11 Things You Didn’t Know About Diego Maradona

Diego Maradona is a well-known figure in the football world; his story is full of highs and lows. From his early struggles to his rise to fame and descent into controversy, before trying to reclaim his place in the world of football. There’s been no shortage of drama, but this football magician continues to intrigue us with his history-making football play and continued involvement in the sport.

1. Just another Boy with a simple background.

Born in October 30 1960, Diego grew up in a Buenos Aires slum, life was hard and childhood was tough. He was the fourth child to be born into his family and had three older sisters. At the time it was said the only way a young man could get out of it was through football. After playing football in the streets with rolled up pieces of paper instead of a ball, Diego would go on to do exactly that.

2. His talent was evident early on.

It was apparent when the first time Diego kicked the ball, that there was something exceptional about him. He seemed to have an intuitive ability to read the ball and respond instantly. At the age of eight, Maradona was playing at a club in his neighbourhood. That’s where a talent scout spotted him.

3. Diego Maradona got into a fight on the pitch in front of the king of Spain.

In 1982, Maradona moved to Spain to play for Barcelona, one of the country’s top teams, his transfer fee was a world record-breaking $7.6 million. He distinguished himself in several games. However, his time at the club was marred by injury, provocation and aggression. one incident took place in 1984 with the king of Spain attending the event with 100,000 fans. The incident escalated with Diego lashing out at more than one player. This incident strained relations with the club’s management which led to him being transferred to Napoli Italy for another record-breaking transfer fee of 10.48 million.

4. Diego Maradona got himself into trouble with the Italian revenue services.

Maradona has had several run-ins with the Italian government, which says he did not pay his taxes while playing for Napoli. This has led to a long-running battle between Maradona and the Italian government. The Revenue Service has confiscated some of Diego’s possessions to settle the bill. It’s believed he still owes the Italian government $42 million, including interest on the outstanding debt.

5. The football superstar was a substance abuser.

 He has fought a long-running battle with cocaine. Diego Maradona began to use cocaine while playing for Barcelona back in 1983. His cocaine use Continued and worsened during his time at Nepali, he missed practices and even matches. While his absence was explained as stress-related, it was his cocaine use that caused it. A failed drug test led to the club having to release their star player who was affectionately known as the Golden One. The player also fell victim to alcohol abuse. Drugs and alcohol also affected his ability to play. He suffered several injuries and had to hang up his boots in 1997. He’s gone on to seek treatment multiple times for his substance abuse problems. 

6. Illegal as it may seem in Football, He scored a goal with his hand.

the truth about the hand of God goal in raged England spans Argentina’s win over England in the World Cup quarterfinals in Mexico of 1986 overshadowed Dona’s career from that day forward, there was intense rivalry between the two teams after the fall clip War. English fans claimed the goal was a foul struck by Diego’s hand and not his head. Maradona claimed it was the hand of God that allowed him to score the goal. The goal was upheld and England lost the game. It was shown afterwards. However, in the analysis of the footage, the goal was a handball, which is illegal in football.

 7. Diego Maradona scored the goal of the century

According to a 2002 FIFA poll, in the same game against England that yielded the hand of God goal, he scored what has become known as the greatest goal ever scored in football. He dribbled the ball from beyond the halfway line. outmanoeuvring no less than five English players before deceiving the goalkeeper and bringing the ball into the net.

8. Lavish Lifestyle.

Despite his checkered past, Diego Maradona has led a successful life. The Talented number 10 player has converted his talent to wealth both on and off the pitch. He continues to live a lavish lifestyle, despite his tax troubles. He maintains a luxury home worth $2 million in Buenos Aires, Argentina, his hometown. He’s an avid car collector and owns a Porsche. Maradona has featured in FIFA World Cup games and also as an ambassador.

9. Diego does not shy away from expressing his political views.

Diego has had some controversial political views. He regarded Fidel Castro as a friend and has a tattoo of the deceased Cuban leader on his left leg during the revolution that put Castro in power.

10. He has a church named after him

The “Church of Maradona” was founded in Buenos Aires in 1998, presumably designed to annoy English fans still smarting from the Hand Of God controversy.

11. He Has Fathered more children than he knows

He once said about fatherhood: “My legitimate kids are Dalma and Giannina. The rest are a product of my money and mistakes.”