Diego Maradona would be happy, say his fans.
The Argentine football legend’s childhood home has been transformed into a soup kitchen for people under pressure from President Javier Milei’s austerity policies.
The needy can also ask for clothes at Amazor 523 street in the Buenos Aires suburb of Fiorito, where the player dubbed Argentina’s ‘Golden Boy’ grew up in dire poverty.
In this neighborhood of about 50,000 people living in modest brick houses, dozens of murals depict key moments from the career of the illustrious number 10, who died in 2020 at the age of 60.
A new trial for criminal negligence will begin on Tuesday against the seven-member medical team that cared for Maradona in his final days while he recovered from brain surgery.
In the Maradona neighborhood, where about 50,000 people live in modest brick houses, dozens of murals depict key moments from the career of the illustrious number 10, who died in 2020 at the age of 60. | Photo credit: AFP
In the Maradona neighborhood, where about 50,000 people live in modest brick houses, dozens of murals depict key moments from the career of the illustrious number 10, who died in 2020 at the age of 60. | Photo credit: AFP
In Fiorito, neighbors come and go to “Diego’s house,” as they call it, lugging containers that volunteers fill with chicken stew or other meals cooked in giant cauldrons in the yard.
Cumbia music – Maradona’s favorite genre – blares from the speakers.
If he were alive, «Diego would say there is a lot of hunger and we have to help because the need is so great,» Diego Gavilan, one of the kitchen’s beneficiaries, said AFP.
‘Can’t make ends meet’
Gavilan collects cardboard and scrap iron for a living, but no longer puts food on the table.
He started coming to the soup kitchen after Milei was elected in December 2023 and embarked on a radical free-market agenda of deregulation and sharp cuts in government spending.
“You can’t make ends meet,” Gavilan said.
Although statistics show a decline in poverty under Milei, mainly due to a sharp drop in inflation, family finances are in crisis, according to Central Bank reports.
In Fiorito, neighbors come and go to “Diego’s house,” as they call it, lugging containers that volunteers fill with chicken stew or other meals cooked in giant cauldrons in the yard. | Photo credit: AFP
In Fiorito, neighbors come and go to “Diego’s house,” as they call it, lugging containers that volunteers fill with chicken stew or other meals cooked in giant cauldrons in the yard. | Photo credit: AFP
According to official reports, a surge in imports and a collapse in consumption have resulted in the closure of more than 20,000 businesses.
Gavilan said he was happy to accept help from Maradona’s old house. «He suffered so much hunger here as a child. It is special that the people from the neighborhood get a plate of food,» he said.
Full stomachs
There are no tables or chairs for diners at this establishment. The food prepared by volunteers over an open fire in the garden is distributed in bags to people queuing at the door.
Maradona often spoke of his humble beginnings in a community without running water and cobblestone streets.
Sixty-six years after his birth, hardship is written on the faces of those lining up for food.
If he were alive, «Diego would say there is a lot of hunger and we have to help because the need is so great,» said Diego Gavilan, one of the kitchen’s beneficiaries. | Photo credit: AFP
If he were alive, «Diego would say there is a lot of hunger and we have to help because the need is so great,» said Diego Gavilan, one of the kitchen’s beneficiaries. | Photo credit: AFP
“People are starving,” Maria Torres, one of the center’s cooks, told AFP. She added that she was convinced Maradona would be very happy to see his old house being used for a good cause.
Father Leonardo Torres is one of the driving forces behind the soup kitchen. He remembers Maradona talking about how his mother, Dalma ‘Tota’ Franco, had to go without food so he could eat enough.
“Diego said his mother pretended her stomach hurt so he could eat,” he said. “We want many ‘Totas’ and many ‘Diegos’ to leave here with a full stomach.”
Published on April 14, 2026
