Football Legend Diego Maradona Dies at the Age of 60.

According to various outlets in Argentina, Diego Armando Maradona has passed away at the age of 60. The Argentine Football Association, through its president Claudio Tapia, expressed its deepest sorrow for the death of soccer legend, Diego Maradona: “You will always be in our hearts.”

This morning, Diego Maradona suffered a heart attack at his home in the San Andres neighbourhood in the town of Tigre.

Maradona, widely regarded as one of football’s finest of all time, inspired Argentina to their 1986 World Cup success in Mexico. He was unplayable at the competition as he won the Golden Ball as the best player of that year’s World Cup tournament. Wearing the Argentina stripe of white and light blue, Diego Maradona found the back of the net 34 times in 91 appearances for his country. 

The former Argentine international got about 150 club career goals in 328 matches played for the likes of SSC Napoli, FC Barcelona, and Sevilla FC. In his days at Barcelona, Maradona won the Copa del Rey, Copa de la Liga and Supercopa de Espana in 1983. He won two Serie A titles with Napoli and he was also a former player for Boca Juniors and Newell’s Old Boys. 

Diego Maradona’s Health Issues Over the Years

At the beginning of this month, Maradona underwent brain surgery. He had an emergency operation for a subdural hematoma, which is a mass of blood formed between the dura and the arachnoid membranes, usually as a result of trauma to the head. It was said by reliable sources that his subdural hematoma was caused by an accident but Maradona was unable to tell that either a fall or mishap led to it. 

Maradona attended a rehab facility in Cuba and had a heart issue triggered by a lung infection that landed him in ICU in Buenos Aires in the year 2000 and 2004 respectively. He was diagnosed with toxic acute hepatitis in 2007 and he also got a physical decompensation triggered by alcohol and his diet. 

Maradona underwent a kidney stones operation in Dubai and a gastric bypass adjustment in 2012 and 2015 respectively. 

Football World Pays Tribute to Maradona

Lionel Messi: “A very sad day for all Argentines and for football. He leaves us but does not leave, because Diego is eternal. I keep all the beautiful moments lived with him and I send my condolences to all his family and friends. RIP.”

Cristiano Ronaldo: “Today I say goodbye to a friend and the world says goodbye to an eternal genius. One of the best ever. An unparalleled magician. He leaves too soon, but leaves a legacy without limits and a void that will never be filled. Rest in peace, ace. You will never be forgotten.”

Pele: “What sad news. I lost a great friend and the world lost a legend. There is still much to be said, but for now, may God give strength to family members. One day, I hope we can play ball together in the sky.” 

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, former Brazilian President: “Diego Armando Maradona was a football giant, from Argentina and all over the world, a talent and a unique personality. His genius and passion on the pitch, his intensity in life and his commitment to Latin American sovereignty marked our time. On the pitch, he was one of the greatest opponents, perhaps the greatest, that the Brazilian team has faced. Outside of sporting rivalry, he was a great friend of Brazil. I can only thank you for your solidarity with the people’s fight and with the Brazilian people. Maradona will never be forgotten.”
Johan Cyruff: “Rest in peace, Diego Armando Maradona. You are eternal.”