Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Diego Maradona

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Diego Maradona.

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

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.

1986: 1986 World Cup Victory

In 1986, Maradona captained Argentina to victory in the World Cup in Mexico, winning the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player. He scored the "Hand of God" goal and the "Goal of the Century" against England in the quarter-final.

1986: 'Hand of God' Goal

In 1986, Maradona scored the infamous "Hand of God" goal against England at the World Cup.

1987: Clash with Pope John Paul II

In 1987, during a meeting with Pope John Paul II at the Vatican, Maradona clashed with him over wealth disparity, criticizing the Church's wealth in contrast to its concern for poor children.

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: Hand on the goal line

In the 1990 World Cup, Maradona used his hand on his own goal line, again without punishment, to prevent the Soviet Union from scoring.

1991: Banned from football for drug abuse

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

1994: Banned from football for drug abuse

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

1994: Expulsion from USA '94

In 1994, Maradona was expelled from the USA '94 World Cup after failing a drug test for ephedrine. He claimed it was due to the U.S. version of the energy drink Rip Fuel containing the chemical, unlike the Argentine version. Argentina was later eliminated in the round of 16. This marked the end of his international career.

1994: 1994 World Cup

In the 1994 World Cup in the United States, Maradona played in two games, scoring one goal against Greece at the Foxboro Stadium near Boston. After failing a drug test for ephedrine doping, he was sent home. His goal celebration against Greece was notable, marking his last international goal for Argentina.

2000: Linking 'Hand of God' Goal to Falklands War

In his 2000 autobiography Yo Soy El Diego, Maradona linked his 'Hand of God' goal against England at the 1986 World Cup to the Falklands War, viewing it as revenge for the Argentine boys killed in the conflict.

Yo Soy el Diego

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2004: Protest Against the Iraq War

In 2004, Maradona participated in a protest against the U.S.-led war in Iraq, expressing his opposition to imperialism.

August 2005: Maradona Acknowledges "Hand of God" Goal

On 22 August 2005, Maradona acknowledged on his television show that he intentionally hit the ball with his hand for the "Hand of God" goal against England in the 1986 World Cup, admitting it was illegitimate.

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2005: Protest at Summit of the Americas

During the 2005 Summit of the Americas in Mar del Plata, Argentina, Maradona protested George W. Bush's presence, wearing a T-shirt labelled "STOP BUSH" (with the "s" in "Bush" being replaced with a swastika) and calling Bush "human garbage."

2006: Guaraná Antarctica Commercial Controversy

In 2006, a television commercial for Brazilian soft drink Guaraná Antarctica portrayed Diego Maradona as a member of the Brazil national team. This generated controversy in the Argentine media. Maradona responded by stating he had no issue wearing the Brazilian jersey, but would refuse to wear a River Plate shirt.

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.

August 2007: Anti-U.S. Sentiment on Aló Presidente

In August 2007, Maradona appeared on Chávez's television show Aló Presidente and stated, "I hate everything that comes from the United States. I hate it with all my strength."

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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.

January 2010: FIFA ban expired

In January 2010, Maradona's two-month ban on all footballing activity, which was imposed by FIFA, expired on 15 January.

2014: Accusation of assaulting girlfriend

In 2014, Maradona was accused of assaulting his girlfriend, Rocío Oliva, which he denied.

2014: Condemnation of Israel's Actions in Gaza

In 2014, during the Israel–Gaza conflict, Maradona condemned Israel's military strikes in the Gaza Strip, calling the actions against Palestinians "shameful".

2017: Criticism of Donald Trump

In 2017, Maradona criticized President Donald Trump, calling him "a cartoon character".

2018: Erratic Behavior at World Cup Match

During the 2018 World Cup match between Argentina and Nigeria, Maradona exhibited erratic behavior, with white residue visible on the glass in front of him. He later attributed this to consuming a lot of wine.

2019: Fine for Supporting Nicolás Maduro

In 2019, during the Venezuelan presidential crisis, the Mexican Football Federation fined Maradona for violating their code of ethics by dedicating a team victory to Nicolás Maduro.

May 2021: Medical Professionals Charged with Homicide

In May 2021, seven medical professionals were charged with homicide over Maradona's death and could face between eight and 25 years in prison if convicted.

June 2022: Medical Personnel to Face Trial

In June 2022, a judge ruled that eight medical personnel should face trial for criminal negligence and homicide in regards to Maradona's death.

June 2022: Medical Personnel to Face Trial for Homicide

In June 2022, a judge ruled that eight medical personnel should face trial for criminal negligence and homicide in regards to Maradona's death.

April 2023: Appeal Court Upholds Ruling for Trial

On April 18, 2023, the Court of Appeals and Guarantees of San Isidro upheld the June 2022 ruling where eight medical personnel, including physician Luque and psychiatrist Cosachov, should face trial on the charge of "simple homicide with malice aforethought".

September 2024: Trial Date Set for Medical Personnel

In September 2024, a criminal court in San Isidro set the trial date for Luque, Cosachov, and other medical personnel to start on 11 March 2025, in connection with Maradona's death.