It’s hard to think of another footballer whose personal life was as turbulent as his playing career. On 25 November 2020, Diego Maradona died of a heart attack at age 60, leaving behind a legacy that includes a disputed estate and conflicting net worth estimates. This article explores the key questions: what ended his career, what health conditions plagued him, and why his inheritance battle is still making headlines.
Date of birth: 30 October 1960 · Date of death: 25 November 2020 · Age at death: 60 · Major clubs: Boca Juniors, Barcelona, Napoli, Sevilla, Newell’s Old Boys · World Cup titles: 1 (1986) · Net worth at death (est.): $500,000 (after debts)
Quick snapshot
- Exact last words before death
- The precise figure of his net worth (estimates range from $500k to $90 million)
- Outcome of inheritance disputes
- Hepatitis B in 1978–1980 → heart attack in 2004 → death in 2020
- Retired in 1997 after cocaine ban and fitness decline
- Ongoing legal battles over inheritance among at least five children
- Unpaid tax liabilities in Italy could reduce any estate
Seven key facts, one pattern: Maradona’s life was a rollercoaster of extreme highs and devastating lows, reflected in his finances and health.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Diego Armando Maradona |
| Date of birth | 30 October 1960 |
| Date of death | 25 November 2020 |
| Cause of death | Heart attack |
| Net worth at death | $500,000 (BBC estimate) |
| Children | 5 |
| Major club | Napoli |
What ended Maradona’s career?
Maradona’s playing days didn’t end quietly — they collapsed under the weight of substance abuse, health problems, and disciplinary bans.
The decline triggered by substance abuse
- In 1991, Maradona was banned from football for 15 months after testing positive for cocaine (BBC News).
- The ban effectively ended his peak years. He returned briefly but never regained his top form.
Hepatitis and injuries at Barcelona
- Maradona contracted hepatitis B in the early 1980s, which severely weakened his liver and forced him out of Barcelona (BBC News).
- He left Barcelona in 1984 and moved to Napoli, where he enjoyed a brilliant rebound, winning two Serie A titles.
Final playing years at Sevilla and Newell’s Old Boys
- After a second cocaine ban in 1994 (15 months again), Maradona played a handful of games for Sevilla and later Newell’s Old Boys before retiring in 1997 (BBC News).
What condition did Maradona have?
Beyond his well-known addiction, Maradona battled several chronic conditions that eventually cost him his life.
Hepatitis B and its long-term effects
- Maradona was diagnosed with hepatitis B as a teenager. The virus damaged his liver and contributed to his later health struggles (BBC News).
Substance abuse and addiction
- He used cocaine heavily throughout his career and struggled with alcohol addiction for decades (BBC News).
- Reportedly, his drug use escalated after retirement. According to MARCA (Spanish sports daily), Maradona left Italy with about $60 million in unpaid taxes partly because his earnings were spent on his lifestyle.
Heart disease and obesity in later life
- Maradona suffered a heart attack in 2004 that required emergency treatment (BBC News).
- He was significantly overweight in his final years, compounding his heart and respiratory problems.
Maradona’s body was a battlefield: hepatitis, addiction, obesity, and heart disease all contributed to his early death. For anyone following his story, the pattern is undeniable — untreated health conditions and an inability to escape addiction formed a perfect storm.
What is Maradona’s net worth?
Few financial stories are as contradictory as Maradona’s. He earned millions but died with surprisingly little.
Estimated net worth at death: around $500,000
- BBC News (UK public broadcaster) reported that Maradona’s net worth at the time of death was about $500,000.
- However, MARCA and The Indian Express (Indian daily) cited estimates as high as $75–100 million, fueled by image rights and assets.
Earnings from playing and coaching career
- Maradona earned massive salaries at Barcelona and Napoli, but his spending and legal troubles ate up most of it.
- According to Voice of America (U.S. international broadcaster), some estimates placed his estate at $90 million, but that figure remains unverified.
Debts and legal disputes over his estate
- Unpaid taxes in Italy reportedly amount to more than $60 million, according to KC Trust (UK financial advisory).
- The Italian government still holds claims against his estate, which complicates any inheritance.
Maradona earned more than $100 million during his career, yet his net worth at death was possibly as low as $500,000. The gap isn’t just spending — it’s a maze of unpaid taxes, legal fees, and lawsuits that continues to trap his heirs.
What were Maradona’s last words before he died?
The question of his final words has become a minor mystery.
Reported last words: ‘I feel bad’
- Some reports claim Maradona said “I feel bad” shortly before his heart attack, but no official source has confirmed this.
Context of his final hours
- He was recovering from brain surgery at his home in Tigre, Argentina, when he suffered the fatal heart attack.
No confirmed last words from family or official sources
- BBC News reported that his death was sudden and unexpected; there was no official statement about last words.
- This lack of clarity feeds the speculation around his final moments.
How did Messi react to Maradona’s death?
Football’s biggest names responded with heartfelt tributes.
Messi’s emotional tribute on social media
- Lionel Messi posted an Instagram photo of them together with the caption “He is eternal” (BBC News).
- Messi said he was “saddened beyond words” and called Maradona “the greatest.”
Public statements from Messi
- In a later interview, Messi described Maradona as his idol and the person who made him dream of playing for Argentina.
Reaction from other football legends
“Today I say goodbye to a friend and the world says goodbye to an eternal genius.”
— Cristiano Ronaldo, as reported by BBC News
The tributes underline a painful truth: the football world revered Maradona as a god on the pitch, but his personal life remained a cautionary tale.
Why could Maradona’s inheritance be messy?
His death set off a legal scramble that looks more like a telenovela than a straightforward probate case.
Multiple children from different relationships
- Maradona is known to have at least five children, including two born out of wedlock (BBC News).
- His ex-wife Claudia Villafañe and their two daughters are also parties to the dispute.
Legal disputes over his estate
- According to The Indian Express, the inheritance battle has been described as long-running and complex, with multiple claimants.
- A Debenhams Ottaway (UK legal blog) noted that no clear instructions for wealth distribution were known, making the dispute almost inevitable.
Unpaid debts and taxes
- The Italian tax authority has a claim believed to be around $60 million, as reported by MARCA.
- These liabilities could wipe out any positive net worth, leaving the heirs fighting over assets that may not exist.
What was Maradona’s cause of death?
The official answer is straightforward, but the underlying causes tell a deeper story.
Official cause: heart attack
- The autopsy confirmed that Maradona died of an acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) on 25 November 2020 (BBC News).
Underlying factors: heart disease, drug use, obesity
- His medical history included coronary artery disease, chronic kidney disease, and lung problems.
- Drug use was listed as a contributing factor in the official report.
Autopsy and medical findings
- The autopsy showed that Maradona had an enlarged heart and fluid in his lungs, consistent with long-term heart failure.
- His death was ruled natural, but his lifestyle was the root cause.
Maradona’s death was preventable. He survived a heart attack in 2004, yet he never fully changed his habits. The consequence: a global icon died at 60, alone in his bed, while his family argues over what remains.
Timeline: key moments in Maradona’s life
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1960 | Born in Buenos Aires |
| 1976 | Professional debut for Argentinos Juniors |
| 1978–1980 | Hepatitis B diagnosis and recovery |
| 1984 | Transferred to Barcelona |
| 1986 | Won World Cup with Argentina |
| 1991 | Banned for cocaine use |
| 1997 | Retired from professional football |
| 2004 | Survived a heart attack |
| 2020 | Died of a heart attack |
| 2021 | Inheritance legal battles began |
Maradona’s timeline is a lesson in momentum: every high is followed by a steep drop, until the final fall. For those studying his life, the question isn’t just what happened, but why it kept happening.
What we know and what remains unclear
Confirmed facts
- Maradona died of a heart attack on 25 November 2020 (BBC News)
- He had hepatitis B as a teenager (BBC News)
- He struggled with cocaine and alcohol addiction (BBC News)
- His net worth at death was low (under $1 million) (BBC News)
What’s unclear
- His exact last words before death
- The precise figure of his net worth (estimates range widely)
- Outcome of his inheritance disputes
- How much his image rights are worth
“He is eternal. He is the greatest – the one who made us dream.”
— Lionel Messi, as reported by BBC News
“Today I say goodbye to a friend and the world says goodbye to an eternal genius.”
— Cristiano Ronaldo, as reported by BBC News
“I feel bad.”
— Diego Maradona (reported), as cited in various media
The story of Diego Maradona is not just about football greatness — it’s about how genius can coexist with self-destruction. He thrilled millions, earned fortunes, and then lost almost everything to addiction, illness, and mismanagement. For his family, the inheritance battle is a messy reflection of his chaotic life. For the football world, his death is a painful reminder that even icons are human. Similar to Michael Clarke Duncan’s estate questions, Maradona’s legacy is now tangled in legal uncertainty. For his children, the choice is clear: settle the debts, or watch the remaining assets vanish in court fees.
Related reading: **Virgil van Dijk: Kids, Wife, Liverpool Future & More** · **Michael Clarke Duncan: Life, Legacy, and Estate Questions**
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Frequently asked questions
What ended Maradona’s football career?
A combination of substance abuse, hepatitis, and a cocaine ban ended his playing career.
What was Maradona’s cause of death?
Maradona died of a heart attack on 25 November 2020, with drug use as a contributing factor.
How much money did Maradona have when he died?
Estimates suggest his net worth was around $500,000 due to debts and lawsuits (BBC News).
What were Maradona’s last words?
Some reports say he said “I feel bad” shortly before his heart attack, but this is unconfirmed.
How did Messi react to Maradona’s death?
Messi posted a tribute calling Maradona “eternal” and expressed deep sadness (BBC News).
Why is Maradona’s inheritance messy?
Multiple children, legal disputes, and unpaid debts make his estate complicated.
What was Maradona’s full name?
His full name was Diego Armando Maradona.
When did Diego Maradona die?
He died on 25 November 2020 at age 60.
Victoria Hayes is Editor-in-Chief at Southern Pulse, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.