Diego Maradona Net Worth - Pulptastic

Publish date: 2024-05-05

What was Diego Maradona’s Net Worth and Salary?

Diego Maradona, the Argentine football legend, had a net worth of $500,000 at the time of his death on November 25, 2020, at the age of 60. He was a former professional soccer player, coach, and manager who earned tens of millions of dollars from salaries and endorsements during his career.

Maradona was considered one of the greatest soccer players of all time, with exceptional dribbling skills, playmaking abilities, and goal-scoring instincts. He led Argentina to a World Cup victory in 1986 and was a hero to his people.

However, Maradona’s personal life was plagued by controversies, including drug addiction, financial issues, health problems, and the pressures of international fame. Despite his flaws, he remained an icon in the world of soccer and inspired countless fans around the globe.

Diego Maradona’s Salary Earnings

During the period of 1984 to 1991, Diego Maradona accumulated a salary worth $43 million. After taking inflation into account, this amount would be equivalent to approximately $100 million in today’s currency.

Maradona involved in tax dispute with Italian authorities

Diego Maradona was involved in a tax dispute with Italian authorities dating back to his time playing in Napoli. In 2009, Italian officials publicly announced that Maradona owed 37 million Euros in unpaid taxes, which included 23 million Euros in interest. Police seized some of Diego’s jewelry to pay off the debt, roughly 42,000 Euros. The vast majority of the remaining debt remained unpaid.

Maradona insisted that he had no intention of ever paying the taxes, and claimed that he was unfairly mistreated by the Italian authorities. As a result of these statements, Diego was accused of defamation.

Diego Maradona’s Early Life

Diego Armando Maradona was born on October 30th, 1960 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Raised in poverty with six siblings in a shantytown on the outskirts of the city, Maradona’s early skills were spotted by a talent scout and he began playing for a youth team.

Diego Maradona’s Career Highlights and Controversies

Diego Maradona made his professional debut for Argentinos Juniors at the age of 15 and quickly impressed on a national level. He was purchased by Boca Juniors in 1981 for a $4 million fee but transferred to Barcelona in 1982 after an unsuccessful World Cup campaign.

Maradona’s tenure at Barcelona was marred by a number of controversial incidents, including a brawl in 1984 that led to a fully-fledged riot within the stadium and his subsequent dismissal from FC Barcelona.

Napoli broke the world record transfer fee by paying about $10.5 million for Maradona, where he reached his peak. He led the team to two titles, including their first in history, during one of their true golden eras. Diego helped Argentina win the World Cup in 1986, famously striking the ball with his hand to score against England in a controversial 2-1 victory.

Maradona’s personal life off the pitch caused a rapid decline in his playing career. He was forced to leave Napoli in 1992 after testing positive for cocaine and was thrown out of the 1994 World Cup after failing a drug test once again. Over the next few years, he played for teams like Sevilla and Newell’s Old Boys before returning to Boca Juniors to end his career.

Diego Maradona’s Cocaine Addiction

Diego Maradona became infamous for his addiction to cocaine. It is alleged that he was completely dependent on the substance from the mid-80s till about 2004.

Unfortunately, his consistent use of the drug impaired his ability to play football, and this eventually became evident after his move to Napoli. During his time in the Italian city, he accepted the protection of a mafia crew who supplied him with drugs and women as he traveled through the streets unmolested by obsessed fans.

Eventually, he tested positive for cocaine in 1991 and left Napoli in disgrace. He also tested positive for ephedrine after playing two games at the 1994 World Cup.

Maradona’s Decline in Health and Fitness

Diego Maradona’s physical decline and health issues started during his time at Napoli, where he spent most of his time partying and gained weight. After retiring, his health worsened, and he became obese, weighing 280 pounds at one point. In 2005, he underwent gastric bypass surgery to address his obesity. However, Maradona continued to struggle with alcohol abuse, which led to hospitalization in 2007 due to hepatitis. In 2018, he collapsed during a FIFA World Cup match, and in 2019, he received treatment for internal bleeding caused by a hernia.

Maradona’s Legal Issues During the 90s

In 1991, Maradona faced legal troubles after attempting to meet with prostitutes in Napoli. He inadvertently contacted an illicit service on a monitored line and was recorded discussing cocaine use. He was charged with drug offenses and attempted to flee to Argentina but was brought back by Italian authorities.

During the 1994 FIFA World Cup, Maradona failed a drug test and was dismissed from the competition. He also made headlines for firing a pellet gun at reporters from his hotel, injuring several. He was later charged with a suspended sentence of two years and ten months, four years after the incident.

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