- In the 1986 World Cup quarter-final, which Argentina won 2-1 against England, Maradona scored the first goal for Argentina with his hand. The disputed goal was allowed and Maradona became an instant villain in England. He later described it as "The Hand of God". England manager Bobby Robson famously called it "The Hand of a Rascal".
- Good friends with Cuban leader Fidel Castro. He also has a tattoo of 'Ernesto Che Guevara' on his right arm.
- He and his one-time girlfriend Cristiana Sinagra are the parents of Diego Maradona Jr. who was born in Naples, Italy. The elder Maradona recognized the younger as his offspring in 2016.
- Winner of the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, which was Argentina's second (and to date) final World Cup win. He finished the tournament with five goals (one short of top scorer Gary Lineker). He scored both goals in the quarterfinal win against England and although he cheated for the first, the second is widely regarded as one of the greatest goals in World Cup history.
- Father of, with his girlfriend [now ex-wife] Claudia Villafañe, Dalma Maradona (b. April 2, 1987) and Gianinna Maradona (b. May 16, 1989).
- Singer Manu Chao dedicated his song "La vida tómbola" to him.
- Diego Maradona, is known around the world as one of the best football players of all time. During his professional career he has played for the following clubs: Argentinos Juniors (1976-1981), Boca Juniors (1981-82, 1995-1997), FC Barcelona (1982-1984), S.S.C. Napoli (1984-1992), Sevilla F.C. (1992-93) and Newell's Old Boys (1993-94) in all 840 games and 345 goals.
- He also has appeared in 91 international matches for Argentina National Football Team and scored 34 goals.
- Argentine rock group Los Piojos had a 1996 hit song dedicated to him called "Maradó".
- Honours with Boca Juniors: Argentine Primera División (1981 Metropolitano). Honours with FC Barcelona: Copa del Rey (1983); Copa de la Liga: (1983). Honours with S.S.C. Napoli Serie A (1987, 1990); Coppa Italia (1987); UEFA Cup (1989); Supercoppa Italiana (1990).
- Has his look-alike puppet in the French show Les Guignols de l'info (1988).
- Made his Argentine Primera División debut in October 1976 against Talleres at the 15 age.
- Argentine singer Rodrigo dedicated his song "La mano de Dios" to him.
- He and ex-girlfriend Verónica Ojeda are the parents of Fernando Diego Maradona...who was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Diego recognized Fernando as his son in March 2013.
- Grandfather of Benjamín Agüero.
- He and his one-time girlfriend, Valeria Sabalain, are the parents of Jana Maradona. Jana was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Diego recognized Jana as his daughter in 2014.
- In Buenos Aires, fans have organized the "Church of Maradona" which celebrates the former soccer star. Maradona's 43rd birthday (30 October 2003) marks the start of the Year 43 D.D. - "despues de Diego," or After Diego - for its 200 members. 20,000 more people have become members via the Church's official web site.
- In April 2004 he was taken into intensive care at a Buenos Aires clinic, where he is being treated for heart and blood pressure problems. He was taken to hospital after falling ill while watching his old team Boca Juniors play in the domestic league.
- Although having good ratings, his show La noche del 10 (2005) was voted "worst television show of the year" in Argentina (2005).
- Was in a relationship with Verónica Ojeda (2005-2012).
- Was in an on-off relationship with Rocío Oliva (January 2013-December 2019).
- Son of Diego Maradona Sr. and Doña Tota. Brother of Ana Maradona, Kity Maradona, Lili Maradona, Maria Rosa Maradona, Lalo Maradona, Hugo Maradona and Claudia Maradona.
- Golden Ball and Silver Shoe at the 1979 FIFA World Youth Championship.
- Won the Footballer of the Year of Argentina award in 1979, 1980, 1981 and 1986.
- Top scorer of the Argentine Primera División (1978 Metropolitano, 1979 Metropolitano, 1979 Nacional, 1980 Metropolitano, 1980 Nacional), Serie A (1988) and Coppa Italia (1988).
- Named the South American Footballer of the Year in 1979 and 1980.
- Won the Olimpia Award (Argentine Athlete of the Year) in 1979 and 1986.
- Won the Guerin d'Oro (Serie A Footballer of the Year) in 1985.
- Named in the FIFA World Cup All-Star Team in 1986 and 1990.
- Won the United Press International Athlete of the Year Award in 1986.
- Banned by Italian Football Federation for 15-month as a result of the doping for taking cocaine. (March 1991)
- (April 26, 1991) Was arrested for drug possession in Buenos Aires's neighborhood Caballito.
- Banned by FIFA for 15-month as a result of the doping for ephedrine at the 1994 World Cup. (August 1994)
- Head coach of Textil Mandiyú (1994), Racing Club de Avellaneda (1995), Argentina National Football Team (2008-2010), Al-Wasl F.C. (2011-12), Fujairah FC (2017-18), Dorados de Sinaloa (2018-19) and Club de Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata (2019-20).
- Named in the FIFA World Cup All-Time Team in 1994.
- In March 1996 he entered a 40 day rehabilitation program for drug dependency in Entre Ríos and Buenos Aires.
- In August 1996 he entered a 12 day rehabilitation program for drug dependency in Switzerland.
- (October 25, 1997) Played his last official match as professional against River Plate at the 37 age.
- Captain of the Argentina National Football Team from 1985-1990 and 1994.
- Named in the World Team of the 20th Century in 1998.
- Argentine singer Andrés Calamaro dedicated his song "Maradona" to him.
- He was hospitalized after a heart condition from a cocaine overdose in Punta del Este, Uruguay. (January 2000)
- In January 2000 he entered a 6 months rehabilitation program for drug dependency in Cuba.
- 2000: The Italian club S.S.C. Napoli retired number 10 as a recognition to his career at the club.
- (November 10, 2001) In his farewell match played with football stars like Lothar Matthäus, Eric Cantona, Hristo Stoichkov, Davor Suker, Carlos Valderrama, Enzo Francescoli and Juan Román Riquelme.
- Won the Ballon d'Or special for services to football in 1995.
- The Argentinos Juniors's stadium named after his. (December 2003)
- Former son-in-law of Roque Villafañe.
- Lived in Cuba between 2000 and 2002.
- In May 2004 he entered a rehabilitation program for drug dependency in Buenos Aires.
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