22/09/2026
Vahram Chitchian was an Argentine-Armenian businessman and philanthropist best known for his lifelong friendship with football legend Diego Maradona.
Born on March 2, 1934, in the Armenian quarter (Zaferimilli) of Ordu, Turkey. In 1948, at the age of 14, he moved to Argentina with his family following the geopolitical displacement affecting Ottoman Armenians.
After establishing a successful textile manufacturing business in Argentina, Chitchian became deeply involved in supporting the local Armenian community and sports. He was one of the key figures who helped build the stadium for Deportivo Armenio, a football club founded by the Armenian diaspora in Buenos Aires.During Maradona's childhood, community members approached Chitchian —who was well-connected and affluent—to provide financial backing and support for the young, promising footballer. Though Maradona never played directly for Deportivo Armenio, Chitchian's early support laid the groundwork for a profound, lifelong friendship between Maradona and the Chitchian family.
To honor this bond, Chitchian named his own son Diego. Even after achieving global superstardom, Maradona regularly visited Chitchian at his home.
Vahram Chitchian passed away on March 29, 2011. Per his final wishes, his family cremated him and scattered his ashes across the pitch of the Deportivo Armenio stadium that he had spent his life helping to build.
