Diego Maradona’s eldest son takes charge of Spanish fifth tier side in biggest management step of his career

A STRUGGLING Tenerife team has turned to Diego Maradona’s eldest son to save their season.

Diego Maradona Junior has been appointed as the manager of Union Deportiva Ibarra, who are facing a fight against relegation after notching up just seven points from seven games.

His world-famous dad is still idolised in Naples after helping to turn their beloved Napoli into Serie A champions in 1986-87.

And sources at the semi-professional Canary Islands club said last night they hoped their new man, with the instantly-recognisable surname, could turn things around for them too.

UD Ibarra, who play in the fifth-tier of Spanish football, said in statement: “We are pleased to present Diego Armando Maradona Jr, who will form part of the coaching staff.”

It added: “Welcome and every success in your new home.”

Diego’s son was born in 1986 when the late football great was still playing in Naples after an extramarital affair with Italian model Cristina Sinagra.

Maradona Sr was still married to first and only wife Claudia Villafane at the time of his birth.

The 38-year-old posted goodwill messages from fans on his Instagram.

One said: “Hopefully you can put Ibarra where it belongs.”

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Diego Jr, full name Diego Armando Maradona Sinatra, has always been linked to football and took up coaching after playing as a midfielder in Italy.

He resigned from his first head coaching job as manager of amateur side Napoli United in protest at the club’s failure to pay players’ wages.

He left Eccellenza Campania club Montecalcio earlier this week before it was announced he was UD Ibarra’s new manager.

Diego Maradona didn’t formally recognise his eldest son until August 2016.

Diego Jr was forced to miss his dad’s funeral following his death aged 60 in November 2020 from heart failure after being diagnosed with the coronavirus.

The late football legend’s other children include Dalma and Gianinna whose mum is his ex-wife Claudia, Jana who Maradona recognised as his following a court fight by her mum Valeria Sabalain, and 11-year-old Diego Fernando by former girlfriend Veronica Ojeda.

Eight people, including Maradona’s doctor Leopoldo Luque, are due to stand trial next year over the football legend’s death.

They were charged with homicide by negligence after a long-running criminal investigation and have been warned they face between prison sentences of between eight and 25 years if convicted.

The trial was due to start this month but was recently rescheduled for March next year.