Challenges Faced by Diego Maradona: Obstacles and Turning Points

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Diego Maradona's life and career.

Diego Maradona was an Argentine professional football player and manager, globally recognized as one of the greatest footballers of all time. He jointly won the FIFA Player of the 20th Century award with Pelé. A masterful playmaker with exceptional dribbling skills, Maradona led Argentina to victory in the 1986 FIFA World Cup. His career was marked by both moments of brilliance and controversy, including the infamous 'Hand of God' goal. Beyond his playing career, he also served as a football manager.

Sections (7)

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

1978: Scored 26 goals and not selected to World Cup

In 1978, Maradona scored 26 goals in 35 matches, but was not selected for the 1978 World Cup squad.

1982: Maradona's First World Cup Tournament

In 1982, Maradona played his first World Cup tournament in Spain. Argentina, the defending champions, lost to Belgium in the opening game, and internal tensions affected the team's performance. They were eventually defeated by Brazil and Italy in the second round.

September 1983: Broken Ankle

In September 1983, Maradona suffered a broken ankle in a La Liga game caused by a tackle by Athletic Bilbao's Andoni Goikoetxea.

1983: Napoli facing relegation

At the end of the 1983–84 Serie A season, prior to Maradona's arrival, Napoli was facing relegation.

1984: Violent Fight during Copa del Rey Final

In 1984, Maradona was involved in a violent fight during the Copa del Rey Final against Athletic Bilbao after being provoked and receiving hard tackles.

1990: Personal Problems and Backlash in Italy

In 1990, Maradona faced increasing personal problems in Italy, including continued cocaine use, fines, a scandal regarding an illegitimate son, suspicion over alleged ties with the Camorra crime syndicate, and backlash from fans after Argentina beat Italy in the World Cup semi-final.

1990: 1990 World Cup Final

In the 1990 World Cup in Italy, Maradona captained Argentina to the World Cup final, though an ankle injury hampered his performance. Argentina lost their opening game and barely qualified from their group. In the round of 16 against Brazil, Argentina won with a goal set up by Maradona.

1991: Banned from football for drug abuse

In 1991, Maradona was banned from football for abusing drugs.

1992: Maradona Leaves Napoli for Sevilla

In 1992, after a 15-month ban for a drug test failure, Maradona left Napoli in disgrace and signed for Sevilla.

1994: Banned from football for drug abuse

In 1994, Maradona was banned from football for abusing drugs.

2004: End of Cocaine addiction

Maradona was addicted to cocaine from the mid-1980s until 2004.

March 2005: Gastric Bypass Surgery

In March 2005, Maradona underwent gastric bypass surgery in Cartagena, Colombia to combat obesity after struggling with weight gain since the end of his playing career. The surgery involved a liquid diet for three months to help him return to a normal weight, after which he displayed a much thinner physique.

August 2006: Quitting position in Boca Juniors

On 26 August 2006, Maradona quit his position in Boca Juniors due to disagreements with the AFA.

March 2007: Hospital Readmission for Hepatitis and Alcohol Abuse

On March 29, 2007, Maradona was readmitted to a hospital in Buenos Aires to receive treatment for hepatitis and the effects of alcohol abuse.

March 2009: Tax Debt to Italy

In March 2009, Italian officials announced that Maradona still owed the Italian government €37 million in local taxes, including accrued interest, having paid only €42,000, two luxury watches, and a set of earrings.