Diego Maradona has died aged 60.
Diego Maradona
The legendary Argentine football hero passed away this week following a heart attack, after successfully undergoing brain surgery on a blood clot earlier this month, his lawyer has reported.
Maradona was widely regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time, and achieved sporting greatness when he captained Argentina to victory at the 1986 World Cup.
Argentina’s World Cup win was preceded by a 2-1 quarter-final victory over England, where Maradona scored one of the most talked about goals of all time, in the infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal.
Maradona also achieved success at club level, most notably with Napoli, whom he led to their first Serie A title in 1987, with a second following in 1990, as well as an Italian Cup in 1987 and a Uefa Cup in 1991.
The sports star’s impact at Napoli was so great, the club even retired his number 10 shirt in 2000, in honour of the legendary goal scorer.
However, after battling with an addiction to cocaine - which led to a 15-month suspension for drug violations in 1991, as well as being sent home from the 1994 World Cup - Maradona faced a series of health problems, including two hospitalisations for heart problems in both 2000 and 2004.
The legend made a return to sport off the pitch, and was the manager of Argentina for two years, where he took the team to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
After leaving the national team post, Maradona took charge of Dubai-based club Al-Wasl, before going on to hold a number of positions, most recently manager of Argentine first division side Gimnasia y Esgrima.
Maradona was named South American Footballer of the Year on five occasions, and he was also named Fifa’s Player of the Century in 2000 alongside Pele, following a combination of an internet poll and nominations from Fifa officials, coaches and players.
Tagged in Diego Maradona