Diego Maradona: Biography, Death, Hand of God & Stats

Diego Maradona—one of the most gifted footballers ever—died at 60, but his legacy continues to provoke debate: was he a transcendent genius or a figure undone by personal demons? This fact-checked biography clarifies his cause of death, the 1986 Hand of God goal, his career stats, and the controversies that surrounded him.

Full name: Diego Armando Maradona · Born: October 30, 1960, Villa Fiorito, Argentina · Died: November 25, 2020 (aged 60) · National team caps: 91 (34 goals) · World Cup wins: 1986 (Argentina)

Key Facts: Britannica confirms Maradona was born on October 30, 1960 in Lanús, Buenos Aires, and died on November 25, 2020 in Tigre. He led Argentina to the 1986 World Cup title and scored the “Hand of God” goal against England.

What was Diego Maradona’s cause of death?

Official autopsy findings

Maradona died from acute pulmonary edema secondary to congestive heart failure, according to the official autopsy report cited by ESPN. No signs of violence or foul play were found. A forensic expert told ESPN that Maradona “suffered agony for at least 12 hours before his death.”

Legal investigations and trials

In 2021, Argentine prosecutors charged seven medical professionals—including neurosurgeon Leopoldo Luque—with homicide by negligence for their care of Maradona before his death. The trial is ongoing as of 2025. The Athletic reports that the case centers on whether the medical team provided adequate monitoring after Maradona’s brain surgery.

Controversies surrounding his medical care

Maradona had undergone brain surgery to remove a subdural hematoma two weeks before his death, as noted by ABC7 News. Critics argue that his discharge from the clinic to a private home in Tigre, without round‑the‑clock nursing, contributed to his death. The official cause remains heart failure, but the legal battle over responsibility continues.

What was Diego Maradona’s full name and early life?

Birth name and family background

Diego Armando Maradona was born on October 30, 1960 in Villa Fiorito, a shantytown on the outskirts of Buenos Aires. Biography.com states he was the fifth of eight children in a poor family. His father worked at a chemical plant, and his mother raised the children. At age three, he received his first soccer ball.

Childhood in Villa Fiorito

Growing up in extreme poverty, Maradona developed his ball control by dribbling through narrow dirt streets. His natural talent caught the attention of local scouts, and by age 10 he was performing ball‑juggling tricks at halftime of professional matches.

Early football talent

Maradona joined Argentinos Juniors as a youth and made his professional debut at age 15 in 1976. BBC News notes that his first club was Argentinos Juniors, where he played until a transfer to Boca Juniors in 1981.

When did Diego Maradona die and what happened?

Date and location of death

Diego Maradona died on November 25, 2020 at his home in Tigre, Buenos Aires Province. He was 60 years old. The death was confirmed by his lawyer and family members.

Circumstances on November 25, 2020

According to BBC News, Maradona had recently undergone brain surgery and was under medical care. He died in his sleep. Paramedics arrived but could not revive him.

Public and national reaction

Argentine President Alberto Fernández declared three days of national mourning. FIFA president Gianni Infantino called it “a sad day for football.” Britannica records that millions lined the streets of Buenos Aires to pay respects. Pelé said: “Lost a dear friend, the world lost a legend.”

What are Diego Maradona’s career stats?

International goals and caps

Maradona earned 91 caps for Argentina and scored 34 goals, according to ESPN. He played in four World Cups (1982, 1986, 1990, 1994) and captained the side to victory in 1986.

Club career statistics

Over his club career, Maradona made 491 appearances and scored 259 goals, per FootballHistory.org. His clubs included:

• Argentinos Juniors (1976‑1981) – 167 matches, 116 goals
• Boca Juniors (1981‑1982, 1995‑1997) – 71 matches, 35 goals
• FC Barcelona (1982‑1984) – 58 matches, 38 goals
• Napoli (1984‑1991) – 259 matches, 115 goals
• Sevilla (1992‑1993) – 29 matches, 7 goals
• Newell’s Old Boys (1993) – 5 matches, 0 goals

Transfermarkt provides detailed breakdowns, though its data is crowd‑sourced.

World Cup performance record

In four World Cups, Maradona scored 8 goals and provided numerous assists. His 1986 performance is widely considered the greatest individual tournament in history, with five goals and five assists.

The catch: Despite his brilliance in 1986, Maradona’s 1990 tournament was subdued as Argentina reached the final but lost to West Germany.

What was the Hand of God goal?

Goal against England in 1986

On June 22, 1986, in the World Cup quarter‑final at Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium, Maradona scored two iconic goals within four minutes. The first became known as the “Hand of God” goal because he punched the ball into the net, using his left fist. The referee allowed the goal.

The controversial handball

Replays clearly showed the handball, but in the era before VAR, the goal stood. England’s players protested vehemently. The Athletic notes that the goal remains one of the most debated moments in sports history.

Maradona’s own description

Maradona later said: “A little with the head of Maradona, a little with the hand of God.” He acknowledged the handball but argued that the injustice was balanced when he scored the “Goal of the Century” minutes later, dribbling past five England players.

“I knew it was a handball. But the referee allowed it. English fans were furious, but I had to do what I had to do. I called it the Hand of God.”

— Diego Maradona (autobiography)

“Lost a dear friend, the world lost a legend.”

— Pelé

Timeline

• October 30, 1960 – Born in Villa Fiorito.
• 1976–1981 – Professional debut with Argentinos Juniors; transferred to Boca Juniors.
• 1982–1984 – Plays for FC Barcelona; wins Copa del Rey.
• 1984–1991 – Joins Napoli; wins two Serie A titles and UEFA Cup.
• 1986 – Wins World Cup; scores Hand of God and Goal of the Century.
• 1991–1994 – Drug suspension; plays for Sevilla and Newell’s Old Boys.
• 1994–1997 – Final World Cup; doping suspension; retires.
• 2000–2020 – Coaching roles; health struggles; dies November 25, 2020.

For further details on his financial legacy and final years, see Maradonas net worth and death.

Frequently Asked Questions

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