Giannina Maradona is a familiar face in Argentina’s spotlight. You might recognise her as the daughter of the iconic footballer Diego Maradona. Adding to her own story, Giannina gained attention for her past marriage to Sergio Aguero.
So who is Giannina and her father, Diego, and why is he cherished by football fans around the globe? Let’s delve into the fascinating world of this legendary figure and his daughter.
Early Personal Life
Giannina, born on 16 May 1989, is the daughter of the legendary footballer Diego Maradona and Claudia Villafane, a distinguished Argentine businesswoman and producer. She shares a close bond with her sister, Dalma, a well-known Argentine actress.
In addition to her immediate family, Giannina has six half-siblings, five half-brothers and a half-sister, Jana Maradona, born in 1996, who has pursued a career as a lingerie model. Among her half-siblings are Diego Armando Sinagra Maradona, Jana Maradona, and Diego Fernando Maradona.
There isn’t really much known about Giannina’s childhood or upbringing.
Diego Armando Maradona was born on 30 October 1960, in Villa Fiorito, a province of Buenos Aires, Argentina. He was the fifth of eight children raised by Diego Sr. and Doña Tota, growing up in a modest yet closely-knit household.
At the age of 3, Diego was introduced to the world of soccer when he received his first soccer ball as a gift, marking the commencement of his profound dedication to the sport.
Diego’s father, Don Diego, worked as a bricklayer and factory worker, facing the challenges of providing for three robust boys, five girls, and his dedicated stay-at-home wife, Dalma.
As a precaution against theft, young Diego safeguarded the football he received for his birthday by keeping it tucked inside his shirt for nearly six months.
At times, his mother Dalma, aspiring for him to prioritise his studies and potentially become a professional accountant, would temporarily confiscate the ball. However, it didn’t take long for her to recognise that football was Diego’s true calling.
By the age of nine, Diego had already immersed himself in the world of football, showcasing an early aptitude for the sport.
Education
Unfortunately, there’s not much known about Giannina’s educational experiences. We do know that she harboured a passion for fashion design since childhood, a passion that led her to pursue education at Diseño Textile Indumentaria. Apart from this, nothing is really reported about her studies.
Diego received his primary education in the working-class city of Villa Fiorito, situated on the outskirts of Buenos Aires. He would stroll home from school, engaging in playful antics, kicking an orange he received as a dessert from school as though it were a football—a skill he was already honing. As a teenager, he moved away from Villa Fiorito and the modest white house he shared with his parents and five siblings.
Career
Following her academic journey, Giannina ventured into the textile industry, leveraging her familial connection to Diego Maradona to cultivate a substantial following in the field.
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As a multifaceted professional, Giannina has established herself as an entrepreneur, social media influencer, Instagram star, fashion designer, television personality, and jeweller. She owns an online jewellery store named Marina Wain, showcasing a range of exquisite jewels crafted by Giannina herself.
Through her active promotion on social media, Giannina has successfully integrated her role as a jewellery designer with her dynamic presence on platforms such as Instagram, on which she has over a million followers. In addition, Giannina contributes to the fashion world as an accessory designer for DeLaPaz.
Beyond her professional pursuits, she embraces the roles of a devoted mother and a thriving businesswoman.
At the age of 10, Diego started his football journey by joining Los Cebollitas, the youth team affiliated with Argentinos Juniors—one of the prominent clubs in Argentina. Demonstrating his exceptional talent from an early age, Diego played a pivotal role in leading Los Cebollitas to an impressive 136-game unbeaten streak.
Shortly before turning 16, he made his professional debut for the senior team. A mere four months later, Diego achieved another milestone by making his debut with the national team, becoming the youngest Argentine ever to do so.
Despite being excluded from the 1978 World Cup-winning squad due to his perceived youth, the following year witnessed him guiding the national under-20 team to a Junior World Cup championship.
His early achievements foreshadowed the remarkable career that would unfold on both national and international stages. A dynamic and fearless midfielder known for his prowess in creating scoring opportunities, Diego left an indelible mark by leading club teams to championships in Argentina, Italy, and Spain.
In 1981, Diego made a significant move to Boca Juniors, where his immediate impact played a pivotal role in securing the championship. Subsequently, he ventured into European football, joining FC Barcelona in 1982, and contributing to their Spanish Cup triumph in 1983.
His journey continued with SSC Napoli from 1984 to 1991, during which he achieved remarkable success by elevating the traditionally less competitive Naples side to the pinnacle of Italian football. Under Diego’s leadership, Napoli clinched the league title and cup in 1987, and secured the league title again in 1990.
🏆Diego Maradona leading Argentina to the 1986 World Cup glory in Mexico.#FIFAWorldCup|#ARG|#ARGFRA pic.twitter.com/kfpfmmea0U
— FIFA World Cup Stats (@alimo_philip) December 18, 2022
The zenith of Diego’s illustrious career occurred as a key member of the Argentinean national team that triumphed in the 1986 World Cup. His unforgettable performance included two iconic goals in a quarter-final victory over England—one controversially scored with his left hand, famously dubbed “the hand of God,” and the other a display of extraordinary dribbling skills to navigate past a swarm of defenders and find the back of the net.
Diego’s World Cup journey extended to four tournaments, where he showcased his prowess with an impressive tally of 34 goals in 91 international appearances for Argentina.
Despite his undeniable brilliance on the field, Diego became equally renowned for his controversial off-field persona. Wrestling with cocaine addiction during his time in Spain in the 1980s, he faced a 15-month suspension after testing positive for the substance in 1991.
His tumultuous journey continued with another high-profile suspension three years later, this time for testing positive for ephedrine during the World Cup.
Diego’s tenure with Napoli concluded amid legal troubles in Argentina, where he faced arrest for cocaine possession, resulting in a 15-month suspension from football. He subsequently played for Sevilla in Spain and Newell’s Old Boys in Argentina, then in 1995, he returned to Boca Juniors, culminating his career with his last match on October 25, 1997.
A robust and determined midfielder, Diego Maradona emerged as a hero among the working classes in Argentina and the southern regions of Italy. His leadership at Napoli resulted in victories over wealthier northern clubs.
Over his 21-year professional career, Diego played 490 official club games, scoring an impressive 259 goals.
Representing Argentina, he participated in 91 games, contributing 34 goals.
As his playing career entered its twilight, Diego returned to his homeland, his physical prowess diminished by a combination of injuries and the toll of a challenging lifestyle. On the eve of his birthday in 1997, he formally announced his retirement.
Post-retirement, Diego continued to grapple with the challenges that plagued his later playing years. He faced hospitalizations for heart issues in 2000 and 2004, with the latter requiring the use of a respirator for proper breathing, and the following year saw him undergo gastric-bypass surgery.
In 2008, Diego assumed the coaching role for the Argentinean national team. Despite the team’s notable talent, including the stellar Lionel Messi, considered one of the world’s best players, Argentina faced a setback in the 2010 World Cup, exiting with a 4-0 defeat to Germany in the quarter-finals, as a result of which, Diego’s contract was not renewed.
In 2011, he took on the coaching role for the United Arab Emirates club Al Wasl; however, the team struggled, resulting in Diego’s dismissal the following year.
He subsequently worked with several other clubs, before becoming the coach of Mexico’s Dorados de Sinaloa in 2018.
Despite these public disappointments, Diego continued to be cherished in Argentina as a native son who transcended humble beginnings to achieve international stardom.
Tragically, Diego was recovering from emergency brain surgery, when he passed away in his Argentinean home from a heart attack on 25 November 2020, at the age of 60.
Interesting Facts
In an Internet poll conducted by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association, Diego earned the distinction of being named the premier player of the 20th century. However, this significant recognition wasn’t devoid of controversy.
Diego voiced his dissatisfaction when a special panel was instituted to ensure a joint honour with Pelé, subsequently opting not to share the stage with the Brazilian legend.
Giannina marked a moment in her life by getting a tattoo of her son’s name on her wrist.
In 2018, Giannina found herself embroiled in a family controversy, when her father asserted that her mother, Claudia Villafane, along with both daughters, had allegedly misappropriated £3.4 million from his bank account.
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According to his claims, the funds were transferred to a bank account in Uruguay and used to purchase property in the USA. Diego accused Claudia of orchestrating the theft, though she vehemently denied any wrongdoing. The details surrounding this case remain unclear.
Giannina and Dalma are actively seeking justice more than three years after the passing of the Argentine legend. They firmly believe that Maradona’s death was premeditated. It was announced that a trial would be conducted for the alleged crime of simple homicide with eventual intent.
Eight individuals are set to be tried in connection with the case, including Leopoldo Luque (neurosurgeon), Agustina Cosachov Carlos Diaz (psychologist), (psychiatrist), Nancy Forlini (doctor who coordinated Diego’s home care), Pedro Di Spagna (clinical doctor), Mariano Perroni (nurse coordinator), Ricardo Omar Almiron (nurse), and Dahiana Gisela Madrid (nurse).
This legal proceeding underscores the seriousness with which Maradona’s daughters approach the quest for justice, and accountability in their father’s untimely passing. As of late 2023, the details of this case are still unclear.
Later Personal Life
As of late 2023, Giannina remains unmarried. However, she was previously married to the notable soccer player, Sergio Agüero, whom she first encountered in 2008.
While they maintained a relatively private relationship, the couple, a dynamic duo, left an indelible impression, particularly at the various events they attended together. Their union brought forth the joy of parenthood, with the birth of their son, Benjamín Aguero, on 19 February 2009.
After four years of marriage, the couple parted ways amid allegations of infidelity directed at the soccer player. While it was speculated that Sergio might have been involved with Argentinean pop star Karina Tejeda, he didn’t publicly acknowledge the relationship. The rumours remained unconfirmed until Sergio chose to disclose the alleged connection publicly.
Diego’s romantic journey unfolded with his only wife, Claudia Villafané, whom he wed in Buenos Aires. The couple’s story began when Claudia was just 17, and their union spanned over two decades before they divorced in 2004, the details of which remain unclear.
Despite the dissolution of their marriage, Diego and Claudia maintained an amicable relationship, often embarking on trips together, showcasing a remarkable bond that endured beyond their legal ties.
While Claudia is the sole wife Diego is known to have had, the football legend’s life included a series of romantic involvements.
Following his divorce, Diego didn’t remarry, but reports surfaced regarding his last significant relationship with Rocio Oliva, who is 30 years his junior.
Diego and Rocio’s love story began in 2012, leading to their engagement two years later in a lavish celebration held at an upscale hotel in Italy. Initially, the union appeared harmonious, given Rocio’s background as a former footballer with several clubs in Argentina. However, the relationship faced challenges and ultimately ended in 2018, with reports suggesting Diego asked her to leave a house he had purchased for her.
Beyond his relationships with Rocio and Claudia, other notable women in Diego’s life include Christina Sinagra and Veronica Ojeda.
Each of these connections resulted in the birth of a son, illustrating the diverse chapters in the football legend’s personal history. Reports suggest that Diego left Veronica for Rocio while she was pregnant, adding complexity to his less-than-romantic journey.
Physical Characteristics
Giannina is 5ft 6ins (167cms) tall and around 127lbs (58kgs) in weight. She has long dark brown hair and very dark brown eyes. Her father was 5ft 5 ins (165cms) and his weight was actually unknown at the time of his death, since he was known to battle with weight issues. He had black hair and black eyes.
Net Worth
As of late 2023, Giannina’s net worth was estimated to be around $1 million, while her father’s estimated net worth at the time of his death was only $500, 000. Diego had many money-related troubles, which explains why he didn’t have a massive fortune when he passed away.
