PROFESSIONAL CAREER

FULL NAME: Diego Armando Maradona Franco

NATIONALITY: Argentina

DATE OF BIRTH: October 30, 1960

POSITION: Attacking Midfielder, Second Striker

TEMS PLAYED:

• Youth Career:

  • 1967-1969: Estrella Roja

  • 1969-1976: Argentinos Juniors

• Senior Career:

  • 1976-1981: Argentinos Juniors

  • 1981-1982: Boca Juniors
  • 1982-1984: Barcelona
  • 1984-1991: Napoli
  • 1992-1993: Sevilla
  • 1993-1994: Newell's Old Boys
  • 1995-1997: Boca Juniors

• International Career:

  • 1977-1979: Argentina U20

  • 1977-1994: Argentina
• Managerial Career:
  • 1994: Deportivo Mandiyu
  • 1995: Racing Club
  • 2008-2010: Argentina
  • 2011-2012: Al-Wasl
  • 2013-2017: Deportivo Riestra (assistant)
  • 2017-2018: Fujairah
  • 2018-2019: Dorados de Sinaloa
  • 2019-2020: Gimnasia de La Plata

Summary of Maradona’s Career

Diego Maradona, widely regarded as one of the greatest football players in history, left an indelible mark on the sport through his extraordinary skills, passion, and charisma. Born in 1960 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Maradona's playing career began at Argentinos Juniors before moving on to Boca Juniors, where he became a national sensation. International acclaim followed with his transfer to FC Barcelona and, most notably, Napoli, where he led the club to unprecedented success, including two Serie A titles. Maradona's crowning achievement as a player came in the 1986 FIFA World Cup, where his brilliance propelled Argentina to victory, highlighted by his legendary “Hand of God” goal and his solo masterpiece against England. Despite struggles with injuries and personal challenges, his talent and influence on the pitch remain unparalleled.

After retiring as a player, Maradona ventured into coaching, taking the helm of various teams, including Al Wasl, Dorados, and Argentina’s national team. As Argentina's coach from 2008 to 2010, he guided the team to the quarter-finals of the 2010 World Cup. While his coaching career was less decorated than his playing days, Maradona’s passion for football and his ability to inspire players were undeniable. Diego Maradona passed away in 2020, but his legacy as a football icon endures, celebrated by fans worldwide for both his triumphs and his humanity.

ARGENTINOS JUNIORS (1976-1980)

Diego Maradona’s journey to becoming a football legend began at Argentinos Juniors, where he played between 1976 and 1980. Making his professional debut at just 15 years old, Maradona immediately showcased his extraordinary talent. During his time with the club, he scored an incredible 116 goals in 166 appearances, a testament to his skill, creativity, and vision on the field. Known for his dazzling dribbles and precise passes, Maradona quickly became the centre of attention in Argentine football. His performances earned him widespread recognition, setting the stage for his future as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. For Argentinos Juniors, Maradona’s time at the club is remembered as a golden era, as he single-handedly elevated their profile both nationally and internationally. It was here that Maradona’s love for the sport and his raw talent blossomed, leaving an indelible mark on the club and football history.

BOCA JUNIORS (1981-1982 & 1995-1998)

Joining the club in 1981 from Argentinos Juniors, Maradona quickly became a sensation at La Bombonera. His skill, vision, and remarkable ability to control the game were on full display as he led Boca Juniors to win the Metropolitano Championship in 1981, one of the most prestigious titles in Argentine football. During this period, Maradona’s relationship with the club and its passionate fanbase flourished, cementing his place as a footballing icon. Though his stay was brief, his impact on Boca Juniors and Argentine football as a whole was profound, setting the stage for the legendary career that followed.

Returning to Boca Juniors in 1995 for a second stint that lasted until 1998. This period marked the twilight of his storied career and held immense emotional significance for both Maradona and the Boca supporters. Although he was no longer the unstoppable force of his prime, his presence at La Bombonera was a source of inspiration and pride for the club. Maradona played sporadically during this time, battling injuries and personal challenges, but his passion for the game and his connection with Boca Juniors never wavered. His return to the club symbolized a homecoming for a legend, and fans cherished every moment he wore the iconic blue and yellow jersey. Maradona's time at Boca from 1995 to 1998 was less about achievements on the pitch and more about his enduring legacy and the unbreakable bond he shared with the club and its supporters.

barcelona (1982-1984)

Diego Maradona’s career between 1982 and 1984 was a pivotal period that showcased his immense talent and resilience. Following his move to FC Barcelona after a record-breaking transfer fee in 1982, Maradona quickly became a central figure in Spanish football. Despite facing challenges such as injuries and adjusting to a new league, he delivered unforgettable performances, including helping Barcelona win the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup. However, his time at the club was also marked by conflicts with management and on-field altercations, which eventually led to his transfer to Napoli in 1984. This period highlighted Maradona’s brilliance as a player, his fiery personality, and his determination to excel under pressure, leaving a lasting impact on the football world.

napoli (1984-1991)

Diego Maradona’s tenure at Napoli from 1984 to 1991 stands as one of football’s most remarkable chapters. When Maradona joined Napoli in 1984 for a then-record transfer fee, he arrived as a superstar with immense talent and charisma. Over the next seven years, he transformed the club from a mid-table Serie A team into a European powerhouse, winning the hearts of fans in Naples and beyond. Under his leadership, Napoli secured their first-ever Serie A title in the 1986–87 season and followed it with another league championship in 1989–90. Maradona also helped the team claim the UEFA Cup in 1989, showcasing his ability to perform on the international stage. His dazzling skill, creativity, and determination turned Napoli into a force to be reckoned with. Despite controversies surrounding his personal life and eventual departure in 1991, Maradona’s legacy remains deeply ingrained in Naples’ culture, where he is celebrated as a footballing legend and a symbol of hope for the city. His time at Napoli is often considered the pinnacle of his career, representing not just sporting success but also an emotional bond with the city and its people.

sevilla (1992-1993)