Global soccer legend Diego Maradona passes away at age 60

One of the greatest soccer players of all time, Diego Maradona, has passed away at the age of 60 after suffering a heart attack.

Following some major health challenges over the several months – including undergoing brain surgery – Maradona died on Wednesday in his Buenos Aires, Argentina home.

Regarded by many as perhaps the greatest to every play the beautiful game, Maradona led Argentina to the FIFA World Cup title in 1986, and to the final in 1990. He was honored along with Pelé as co-winner of FIFA’s Player of the 20th Century award in 2000.

The Argentine Football Association shared the following statement: “The Argentine Football Association, through its President Claudio Tapia, expresses its deepest sorrow at the death of our legend Diego Armando Maradona. You will always be in our hearts.”

Maradona is known for arguably the most iconic on-field moment in the history of the sport, with a feat that is referred to as the “Hand of God”. It came in the 1986 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals, when he dribbled through five England players to score a miraculous goal, which was later voted as FIFA’s Goal of the Century.

Pelé, Maradona’s longtime Brazilian counterpart on the global stage, stated the following on Twitter: “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.”

Que notícia triste. Eu perdi um grande amigo e o mundo perdeu uma lenda. Ainda há muito a ser dito, mas por agora, que Deus dê força para os familiares. Um dia, eu espero que possamos jogar bola juntos no céu. pic.twitter.com/6Li76HTikA

— Pelé (@Pele) November 25, 2020

In addition to Maradona’s legendary international career with Argentina, he also helped Napoli win a pair of Italian league titles during his tenure with the club from 1984-1991. Throughout his club career – which also included stints with Boca Juniors, FC Barcelona and Sevilla, among others – he scored 259 total goals.

After the conclusion of his playing career, Maradona spent more than two decades as a manager. He has led numerous professional clubs and notably coached Argentina’s National Team between 2008 and 2010.