How did one of football’s most iconic legends, who once earned millions, end up with a surprisingly modest fortune?
The Diego Maradona net worth story isn’t just about money—it’s about rise, glory, fall, and consequences. He was a global superstar, a game-changer on the field, and a magnet for controversy off it.
In this article, PBC dives into his career earnings, sponsorships, and financial issues, following the full arc of his wealth from his golden years to the final chapters of his life.
Keep reading to uncover how one of the greatest footballers managed, lost, and influenced wealth on and off the pitch.
Diego Maradona Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Diego Armando Maradona Franco |
| Popular Name | Diego Maradona |
| Birth Date | October 30, 1960 |
| Age | 60 (Died: November 25, 2020) |
| Birthplace | Lanús, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina |
| Nationality | Argentine |
| Ethnicity | Guaraní (Indigenous), Galician, Italian, Croatian |
| Education | N/A |
| Marital Status | N/A |
| Spouse | Claudia Villafañe |
| Children | Gianinna Maradona, Diego Sinagra, Dalma Maradona, Jana Maradona |
| Dating | N/A |
| Siblings | Four sisters, two brothers (Hugo and Raúl Maradona) |
| Parents | Diego Maradona Chitoro, Dalma Salvadora Franco |
| Height (meters) | 1.65 m |
| Net Worth | $500,000 |
| Source of Wealth | Football (player & manager), Endorsements |
What is the Net Worth Of Diego Maradona in 2025?
Diego Maradona’s net worth at the time of his passing in 2020 was $500,000. Compared to fellow legends and modern players, this number appears shockingly low.
While Maradona earned tens of millions during his career—especially between 1984 and 1991—financial struggles, tax debts, and lifestyle issues significantly impacted his long-term finances.
For comparison, players like Pelé, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo hold far greater financial legacies. Even Napoli, the club that benefited immensely from his talents, saw greater commercial success after his era. His endorsements with Puma and Coca-Cola couldn’t shield him from years of declining financial health.
Estimated net worth is based on available data and may fluctuate over time.
Related figures/entities in his financial story:
- Pelé
- Napoli
- Coca-Cola
- Puma
- Barcelona
- Boca Juniors
- Italian Tax Authority
- Sevilla
- Argentinos Juniors
- Celebrity Net Worth
If you’re exploring more profiles, check out some of the most financially successful celebrity profiles to see how others compare in earnings and legacy.
Diego Maradona Wealth, Salary and Financial overview
How did he earn money throughout his football career?
Diego Maradona’s career began young. At just 15, he made his professional debut with Argentinos Juniors. That early leap quickly positioned him as the financial pillar of his family.
From there, he played for Boca Juniors and later signed with Barcelona in a record-breaking move worth $7.6 million.
The transition to Napoli took things further—Napoli paid $10.5 million, setting another world record fee. Between 1984 and 1991, he earned an estimated $43 million in salary, which today would be worth around $100 million.
Despite these highs, his financial climb wasn’t linear. Performance bonuses, winning titles, and captaining Napoli through their first-ever Serie A win helped boost his career income significantly.
Still, Diego Maradona received multiple fines ($70,000 by Napoli alone) for missing games and practice, signaling early signs of financial instability.
What were his major endorsement deals and sponsorships?
Even beyond the pitch, Diego Maradona endorsed top global brands. Puma signed him for a long-standing relationship that boosted his brand appeal. Coca-Cola sponsored Maradona, recognizing his mass popularity, particularly after the 1986 World Cup victory.
These deals brought in millions, but they couldn’t counteract personal spending and legal issues. His marketability remained high, but income management proved to be his challenge.
Later in life, endorsements thinned out as controversies shadowed his professional identity. Still, the Maradona name carried enough value for brands to remain connected to his legacy even post-retirement.
What financial challenges did he face during and after retirement?
One of the most damaging aspects of his financial journey was his unresolved tax issue with Italian authorities. Over time, Diego Maradona’s debt accumulated to €37 million, which included €23 million in interest alone.
Authorities seized jewelry worth €42,000, but that barely scratched the surface. He refused to pay the taxes, claiming unfair treatment, which only led to further legal complications and even defamation charges.
In addition, his lifestyle was costly. Addiction issues, extravagant living, and a lack of long-term planning turned his once-massive income into mere fragments by the end of his life.
How did his financial status decline over the years?
At one point, Diego Maradona earned millions annually, but years of off-field problems created a sharp downfall. After his exit from Napoli, he never regained the same earning power.
Post-1990, his ban from football due to drug use, a series of brief contracts with Sevilla and Newell’s Old Boys, and finally, his return to Boca Juniors didn’t generate enough to restore his financial standing.
Lifestyle, legal issues, and inconsistent work as a manager further reduced his finances.
What role did clubs like Napoli and Barcelona play in his financial story?
Napoli signed him during a pivotal time for the club, and he helped lead them to two Serie A titles, a Coppa Italia, and a UEFA Cup victory. Diego Maradona earned significant salaries, bonuses, and club-related commercial attention. The city celebrated him as a savior, and his transfer was both a cultural and financial turning point for southern Italy.
Before Napoli, Barcelona transferred him from Boca Juniors for $7.6 million. His time in Spain was shorter and marked by controversy, ending after a stadium brawl during the Copa del Rey final.
Still, both clubs represented the peak of his earnings and impact.
How did his off-field lifestyle affect his finances?
This is where the steepest decline began. Diego Maradona used cocaine heavily from the mid-1980s until the early 2000s, damaging both his career and his earnings. Parties, women, and constant security under mafia protection in Naples drained resources quickly.
Later, he tested positive for banned substances multiple times, reducing contract offers and endorsement opportunities. Legal battles—including being caught sharing cocaine with prostitutes—led to mounting court costs and penalties.
Despite moments of recovery, including a stint in rehab and gastric surgery, his reputation and finances were never the same.
What can be learned from his financial journey?
Diego Maradona’s story is a lesson in fame and financial vulnerability. From being one of the world’s highest-paid athletes to struggling with tax debts and legal issues, his case influenced how clubs, agencies, and athletes view money management.
The takeaway is clear: even global icons need solid financial planning. His story reflects how talent alone isn’t enough to secure lasting wealth.
For young athletes and fans, it’s a reminder that managing your income is as important as earning it.
Conclusion
Like or not, Diego Maradona’s financial journey is a compelling story worth sharing. For more insights into celebrity finances, visit Pennbookcenter.com and join the conversation.
