona’s talent was evident from a young age, and he quickly caught the attention of local football clubs. He made his professional debut for Argentinos Juniors in 1976, at the age of 16.
Maradona’s career took off in the late 1970s and early 1980s, as he played for Boca Juniors and then for Barcelona. In 1984, he joined Napoli, an Italian football club, for a then-world record transfer fee of £6.9 million. Maradona’s time at Napoli was the peak of his career, as he led the team to two Serie A titles and a UEFA Cup win. He was also instrumental in Argentina’s 1986 World Cup victory, scoring one of the most iconic goals in football history.
International Success and Controversy
Maradona’s success in Argentina soon led to interest from teams in Europe, and in 1982 he signed with Barcelona, one of the biggest clubs in the world. Although he enjoyed some success at Barcelona, his time there was marred by controversy, including a brawl during a match against Athletic Bilbao and a series of disputes with the team’s management.
In 1984, Maradona was transferred to Napoli, an Italian team that had never won a league title before. Maradona quickly became a hero to the fans, leading the team to two Serie A titles and helping to establish Napoli as one of the top teams in Italy. However, his time at Napoli was also marked by controversy, including accusations of drug use and links to organized crime.
Despite these controversies, Maradona’s international success was undeniable. He led the Argentine national team to victory in the 1986 World Cup, scoring two of the most iconic goals in the tournament’s history. He also played a key role in Argentina’s run to the final of the 1990 World Cup, where they were defeated by Germany.
Maradona’s Wealth
Diego Maradona’s net worth is estimated to be around $100 million at the time of his death. However, his wealth was not evenly distributed throughout his life, and he faced financial struggles and legal issues towards the end of his career. Here is a breakdown of the sources of Maradona’s wealth.
Football Career
Maradona’s football career was the primary source of his wealth. Over the course of his career, he played for some of the biggest football clubs in the world and earned substantial salaries and bonuses. His transfer fees alone were worth millions of dollars, and he was one of the highest-paid footballers of his time.
In addition to his club earnings, Maradona also represented Argentina in international tournaments, earning appearance fees and bonuses. He was a key player in Argentina’s World Cup-winning team in 1986 and was named the tournament’s best player. Maradona’s performance at the World Cup cemented his status as a football legend and earned him millions of dollars in endorsements and sponsorships.
Endorsements and Sponsorships
Maradona was a brand in himself, and he endorsed several products and brands throughout his career. Some of his most notable endorsements include Coca-Cola, Puma, and Hublot. Maradona’s endorsement deals were worth millions of dollars and contributed significantly to his net worth.
However, Maradona’s off-field persona was also a source of controversy, and he lost several endorsement deals due to his involvement in drug scandals and other controversies.
Personal Life
Maradona’s personal life was also a source of wealth, albeit a contentious one. He was known for his lavish lifestyle and extravagant spending, which led to financial difficulties in later life. Maradona owned several properties across the world, including a luxury villa in Dubai and a house in Buenos Aires. He also had a collection of expensive cars and other luxury items.
However, Maradona’s spending habits led to legal issues, and he was embroiled in several lawsuits over unpaid taxes, alimony, and other debts. Towards the end of his life, Maradona was reportedly struggling financially and had to sell several