In this article, SantaKick will explore how many World Cups did Maradona win—because for fans, knowing that one key fact helps frame everything else about his legend. The answer is simple: Diego Maradona won one FIFA World Cup, with Argentina in 1986. But to truly understand the weight of that victory, we need to dive into the context, his performances, and what else he came close to.
Early introduction and World Cup appearances
Diego Maradona’s World Cup journey included four tournaments with the Argentina senior national team: 1982, 1986, 1990, and 1994. He made his first appearance in the tournament in Spain in 1982, but Argentina did not win. His performances improved over time, culminating in the standout tournament in Mexico, 1986.
- In 1982, young Maradona made his World Cup debut. The team failed to go past the second round.
- In 1986, Maradona captained Argentina and delivered a legendary tournament. He scored iconic goals, including the “Hand of God” and the “Goal of the Century,” and helped Argentina win the final against West Germany.
- In 1990, Argentina reached the final under his leadership, but lost to West Germany. Maradona was still influential, but the team came up short.
- In 1994, he played part of the tournament but was suspended after failing a doping test; Argentina didn’t win, and that ended his World Cup career.
The singular triumph: 1986 World Cup
The 1986 World Cup is where Maradona’s name became written in gold. He didn’t just win—it was arguably his most dominant performance in a single tournament for a national team.
- Argentina beat West Germany 3–2 in the final. Maradona captained the side.
- During the tournament, Maradona scored 5 goals and assisted many more, creating match-winning moments throughout.
- His performance earned him the Golden Ball award as the best player of the tournament.
Because of that, when people ask how many World Cups did Maradona win, there’s only one answer: one—but it was enough to cement his place among the greatest ever.
Other international title hopes and recognition
Although Maradona only won one World Cup, his international career had many high points and near misses:
- In 1990, Argentina were runners-up. Maradona was again a key figure.
- In 1994, his World Cup run ended prematurely due to the doping suspension. No trophy, but memories.
- Beyond full World Cups, he also won the 1979 FIFA World Youth Championship (U-20) with Argentina. That was before his senior success.
Legacy of that one World Cup
Why does winning just one World Cup matter so much for Maradona?
- His 1986 performance is often viewed as one of the greatest individual contributions to a World Cup win—he shaped almost every aspect of Argentina’s run.
- The iconic goals, leadership as captain, and ability to carry the team in critical moments gave that single win outsized cultural and historical importance.
- Even in tournaments he didn’t win, Maradona left a mark—Argentina reached finals and deep stages. The 1986 win remains the crown of his international career.
Answering the main question
To restate, and make crystal clear: Diego Maradona won one FIFA World Cup in his career, in 1986 with Argentina. Any other World Cups he played in ended in defeat or were cut short for him personally.
Conclusion
How many world cups did maradona win? he won exactly one. That single triumph in 1986 encapsulates the glory, brilliance, controversy, and larger-than-life nature of his career.
If you’re craving more on Maradona or similar legends—SantaKick can dive into more: match by match breakdowns, his greatest goals, comparisons with Messi or Pelé, or even “What if” scenarios had Maradona stayed fit or avoided suspension. Let SantaKick know what you’d like next!
