Diego Armando Maradona won nine championships during his career, including with Boca Juniors, Barcelona and Napoli, and also led Argentina to victory in the 1986 World Cup.

Seen by many as the greatest footballer in history alongside Brazilian legend Pele, Maradona was born on October 30, 1960 in Buenos Aires.

Born to a factory worker father and a housewife mother, Maradona's talent was discovered at the age of 8 when he started playing for his neighborhood team, Estrella Roja.

Maradona, who signed a professional contract with Argentinos Juniors before he turned 16, won the league championship with Boca Juniors in 1981, then moved to Spanish La Liga powerhouse Barcelona.

- European career

Maradona scored 38 goals in 58 games for the Spanish club between 1982 and 1984, helping them win the Copa del Rey, the Spanish Super Cup and the La Liga Cup in 1983.

After joining Napoli in 1984, he scored 115 goals in 259 games to lead the club to two Serie A championships, as well as a UEFA Cup, Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italia, making him a club legend.

Maradona, who played for Sevilla, Newell's Old Boys, and scored 312 goals in 588 games, ended his career in 1997.

Maradona made his name known around the world with his superior performance in the FIFA World Cup, which Argentina won in 1986.

Maradona scored 34 goals in 91 appearances for Argentina.

Maradona, who played a major role in Argentina reaching the 1990 World Cup final, was sentenced to 15 months for drug use in 1991.

He was banned from the 1994 World Cup for using banned substances.

It was also rumored that Maradona was accused of tax debts of more than €37 million between 1984 and 1991, during his time with Napoli.

Maradona was sacked after Argentina lost 4-0 to Germany in the quarter-finals of the 2010 World Cup.

After insulting the media after Argentina's win against Uruguay in the 2010 World Cup qualifiers, he was handed a two-month ban by FIFA. (AA)