Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Diego Maradona

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 12, 2026

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Diego Maradona made an impact.

Diego Maradona (1960–2020) was an Argentine professional footballer and manager, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. A diminutive playmaker with extraordinary vision, ball control, and dribbling ability, he famously led Argentina to victory in the 1986 FIFA World Cup. His performance during that tournament, including the iconic 'Hand of God' goal and the 'Goal of the Century' against England, cemented his status as a global icon. At the club level, he transformed the Italian team Napoli, guiding them to two Serie A titles and cult-hero status in the city. Despite a career often shadowed by personal struggles and controversies, including suspensions for drug use, Maradona’s genius on the pitch remains unparalleled. His legacy transcends stats, representing a symbol of national pride and a cultural phenomenon that reshaped the world of soccer forever.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

March 1969: Joining Los Cebollitas

In March 1969, Diego Maradona was recommended to join Los Cebollitas, the junior squad for the club Argentinos Juniors, by his friend Gregorio Carrizo. This marked a pivotal step in his early footballing career as he joined the team coached by Francis Gregorio Cornejo.

1973: Cebollitas Success and Undefeated Run

In 1973, Diego Maradona led the youth team Cebollitas to victory in the Evita Tournament, contributing to a legendary streak of 141 consecutive undefeated games that began during this period.

1974: Continued Dominance with Cebollitas

Throughout 1974, Maradona continued his success with Cebollitas, helping the team secure another Evita Tournament win as part of their historic 141-game undefeated streak in Argentine youth football.

November 1976: First Professional Goal

On 14 November 1976, two weeks after his 16th birthday, Diego Maradona scored his first professional goals, netting a brace against the Marplatense team San Lorenzo.

1976: Beginning of tenure at Argentinos Juniors

Starting in 1976, Diego Maradona began a significant five-year period playing for Argentinos Juniors, a spell that would eventually see him make 167 appearances for the club.

1977: 1977 Breakthrough Season

During the 1977 season, Maradona established himself as a rising talent by playing 49 matches and scoring 19 goals, which garnered significant attention from other South American clubs.

1978: 1978 World Cup Exclusion

In 1978, Maradona was controversially omitted from the World Cup squad by coach César Luis Menotti on 19 May, though he responded two days later by scoring a brace against Chacarita Juniors.

1979: 1979 Scoring Excellence

In 1979, Maradona achieved a prolific scoring rate of 26 goals in 26 games, finishing as the top scorer in both the Metropolitan and Nacional tournaments.

1980: 1980 Goal-Scoring Dominance

During the 1980 season, Maradona scored 43 goals in 45 appearances, marking the fourth consecutive tournament where he finished as the top scorer.

February 1981: Transfer to Boca Juniors

In February 1981, Diego Maradona completed a high-profile transfer to Boca Juniors for a fee of US$4 million, following a successful five-year tenure at Argentinos Juniors where he scored 115 goals.

February 1981: Maradona Signs and Debuts with Boca Juniors

On 20 February 1981, Diego Maradona officially signed a contract to play for Boca Juniors, and on 22 February 1981, he successfully debuted for the club by scoring two goals in a 4–1 victory against Talleres de Córdoba.

1982: Transfer to FC Barcelona

Following the 1982 World Cup, Diego Maradona completed a landmark transfer to FC Barcelona for a record-breaking fee of £5 million in 1982.

June 1983: Maradona's Historic Ovation at the Santiago Bernabéu

On June 26, 1983, during a Copa de la Liga match, Diego Maradona became the first Barcelona player to receive applause from Real Madrid fans at the Santiago Bernabéu after scoring a brilliant individual goal. Three days later, on June 29, 1983, he helped Barcelona secure the title by scoring a penalty in a 2-1 victory over their rivals.

June 1983: Copa del Rey Victory

On June 4, 1983, Maradona assisted Víctor Muñoz during a 2–1 victory against Real Madrid, helping FC Barcelona secure the Copa del Rey trophy.

1984: Transfer to Napoli

During 1984, Maradona set a new world record transfer fee for the second time in his career by moving to the Italian club Napoli for a fee of £6.9 million.

1984: Maradona Departs FC Barcelona for Napoli

In 1984, following a period of intense conflict with Barcelona executives and a chaotic final match that resulted in a mass brawl, Diego Maradona officially requested a transfer from the Camp Nou. This decision led to his record-breaking move to the Italian club Napoli for a fee of £6.9 million.

1986: 1986 FIFA World Cup Victory and Individual Honors

In 1986, Diego Maradona captained the Argentina national team to a World Cup victory in Mexico, defeating West Germany in the final. During this 1986 tournament, he also earned the Golden Ball award as the competition's best player and performed famously in the quarter-final against England by scoring both the "Hand of God" goal and the "Goal of the Century."

20 October 1976: Professional Debut for Argentinos Juniors

On 20 October 1976, Diego Maradona made his professional debut for Argentinos Juniors against Talleres de Córdoba. At 15 years old, he became the youngest player in Argentine Primera División history, famously nutmegging opponent Juan Domingo Cabrera during the match.

November 2008: Appointed Coach of Argentina National Team

In November 2008, Diego Maradona officially began his tenure as the head coach of the Argentina national football team.

2010: Coaching at the 2010 World Cup

During the 2010 World Cup held in South Africa, Maradona served as the manager for the Argentina national team before concluding his role following the tournament's end in 2010.

2011: Coaching Al Wasl

In 2011, Maradona took on the position of head coach for the Dubai-based football club Al Wasl, competing in the UAE Pro-League for the 2011–12 season.

2017: Coaching Fujairah

In 2017, Diego Maradona assumed the role of head coach for the football club Fujairah, remaining with the team until the conclusion of the season.

September 2018: Chairman of Dynamo Brest and Dorados Coach

Following his tenure as chairman of Dynamo Brest from May to September 2018, Maradona transitioned to coaching the Mexican club Dorados in September 2018.