At the time of his passing in 2020, Diego Maradona's net worth stood at $500,000, despite earning tens of millions during his career as both a player and coach.
Diego Maradona was an Argentine soccer legend, serving as both a player and a coach, who left a net worth of $500,000 upon his death on November 25, 2020, at age 60. Throughout his career, he accumulated millions from salaries and endorsement deals with brands such as Hublot, Puma, and Coca-Cola, particularly in the early 1980s when he was among the highest-earning athletes globally. His earnings included tens of millions in salaries alone between 1984 and 1991, totaling $43 million during that period. However, his later years were marked by financial struggles and personal controversies that overshadowed his professional achievements. Maradona faced significant financial and legal challenges, most notably a long-standing tax dispute with Italian authorities. The unpaid taxes, dating back to his time at Napoli, ballooned to 37 million Euros by 2009, including 23 million Euros in accumulated interest. Italian officials seized jewelry worth approximately 42,000 Euros to offset part of the debt, but the majority remained unpaid. Maradona publicly refused to settle the debt, alleging mistreatment by Italian officials, which led to accusations of defamation against him. Born on October 30, 1960, in Buenos Aires, Maradona grew up in poverty in a shantytown with six siblings. His early talent was recognized by a scout, and at just 15 years old, he made his professional debut for Argentinos Juniors, becoming the primary breadwinner for his struggling family. His rapid rise continued when he joined Boca Juniors in 1981 for a $4 million transfer fee. After a single season, he moved to Barcelona in 1982 for a then-record $7.6 million fee, though his time there was cut short by a violent on-field incident that led to his dismissal. Napoli broke the world transfer record by paying around $10.5 million for Maradona, a move that marked the peak of his career. He led Napoli to two league titles, including their first-ever championship, during a golden era for the club. His international fame soared further when he captained Argentina to victory in the 1986 World Cup, famously scoring a controversial goal against England, which he later described as "the hand of God." His career took a downward turn due to off-field issues, including substance abuse. After testing positive for cocaine in 1991, he was expelled from Napoli and faced legal consequences. A second positive drug test at the 1994 World Cup resulted in his dismissal from the tournament. He played briefly for Sevilla and Newell's Old Boys before retiring at Boca Juniors. Maradona's addiction to cocaine reportedly spanned nearly two decades, from the mid-1980s until around 2004, severely impacting his health and performance. His lifestyle in Napoli involved affiliations with organized crime figures who provided drugs and other indulgences. His physical decline became evident as he gained significant weight, reaching 280 pounds at one point, prompting gastric bypass surgery in 2005. Despite attempts to quit substance use, he faced recurring health crises, including hospitalizations for hepatitis and alcohol-related issues in 2007. Rumors of his death circulated before he emerged from a psychiatric facility following treatment. In 1991, Maradona faced legal trouble after an intercepted phone call revealed his attempt to arrange a meeting with prostitutes in Napoli. The call, monitored by authorities, also implicated him in cocaine distribution, leading to multiple charges. When Italian police attempted to detain him, he fled to Argentina but was brought back in tears. Another incident during the 1994 World Cup involved firing a pellet gun at journalists from his hotel, injuring several reporters. Four years later, he received a suspended sentence of two years and ten months for this and other offenses. © 2026 Celebrity Net Worth / All Rights Reserved