Hugo Maradona, former soccer player and Diego Maradonas brother, dies at 52

Hugo Maradona, former soccer player and the younger brother of Diego Maradona, died of cardiac arrest at his home in Monte di Procida, near Naples, on Tuesday, Italian football club Napoli confirmed. He was 52.

“The thoughts of club president Aurelio De Laurentiis, vice president Edoardo De Laurentiis, officials, coaching staff, the players and the whole SSC Napoli family are with the Maradona family after the sad passing of Hugo,” Napoli said in a statement on Tuesday. 

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Hugo was purchased by Napoli in 1987.  He, however, failed to make an impact at Napoli and was loaned to Ascoli. He went on to play for several clubs around the world, including Rayo Vallecano and Rapid Vienna. Hugo also had a brief coaching career with amateur clubs in Naples.

Recently, he ran on a rightwing list in municipal elections, which the left ultimately won. He is survived by three children.

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Following his death, several clubs and leagues paid tributes to him on Twitter. 

“Hugo Maradona, Diego Maradona’s brother, died in Naples at the age of 52. During his playing career, he notably moved to PJM Futures (formerly Sagan Tosu before the creation of J.League), Avispa Fukuoka then Consadole Sapporo. Our condolences,” J League France. 

“Sad news about the death today of Hugo Maradona, brother of Diego. RIP,” Football club Newell’s Old Boys tweeted. 

His death comes 13 months after Diego Maradona died of a heart attack after having brain surgery two weeks earlier. Diego, who is regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, died in November 2020 at the age of 60. He made 91 appearances for Argentina during 1977-94. He famously led Argentina to world cup glory in 1986