Net Worth Ranker
What Is Diego Maradona’s Net Worth?
At the time of his death on November 25, 2020, Diego Maradona, the iconic Argentine football coach, manager, and former professional player, had a net worth of approximately $500,000. This figure reflects the culmination of a career that saw him earn tens of millions of dollars through salaries, endorsements, and other ventures, though financial mismanagement and other challenges significantly impacted his overall wealth.
Diego Maradona’s Career Earnings and Financial Challenges
During his illustrious career, Diego Maradona secured numerous lucrative contracts and endorsements. In the early 1980s, he stood as one of the highest-paid athletes globally, amassing millions of dollars annually. His endorsements included major brands like Hublot, Puma, and Coca-Cola. Between 1984 and 1991 alone, Maradona’s salary totaled $43 million, which, adjusted for inflation, is equivalent to around $100 million today. This period marked the peak of his earning potential, showcasing his value both on and off the field.
Despite these substantial earnings, Maradona faced significant financial issues, particularly later in life. A major factor was a long-standing tax dispute with Italian authorities, dating back to his time playing for Napoli. The unpaid taxes, coupled with accumulated fines and interest, ballooned over three decades. By 2009, Italian officials publicly stated that Maradona owed 37 million Euros in unpaid taxes, including 23 million Euros in interest. Law enforcement seized some of his jewelry, valued at approximately 42,000 Euros, in an attempt to settle part of the debt. However, the vast majority of the debt remained unpaid. Maradona consistently maintained that he would never pay these taxes, alleging unfair treatment by the Italian authorities, leading to accusations of defamation.
Early Career and Key Milestones Affecting Diego Maradona’s Net Worth
Born on October 30, 1960, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Diego Maradona’s early life was characterized by poverty. He grew up with six siblings in a shantytown on the outskirts of the city. His fortunes began to change when a talent scout recognized his exceptional skills, leading him to join a youth team. By the age of 15, he made his professional debut for Argentinos Juniors, becoming the primary provider for his family. His rapid ascent on the national stage resulted in a $4 million transfer to Boca Juniors in 1981.
His move to Barcelona in 1982 for a record-breaking $7.6 million fee generated considerable excitement. Despite his popularity among Spanish fans and continued strong performance, his tenure was marked by controversies. One notable incident in 1984 involved Maradona assaulting several Athletic Bilbao players, resulting in a brawl and his subsequent dismissal from the team. Napoli then broke the world record by paying approximately $10.5 million for Maradona, where he led the team to two titles, including their first in history. This period significantly enhanced his market value and earning potential.
Maradona’s pivotal role in Argentina’s 1986 World Cup victory further cemented his legendary status. His infamous “Hand of God” goal against England, followed by another stunning goal, showcased his brilliance and controversial nature. However, his personal life began to negatively impact his career trajectory. The 1990 World Cup was a disappointment, and in 1992, he was forced to leave Napoli after testing positive for cocaine. Another failed drug test in 1994 resulted in his expulsion from the World Cup. These incidents tarnished his reputation and led to a decline in his marketability and earnings.
Health and Addiction Issues Impacting Diego Maradona’s Finances
Diego Maradona’s well-documented struggles with cocaine addiction significantly impacted his career and finances. Allegedly dependent on the substance from the mid-1980s to around 2004, his addiction affected his ability to play and led to his departure from Napoli in disgrace after testing positive for cocaine in 1991. He also tested positive for ephedrine during the 1994 World Cup. These incidents resulted in suspensions, loss of endorsements, and a decline in his overall income.
His health began to decline even before his retirement from soccer. His lifestyle in Napoli, characterized by frequent partying, contributed to weight gain and a visible decline in fitness. After retiring, his health deteriorated further. He became obese, reaching a weight of 280 pounds. In 2005, he underwent gastric bypass surgery to combat obesity. Despite this, he continued to struggle with alcohol abuse, leading to hospitalization in 2007 for hepatitis. While rumors of his death circulated, he emerged from a psychiatric facility after receiving treatment for his addiction issues. In 2018, he collapsed in the stands while watching Argentina play at the FIFA World Cup and required medical treatment. His erratic behavior, including drinking white wine and swearing at fans, further damaged his public image.
Legal Problems and Controversies Affecting Diego Maradona’s Net Worth
Throughout the 1990s, Maradona faced numerous legal issues. In 1991, he was caught attempting to meet with prostitutes in Napoli, leading to charges of distributing and possessing cocaine after sharing the substance with them. After testing positive for cocaine that year, he attempted to flee to Argentina but was apprehended by Italian authorities. In 1994, during the FIFA World Cup, he made headlines for firing a pellet gun at journalists from his hotel, injuring several reporters. He was later given a suspended sentence of two years and ten months. These legal troubles resulted in fines, legal fees, and further damage to his reputation, negatively impacting his earning potential and overall net worth.
