Argentine professional soccer star Diego Maradona died on November 25, 2020, leaving an estate valued at up to an estimated $40 million. Unfortunately for his loved ones, the 60-year-old reportedly died without a Will, setting up a potentially prolonged estate contest over who stands to inherit his assets, which include a Rolls Royce, a BMW, luxury jewelry, a three-ton amphibious vehicle, and lucrative marketing contract rights.

Before his death, Maradona acknowledged through legal counsel that he was the father of five children, all of whom have now filed claims with the Buenos Aires court handling the estate. However, given the rumors that Maradona slept with some 8,000 women in his lifetime, it is not surprising that additional would-be heirs are claiming they are entitled to share in the estate as well.

As of the date of this writing, at least six other people have claimed inheritance rights, alleging they are among Maradona’s children. The claims don’t stop there though; four of the soccer legend’s sisters have claimed rights to his estate, as have three ex-lovers, fellow soccer players, and former managers claiming Maradona owed them money at the time of his untimely death from a heart attack.

Those claiming that Maradona was their father will be required to prove paternity to the courts using DNA evidence. Lawyers expect the case to take years to settle, rather than months as is apparently sometimes the case in uncontested estate matters in Argentina. It’s pure speculation now after the fact, but had Maradona planned his estate ahead of time using Trusts and had he left a Will documenting his wishes, it is likely that the estate settlement process would be smoother and faster.

The Estate Planning & Legacy Law Center helps people who want to avoid costly, time-consuming, public estate administration. To learn more, contact us today!