Diego Maradona: The God of Football's Chaotic Divorces and 11 Heirs
11 recognized and alleged children, multiple countries, and a disputed fortune
Key Facts
What Happened
Diego Maradona, Argentina's football deity, divorced Claudia Villafañe in 2003 after 15 years of marriage. But that was just the beginning of his legal entanglements. At his death in November 2020, he had at least 8 recognized children in Argentina, Italy, and Cuba — with potentially more claims pending.
Maradona's estate became one of the most complex inheritance disputes in Latin American legal history. Despite earning over $500 million during his career, his estate was estimated at only $10 million — raising questions about where the money went.
Maradona accused his ex-wife Claudia of stealing property and artwork worth millions. Claudia was investigated for fraud related to the alleged disappearance of memorabilia and real estate. Multiple children filed competing inheritance claims in different countries.
The case illustrates how unplanned families, multiple jurisdictions, and poor financial management can turn an estate into a legal nightmare that takes years to resolve.
Legal Breakdown: Inheritance & Paternity Claims
Forced Heirship in Argentina
Argentine law requires that a portion of the estate (legítima) goes to recognized children. You cannot disinherit your children entirely. With 8+ children, the estate is divided into many small shares.
Cross-Border Paternity
Children born in different countries can file paternity claims in their local courts. DNA testing can establish parentage even after death. Each recognized child gets equal inheritance rights.
Estate Dissipation
When career earnings of $500M result in a $10M estate, courts investigate where the money went. Managers, agents, and ex-spouses can all be investigated for financial mismanagement or fraud.
What This Means for Your Divorce
- →If you have children from multiple relationships, create a clear estate plan. Without one, the legal chaos is guaranteed.
- →Paternity claims can come from anywhere, in any country, at any time. Courts will order DNA tests.
- →A massive income doesn't mean a massive estate. Financial management during marriage is critical.
- →Argentina's forced heirship rules mean you cannot cut children out of your will. Plan accordingly.
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This article is based on publicly available court records, news reports, and legal analysis. It is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created by reading this content.
Divorce laws vary by jurisdiction. Always consult a licensed attorney in your area before making legal decisions.