History of Diego Maradona in Timeline
"Diego Armando Maradona Franco, widely considered one of soccer's greatest players, was an Argentine professional player and manager. He shared the FIFA Player of the 20th Century award, solidifying his place as a legend in the sport."
1927: Birth of Diego Maradona's Father
Diego Maradona's father, Diego Maradona "Chitoro", was born in 1927.
1930: Birth of Diego Maradona's Mother
Maradona's mother, Dalma Salvadora Franco, "Doña Tota", was born in 1930.
1958: Pelé's World Cup Debut
Pelé, at the age of 17, made his World Cup debut for Brazil in 1958, scoring a hat-trick in the semi-final and a brace in the final to help his team win the tournament.
October 1960: Birth of Diego Maradona
Diego Maradona was born in October 1960 in Lanús, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
October 1960: Birth of Diego Maradona
Diego Maradona was born on October 30, 1960, at the Policlínico Evita Hospital in Lanús, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina.
March 1969: Joining Los Cebollitas
At age eight, Maradona joined Los Cebollitas, the junior team of Argentinos Juniors, in March 1969, after being recommended by a talent scout.
1973: Evita Tournament Win
Maradona led Cebollitas to their first Evita Tournament win during the 1973 season.
1974: Second Evita Tournament Win
Maradona's team, Cebollitas, won their second consecutive Evita Tournament in 1974.
October 1976: Professional Debut
On October 20, 1976, Maradona made his professional debut for Argentinos Juniors against Talleres de Córdoba, just ten days before his 16th birthday.
November 1976: First Professional Goal
Maradona scored his first professional goal in the Primera División against San Lorenzo on November 14, 1976, two weeks after his 16th birthday.
1976: Start at Argentinos Juniors
Maradona's time at Argentinos Juniors began in 1976.
February 1977: International Debut
Maradona made his full international debut for Argentina against Hungary on February 27, 1977, at the age of 16.
1978: Anniversary Match
Maradona played for an Argentina XI against the World XI in a match commemorating the first anniversary of Argentina's World Cup victory in 1978.
1978: Exclusion from 1978 World Cup Squad
Maradona was left out of Argentina's 1978 World Cup squad because coach César Luis Menotti felt he was too young at age 17.
June 1979: Maradona's International Debut
In June 1979, an 18-year-old Maradona scored his first senior international goal for Argentina in a 3-1 victory against Scotland at Hampden Park.
August 1979: Maradona's Copa América Debut
Maradona participated in two 1979 Copa América matches for Argentina in August 1979, a 2-1 defeat to Brazil and a 3-0 victory over Bolivia in which he scored the final goal.
1979: Copa América Debut
Maradona made his first appearance in the Copa América in 1979. Despite his talent, Argentina did not secure the championship title in this tournament.
1980: Trademark Moves
Maradona was renowned for his signature moves, including his skillful dribbling and accurate passes, as well as the "rabona," a reverse-cross pass shot demonstrated in a match against Switzerland in 1980.
February 1981: Signing with Boca Juniors
Maradona signed his contract with Boca Juniors on February 20, 1981, making his debut two days later.
March 1981: Queen Meets Maradona
In March 1981, the band Queen had a backstage encounter with Diego Maradona during their concert at the Vélez Sarsfield Stadium, highlighting Maradona's rising fame and influence.
1981: Transfer to Boca Juniors
After five years at Argentinos Juniors, Maradona transferred to Boca Juniors in 1981 for US$\4 million.
1982: Rossi Leads Italy to World Cup Glory
Paolo Rossi led Italy to victory in the 1982 World Cup, scoring six goals in the process and winning the Golden Boot as the tournament's top scorer.
1982: World Cup
The 1982 World Cup took place, after which Maradona transferred to Barcelona.
1982: Maradona's Rise to Stardom
By 1982, Maradona had established himself as a global sports icon, securing lucrative endorsements with brands like Puma and Coca-Cola, supplementing his club income significantly. He appeared in a World Cup commercial for Coca-Cola and a Japanese ad for Puma.
1982: Transfer to Barcelona
Maradona transferred to Barcelona for a then world record fee of £5 million in 1982.
1982: Maradona's First World Cup Appearance
Maradona participated in his first World Cup in 1982, hosted by Spain. Despite high expectations, Argentina, the defending champions, was eliminated in the second round after losses to Italy and Brazil.
June 1983: Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup Victory
In June 1983, Barcelona, under the leadership of Maradona, won the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup.
September 1983: Injury at Camp Nou
In a La Liga game at the Camp Nou in September 1983, Maradona suffered a broken ankle from a tackle by Athletic Bilbao's Andoni Goikoetxea.
1983: Beginning of Cocaine Use
Maradona's cocaine use allegedly began in 1983 while he was playing for Barcelona.
1983: Napoli Facing Relegation
Prior to Maradona's arrival, Napoli was facing relegation at the end of the 1983-84 Serie A season.
July 1984: Arrival in Naples
Maradona was presented as a Napoli player in July 1984, receiving a hero's welcome from 75,000 fans.
1984: Maradona's Reigning Success
In 1984, Maradona's earnings at Napoli reached an impressive $7 million annually, bolstered by a $5 million endorsement deal with Hitachi. His global recognition peaked when an IMG poll declared him the most famous person worldwide.
1984: Transfer to Napoli
In 1984 Maradona transferred to Napoli for a fee of £6.9 million, setting a new world record transfer fee.
1984: Transfer to Napoli
Following the brawl at the Copa del Rey Final, Maradona's time at Barcelona came to an end. He transferred to Napoli for a world record fee of £6.9 million.
1984: Copa del Rey Final Brawl
During the 1984 Copa del Rey Final, Maradona was involved in a violent fight with Athletic Bilbao players and fans. After being tackled and taunted with racist insults, Maradona retaliated with violence, sparking a brawl on the field.
September 1986: Birth of Diego Sinagra
Diego Sinagra, Maradona's son, was born in Naples on September 20, 1986.
1986: The Hand of God
Maradona's controversial "Hand of God" goal against England in the 1986 World Cup, where he used his hand to score, sparked debate and became one of the most talked-about moments in football history.
1986: Maradona's Enduring Legacy in Argentina
Since his pivotal role in Argentina's 1986 World Cup victory, Maradona has been elevated to legendary status in his home country. His story is often told in almost mythical terms, highlighting his impact on Argentine identity and culture.
1986: World Cup Brilliance
Maradona's physical prowess was evident in his two remarkable goals against Belgium during the 1986 World Cup.
1986: Maradona's Impact at the World Cup
Maradona's performance at the 1986 World Cup, particularly his two goals against England in the quarter-final, solidified his status as a legend. His performance transcended sport, uniting and uplifting a nation.
1986: Maradona's 1986 World Cup Performance Widely Celebrated
Maradona's performance at the 1986 World Cup continues to be hailed as one of the greatest individual performances in football history. His two goals against England, one infamous and the other sublime, have become iconic moments in the tournament's history.
1986: Left-Footed Dominance
Maradona's goal against Belgium in the 1986 World Cup semi-final exemplified his preference for using his left foot, even in situations where using his right foot might have seemed more natural.
1986: The "Ma-Gi-Ca" Frontline
The attacking trio of Maradona, Bruno Giordano, and Careca, which led Napoli to victory, became known as the "Ma-Gi-Ca" frontline.
1986: Maradona Wins Golden Ball and Cements Legacy
Maradona won the Golden Ball at the 1986 World Cup by unanimous vote and was largely credited with almost single-handedly leading Argentina to victory. His performances throughout the tournament, including his iconic goals against England, solidified his status as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
1986: Testimonial Match for Ardiles
Maradona played for Tottenham Hotspur in a testimonial match for Osvaldo Ardiles against Internazionale shortly before the 1986 World Cup.
1986: Maradona Leads Argentina to World Cup Victory
Maradona captained the Argentine national team to victory at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, defeating West Germany in the final in Mexico City. Maradona dominated the tournament, scoring five goals, providing five assists, and playing every minute of every game for Argentina.
1986: World Cup Victory and "Goal of the Century"
Maradona captained Argentina to victory in the 1986 World Cup, scoring two iconic goals against England in the quarter-final, including the "Hand of God" and the "Goal of the Century".
1986: Maradona's World Cup Glory
Footage of Maradona's iconic celebration after Argentina's 1986 World Cup triumph was featured in Shakira's 2010 music video for "Waka Waka." This memorable moment solidified his legendary status in football history.
1986: Post-Victory Celebration
Following Argentina's triumph in the 1986 World Cup, Maradona participated in a UNICEF fundraiser match, playing for The Americas against the World.
1986: Leadership and Impact
During the 1986 World Cup, Maradona's exceptional skills and strong personality had a significant positive impact on the Argentinian team, both on and off the field, as noted by his teammate Jorge Valdano.
1986: "Hand of God" Goal
Maradona scored the infamous "Hand of God" goal, a controversial moment in football history, during a match against England in the 1986 World Cup.
April 1987: Birth of Daughter Dalma Nerea
Maradona's first daughter, Dalma Nerea, was born on April 2, 1987.
May 1987: Napoli's First Scudetto
In May 1987, Napoli won their first-ever Serie A title, sparking massive celebrations throughout Naples.
1987: Clash with Pope John Paul II
Maradona and Pope John Paul II disagreed on wealth inequality during a meeting at the Vatican in 1987.
1987: Goals but No Title
Maradona participated in the 1987 Copa América in Argentina, where he scored three goals in four matches. However, Argentina lost in the semi-final against Uruguay, who went on to win the tournament.
1987: Coppa Italia Victory
Napoli won the Coppa Italia in 1987 during Maradona's time with the club.
1988: Serie A Top Scorer
Maradona became the top scorer in Serie A in the 1987-88 season with 15 goals.
May 1989: Birth of Daughter Gianinna Dinorah
Maradona's second daughter, Gianinna Dinorah, was born on May 16, 1989.
November 1989: Marriage to Claudia Villafañe
Maradona married his long-time fiancée, Claudia Villafañe, in Buenos Aires on November 7, 1989.
1989: Final Copa América Appearance
Maradona's third and final Copa América appearance was in 1989. Despite his efforts, Argentina again fell short of winning the championship.
1989: UEFA Cup Victory
Napoli, led by Maradona, won the UEFA Cup in 1989 after defeating Stuttgart in the final.
1990: Adaptability and Assist
Despite being predominantly left-footed, Maradona demonstrated adaptability in a 1990 World Cup match against Brazil, using his right foot to set up the winning goal for Claudio Caniggia due to the positioning of Brazilian defenders.
1990: Handball on the Goal Line
Maradona again caused controversy in the 1990 World Cup when he used his hand to prevent a goal by the Soviet Union, further solidifying his reputation for cunning play.
1990: Captaincy and Leadership
Maradona continued to captain Argentina in the 1990 World Cup, showcasing his leadership skills and tactical awareness on the field.
1990: Backlash After World Cup
Maradona faced backlash from some Napoli fans after Argentina beat Italy in the 1990 World Cup semi-final at the San Paolo stadium.
1990: Maradona Captains Argentina to World Cup Final
Maradona once again captained Argentina to the World Cup final in 1990, held in Italy. Despite battling an ankle injury and a less dominant team performance, Argentina reached the final but lost to West Germany.
1990: Visit to Lenin's Mausoleum
Maradona visited Lenin's Mausoleum in Moscow's Red Square in 1990.
1990: Italian Supercup Victory
Napoli won the Italian Supercup in 1990, adding to their list of accomplishments during Maradona's era.
1990: Diamond Konex Award
The Konex Foundation in Argentina honored Maradona with the Diamond Konex Award in 1990, recognizing him as the most important sports personality of the decade in the country.
1991: Drug Ban and "Mi enfermedad"
Maradona's cocaine addiction was in full force during his time at Napoli, impacting his performance. During this drug crisis in 1991, he was asked about the song "Mi enfermedad," which many believed was about him. He also faced a ban from football this year due to drug use.
1992: Departure from Napoli
Maradona left Napoli in 1992 after serving a 15-month ban for failing a drug test for cocaine.
1993: Paternity of Diego Sinagra Confirmed by Italian Courts
Italian courts ruled in 1993 that Maradona was the father of Diego Sinagra after he refused DNA testing.
1993: Signing with Sevilla
Maradona signed with Sevilla in 1993 after leaving Napoli.
1994: Drug Test Controversy
After testing positive for ephedrine at the 1994 World Cup, Maradona claimed it was due to his trainer mistakenly giving him the wrong energy drink. He was expelled from the tournament, and Argentina was eliminated in the round of 16 without their captain.
1994: Maradona's Last World Cup
Diego Maradona participated in the 1994 World Cup in the United States, playing only two games. He scored a memorable goal against Greece, followed by an iconic celebration. However, he was sent home after failing a drug test for ephedrine, marking the end of his international career.
1994: Final World Cup as Captain
Maradona captained Argentina for the last time in the 1994 World Cup, demonstrating his enduring influence on the team.
1994: Second Drug Ban
Maradona received a second ban from football in 1994 due to drug abuse.
1994: Managerial Debut with Mandiyú
Maradona started his managerial career with Mandiyú of Corrientes in 1994, alongside Carlos Fren.
1995: Managerial Stint at Racing Club
Maradona and Carlos Fren managed Racing Club in 1995.
1995: Return to Boca Juniors
Maradona returned to Boca Juniors in 1995 for a two-year stint.
April 1996: Exhibition Boxing Match
Maradona participated in a three-round exhibition boxing match against Santos Laciar for charity in April 1996.
1996: Friendly Match with Brother Raul
Maradona played in a friendly match alongside his brother Raul for Toronto Italia against the Canadian National Soccer League All-Stars in 1996.
1999: World Soccer Ranking
World Soccer magazine ranked Maradona second only to Pelé in their "100 Greatest Players of the 20th Century" in 1999.
2000: Napoli Retires Number 10
Napoli officially retired the number 10 jersey in honor of Maradona in 2000.
2000: FIFA Player of the Century Controversy
Maradona won the internet vote for the FIFA Player of the Century award in 2000. However, FIFA added a second award judged by a "Football Family" committee, resulting in a tie with Pelé.
2000: Autobiography Release
Maradona released his autobiography, "Yo Soy El Diego" ("I am The Diego"), which became a bestseller in Argentina in 2000.
2000: FIFA Player of the Century
Maradona was one of the two joint winners of the "FIFA Player of the Century" award in 2000, sharing the honor with Pelé.
2000: Friendly Match with Bayern Munich
Maradona captained Bayern Munich in a friendly match against the German national team in Lothar Matthäus's farewell game in 2000.
2000: "Hand of God" and Falklands War
In his 2000 autobiography, "Yo Soy El Diego," Maradona connected his controversial "Hand of God" goal against England in the 1986 World Cup to the Falklands War, suggesting it was a form of revenge.
November 2001: Testimonial Match in Argentina
In November 2001, a testimonial match was held for Maradona between an all-star World XI and the Argentina national team.
2001: Farewell Match
In 2001, Maradona captained the Argentina XI in his own "farewell match," marking the end of his illustrious playing career.
2001: Argentina's Request to Retire Number 10
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) requested FIFA to retire the number 10 jersey in honor of Maradona in 2001. FIFA denied the request.
2002: Maradona's Second Goal Against England Lauded
In 2002, Russell Thomas of The Guardian described Maradona's second goal against England in the 1986 World Cup quarter-finals as "arguably the greatest individual goal ever."
2002: Maradona's Second Goal Against England Voted "Goal of the Century"
In a 2002 FIFA online poll, Maradona's second goal against England in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final was voted "Goal of the Century". In this goal, Maradona dribbled past five English outfield players before slotting the ball into the net.
2002: Goal of the Century Award
Maradona's second goal against England in the 1986 World Cup was voted "Goal of the Century" by FIFA.com voters in 2002.
2002: FIFA Poll and Ultimate World Cup Team
Maradona's second goal against England was voted the best World Cup goal ever in a 2002 FIFA poll. He also received the most votes for the All-Time Ultimate World Cup Team.
May 2003: First Meeting with Diego Sinagra
Maradona met his son, Diego Sinagra, for the first time in May 2003.
December 2003: Argentinos Juniors Stadium Renaming
Argentinos Juniors renamed their stadium after Maradona on December 26, 2003.
2004: End of Cocaine Addiction
Maradona's struggle with cocaine addiction, which began in 1983, reportedly ended in 2004.
2004: Protest Against Iraq War
Maradona participated in a protest against the U.S.-led war in Iraq in 2004.
2004: Boca Juniors' Disappointing Season
Maradona's return to Boca Juniors came after a disappointing 2004-2005 season for the club.
2004: Divorce from Claudia Villafañe
Maradona and Claudia Villafañe divorced in 2004.
March 2005: Gastric Bypass Surgery
Suffering from obesity, Maradona underwent gastric bypass surgery in Cartagena, Colombia, in March 2005 to address his weight issues.
June 2005: Joint Appearance in Naples
Despite divorcing in 2004, Maradona and Villafañe traveled to Naples for a series of tributes in June 2005.
June 2005: Return to Boca Juniors
On June 22, 2005, it was announced that Maradona would be returning to Boca Juniors as sports vice-president in charge of the First Division roster.
August 2005: Maradona Admits to "Hand of God"
In August 2005, on his television show, Maradona confessed that he had intentionally used his hand to score the first goal against England in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final, contrary to his previous claims that it was "a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God." This admission further cemented the goal's controversial status in World Cup history.
August 2005: Television Debut
Maradona began hosting the Argentine talk show "La Noche del 10" ("The Night of the no. 10") on August 15, 2005, with Pelé as his first guest.
August 2005: Boca Juniors Contract
Maradona officially began his contract with Boca Juniors on August 1, 2005.
November 2005: Declined Argentina National Team Offer
Despite his television success, Maradona declined an offer to work with the Argentina national football team in November 2005.
November 2005: Ronaldinho's Bernabéu Ovation
Ronaldinho became the second Barcelona player to receive an ovation from Real Madrid fans at the Santiago Bernabéu in November 2005.
2005: Meeting with Hugo Chávez
Maradona met with Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez in 2005, expressing strong support for Chávez and his policies.
2005: Maldini's Praise for Maradona
In 2005, Paolo Maldini lauded Maradona as both the greatest player he ever played against and the most honest, praising his on-field behavior and resilience.
2005: Protest Against George W. Bush
Maradona strongly protested George W. Bush's attendance at the 2005 Summit of the Americas in Argentina, labeling Bush as "human garbage."
May 2006: Soccer Aid Participation
In May 2006, Maradona took part in the UK's Soccer Aid, a fundraising event for UNICEF.
August 2006: Resignation from Boca Juniors
Due to disagreements with the AFA, Maradona left his position at Boca Juniors on August 26, 2006.
September 2006: Captain for Argentina in Indoor World Cup
Maradona captained Argentina in the World Cup of Indoor Football tournament held in Spain during September 2006.
2006: Maradona's Guaraná Antarctica Commercial
A 2006 commercial for Guaraná Antarctica, a Brazilian soft drink, sparked controversy by featuring Maradona as a member of the Brazilian national team. In the ad, he donned the Brazilian jersey, sang the national anthem alongside Ronaldo and Kaká, and later woke up from the "nightmare." While Maradona dismissed any offense, the commercial highlighted his complex relationship with the football rivalry between Argentina and Brazil.
2006: Appearance with Villafañe at World Cup Games
Maradona and Villafañe were seen together at the Argentina games during the 2006 World Cup.
2006: Boca Juniors' Success
With Maradona as sports vice-president, Boca Juniors won both the Apertura and Clausura tournaments in 2006.
March 2007: Hospitalization for Hepatitis and Alcohol Abuse
Maradona was hospitalized in Buenos Aires in March 2007 for treatment related to hepatitis and the effects of alcohol abuse.
August 2007: Strong Criticism of the United States
Maradona intensified his criticism of the United States during an appearance on Hugo Chávez's television program, "Aló Presidente," expressing a deep hatred for the country.
December 2007: Support for Iran
Maradona sent a signed shirt with a message of support to the people of Iran in December 2007, which was put on display in the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs' museum.
2007: Guest of Honor at Copa América
Maradona was Hugo Chávez's guest of honor at the opening game of the 2007 Copa América, hosted by Venezuela.
October 2008: Appointment as Head Coach of Argentina National Team
On October 29, 2008, Maradona was confirmed as the head coach of the Argentina national team.
November 2008: Argentina National Team Coach
Maradona became the coach of the Argentina national football team in November 2008.
December 2008: Positive View of Barack Obama
Maradona's perspective on the United States seemingly shifted in December 2008 as he expressed admiration for Barack Obama, the incoming president.
2008: Maradona Documentary Release
Emir Kusturica, a Serbian filmmaker, released a documentary about the life of Maradona in 2008.
2008: Charisma and Leadership at Napoli
In 2008, former Napoli president Corrado Ferlaino praised Maradona's leadership qualities during his time at the club, referring to him as "a coach on the pitch" and highlighting his ability to inspire his teammates.
March 2009: Italian Tax Debt
In March 2009, it was revealed that Maradona owed the Italian government €37 million in taxes, with €23.5 million attributed to interest. Despite paying a small sum and offering valuables, the issue remained unresolved.
2009: Maradona's Second Goal Against England Called "Greatest Ever"
John Molinaro called Maradona's second goal against England in the 1986 World Cup "the greatest ever scored in the tournament - and, maybe, in soccer" in a 2009 article for CBC Sports.
2009: Becoming a Grandfather
Maradona became a grandfather in 2009 after his daughter Gianinna Dinorah married Sergio Agüero (now divorced).
January 2010: FIFA Ban Lifted
Maradona's two-month ban from all footballing activity, imposed by FIFA, expired on January 15, 2010.
March 2010: The Times Ranking
The London-based newspaper The Times named Maradona the greatest World Cup player of all time on March 22, 2010.
June 2010: Argentina's World Cup Journey
Argentina, under Maradona's coaching, started the World Cup in June 2010 with victories against Nigeria and South Korea. They won their group but were defeated by Germany in the quarter-finals.
2010: Maradona's Enduring Legacy
Maradona's star power continued to shine in 2010 when he was featured in a Louis Vuitton commercial alongside fellow World Cup legends Pelé and Zinedine Zidane. He also appeared in Shakira's music video for the 2010 World Cup anthem "Waka Waka," showcasing memorable footage of his 1986 World Cup victory with Argentina.
2010: World Cup in South Africa
Maradona coached Argentina in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
May 2011: Managerial Role at Al Wasl FC
Maradona was appointed as the manager of Al Wasl FC, a Dubai-based club, in May 2011.
November 2011: Death of Maradona's Mother
Maradona's mother, Dalma, died on November 19, 2011, at the age of 81.
2011: Coaching Al Wasl
Maradona coached Dubai-based club Al Wasl in the UAE Pro-League in the 2011-2012 season.
2011: Death of Diego Maradona's Mother
Maradona's mother passed away in 2011.
July 2012: Departure from Al Wasl FC
Maradona's tenure at Al Wasl FC ended when he was sacked on July 10, 2012.
April 2013: Support for Nicolás Maduro
Maradona visited Hugo Chávez's tomb in April 2013 and urged Venezuelans to support Nicolás Maduro, Chávez's chosen successor.
August 2013: Spiritual Coach at Deportivo Riestra
Maradona took on the role of 'spiritual coach' at the Argentine club Deportivo Riestra in August 2013.
September 2014: Meeting with Pope Francis
Maradona had a meeting with Pope Francis in Rome in September 2014, attributing his return to religion after many years to the Pope's influence.
September 2014: Match for Peace Participation
Maradona participated in the "Match for Peace" at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome in September 2014. The event raised money for charity.
2014: Assault Allegations
Maradona faced accusations of assaulting his girlfriend, Rocío Oliva, in 2014, but he denied these allegations.
2014: Maradona's 1986 World Cup Performance Deemed "Most Virtuoso"
Roger Bennett of ESPN FC described Maradona's 1986 World Cup performance as "the most virtuoso performance a World Cup has ever witnessed" in 2014.
2014: Criticism of Israel
Maradona condemned Israel's military actions in Gaza during the 2014 Israel-Gaza conflict, expressing his support for an independent Palestinian state.
2014: End of Contract Offer
Although initially offered a new four-year deal, the AFA decided not to renew Maradona's contract as Argentina's coach in 2014.
2014: FIFA Poll and Guardian Ranking
Maradona was voted the second-greatest number 10 of all time in a 2014 FIFA poll and was ranked second in The Guardian's "100 greatest World Cup players of all time" in the same year.
June 2015: Death of Maradona's Father
Maradona's father, "Don" Diego, passed away on June 25, 2015, at the age of 87.
August 2015: Tribute to Ali Bin Nasser
Maradona visited and paid tribute to Ali Bin Nasser, the referee of the controversial 1986 World Cup match between Argentina and England, in August 2015.
October 2015: Support for Football for Unity
Maradona announced in October 2015 his acceptance of a nomination to be the Latin American director for Football for Unity, a non-governmental organization focused on helping children.
November 2015: Iniesta's Bernabéu Ovation
Andrés Iniesta became the third Barcelona player to be applauded by Real Madrid fans at the Santiago Bernabéu in November 2015.
2015: Death of Diego Maradona's Father
Maradona's father passed away in 2015.
2017: Departure from Deportivo Riestra and Fujairah FC
Maradona left his role at Deportivo Riestra and became head coach of Fujairah in the UAE second division in 2017. He left at the end of the season.
2017: Maradona in FIFA 18 and PES 2018
Maradona's legacy in football continued to be celebrated in 2017 when he was featured as a legendary player in popular video games FIFA 18 and Pro Evolution Soccer 2018.
2017: FourFourTwo Ranking
Maradona topped the list of "100 greatest players" published by FourFourTwo in 2017.
2017: Praise for Vladimir Putin
In 2017, Maradona praised Russian President Vladimir Putin, placing him alongside Chávez and Castro as one of the world's best political leaders.
2017: Gift of a House
Maradona gifted a house located in Bella Vista to Rocío Oliva in 2017.
2017: Criticism of Donald Trump
Maradona criticized U.S. President Donald Trump in 2017, calling him "a cartoon character."
2017: Coaching Fujairah
Maradona became the coach of Fujairah in 2017.
2017: Hamsik Breaks Maradona's Record
In 2017, Marek Hamsik surpassed Maradona's record to become Napoli's all-time leading goalscorer.
May 2018: Chairman of Dynamo Brest
In May 2018, Maradona took on the position of chairman at Dynamo Brest, a Belarusian club.
May 2018: Chairman of Dynamo Brest
Maradona was announced as the new chairman of Belarusian club Dynamo Brest in May 2018.
September 2018: Coach of Dorados
Maradona started coaching Mexican club Dorados in September 2018.
September 2018: Manager of Dorados
Maradona was appointed manager of the Mexican second division side, Dorados, in September 2018.
December 2018: Split with Rocío Oliva
In December 2018, Maradona ended his relationship with his girlfriend, Rocío Oliva.
2018: Participation in Venezuelan Election Campaign
Maradona participated and danced at a campaign rally for the 2018 presidential elections in Venezuela.
2018: Bergomi's Acclaim
In 2018, former Italian defender Giuseppe Bergomi hailed Maradona as the greatest player of all time.
2018: Greatest Football Players in World Cup History
FourFourTwo ranked Maradona first in their "Greatest Football Players in World Cup History" list in 2018.
2018: Erratic Behavior at World Cup Match
During a 2018 World Cup match between Argentina and Nigeria, Maradona displayed erratic behavior that was caught on camera, later attributing it to excessive wine consumption.
2018: Maradona's 1986 World Cup Dominance Highlighted
In a 2018 article for Sportsnet, John Molinaro stated that "No other player, not even Pelé in 1958 nor Paolo Rossi in 1982, had dominated a single competition the way Maradona did in Mexico." He also referred to Maradona's performance as "The brilliant Argentine artist single-handedly delivered his country its second World Cup."
January 2019: Surgery for Internal Bleeding
Maradona underwent surgery in January 2019 to address internal bleeding caused by a hernia.
June 2019: Resignation from Dorados
Maradona's lawyer announced his resignation from Dorados in June 2019, citing health reasons, after the team failed to achieve promotion.
June 2019: End of tenure at Dorados
Maradona's time as coach of Dorados ended in June 2019.
September 2019: Coach of Gimnasia de La Plata
Maradona became the coach of Argentine Primera División club Gimnasia de La Plata in September 2019.
September 2019: Head Coach of Gimnasia de La Plata
Maradona was appointed as the new head coach for Gimnasia de La Plata in September 2019, signing a contract until the end of the season.
2019: Fine for Supporting Maduro
Maradona was fined by the Mexican Football Federation for violating their ethics code by dedicating a team victory to Nicolás Maduro during the 2019 Venezuelan presidential crisis.
2019: Diego Maradona Documentary Release
In 2019, Academy Award-winning filmmaker Asif Kapadia released a documentary titled "Diego Maradona." The film explored Maradona's extraordinary journey, highlighting his brilliance, struggles, and status as a flawed genius who captivated the world.
2019: Maradona Documentary
A 2019 documentary on Diego Maradona's life revealed his unusual weekly routine, which involved intense training despite a less than ideal diet and lifestyle.
March 2020: 90min.com Ranking
In March 2020, Jack Gallagher of 90min.com ranked Maradona first in their "Top 50 Greatest Players of All Time" list.
May 2020: Sky Sports Ranking
Sky Sports ranked Maradona as the best player never to win the UEFA Champions League/European Cup in May 2020.
June 2020: Contract Renewal with Gimnasia de La Plata
Despite a poor season record, Maradona's contract with Gimnasia de La Plata was renewed on June 3, 2020, for the following season.
November 2020: Death and Coaching Staff Resignation
Maradona passed away in November 2020. Following his death, the coaching staff at Gimnasia de La Plata resigned.
November 2020: Death of Diego Maradona
Diego Maradona passed away in November 2020.
November 2020: International Tributes and Dedications
Following Maradona's death in November 2020, several tributes and dedications were made. These included the renaming of a cricket stadium in India, the renaming of the Copa de la Liga Profesional, and tributes from the Pakistan Football Federation.
November 2020: Hospitalization, Death, and Funeral
In November 2020, Maradona was hospitalized for psychological reasons and underwent brain surgery for a subdural hematoma. On November 25, 2020, at 60, he died from cardiac arrest in his sleep. His funeral was attended by thousands and was marked by both national mourning and some crowd control challenges.
December 2020: Stadio Diego Armando Maradona
Nine days after Maradona's death, Napoli's home stadium was renamed Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on December 4, 2020.
December 2020: Stadium Renamed in Maradona's Honor
In December 2020, the Stadio San Paolo in Naples was officially renamed Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. The decision, a tribute to Maradona's legacy in the city, was supported by the Napoli owner, the mayor, and the City Council.
2020: Global Mourning and Tributes
In 2020, Maradona's death prompted global mourning. Organizations like the Argentine Football Association, UEFA, and CONMEBOL expressed condolences. Moments of silence were observed in matches across various leagues, including the Champions League, Europa League, Copa Libertadores, and Copa Sudamericana.
2020: Death of Diego Maradona
Maradona passed away in 2020 while he was still the coach of Gimnasia de La Plata.
2020: Director's Commentary
Asif Kapadia, the director of the Maradona documentary, commented in 2020 about Maradona's unique metabolism and training regimen.
May 2021: Homicide Charges Filed
In May 2021, seven medical professionals involved in Maradona's care were charged with homicide, facing potential prison sentences if convicted. The charges were related to allegations of negligence and failure in their duties.
June 2022: Medical Personnel Ordered to Stand Trial
In June 2022, a judge ruled that eight medical personnel involved in Maradona's care should face trial for criminal negligence and homicide. This decision followed investigations into the circumstances surrounding Maradona's death.
June 2022: Medical Personnel Ordered to Stand Trial
In June 2022, a judge ruled that eight medical personnel involved in Maradona's care should face trial for criminal negligence and homicide. This decision followed investigations into the circumstances surrounding Maradona's death.
April 2023: Court Upholds Trial Ruling
In April 2023, the Court of Appeals and Guarantees of San Isidro upheld the June 2022 ruling that eight medical personnel, including physician Luque and psychiatrist Cosachov, should stand trial for "simple homicide with malice aforethought" in relation to Maradona's death. They face potential prison sentences if found guilty.
January 2024: Posthumous Tax Clearance
In January 2024, Maradona was posthumously cleared by the Supreme Court of Cassation of the tax accusations made against him by the Italian government in March 2009.