His death was confirmed by Napoli on Tuesday
Hugo Maradona – the younger brother of Diego Maradona – has died in Naples at the age of 52, Napoli has confirmed.
“Hugo Maradona has died,” Napoli said in a short statement on Tuesday, confirming reports in the Italian press that the former footballer had suffered a heart attack.
The Italian side said that Napoli president, Aurelio De Laurentiis, and the squad have “come together around Maradona’s family and unite with them in the pain of Hugo’s death”.
His death comes just one year after Argentine football legend Diego Maradona died in November 2020, aged 60.
The club mourns the passing of Hugo Maradonahttps://t.co/XCVNib2AQv
— Official SSC Napoli (@en_sscnapoli) December 28, 2021
Hugo Maradona played in Italy, Austria, Spain, Argentina and Japan before returning to Italy to finish his playing career.
After signing for Napoli in 1987 – joining brother Diego – he was later loaned to Ascoli.
In September that year, the two brothers played against each other with Diego’s Napoli winning the tie 2-1.
The former Argentine youth international midfielder also had a brief coaching career with some amateur clubs in Naples.
Away from the pitch, Maradona also ran on a rightwing list in municipal elections in recent times.
Hugo was present at the Maradona stadium in Naples to take part in a ceremony in memory of his late brother and footballing legend only one month ago.
He leaves behind a wife, Paola Morra whom he married in 2016, and three children.
Related links:
- Seven people charged with homicide in death of Diego Maradona
- Carlos Tevez honours his ‘eternal’ hero Maradona with beautiful tribute
- Diego Maradona’s daughter in tears after emotional Boca Juniors goal celebration
