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Topline
Argentine soccer superstar Diego Maradona, considered one of the sport’s greatest players of all time, died at the age of 60, several news organizations have confirmed, after suffering a fatal heart attack.
A man takes a photograph of a wall emblazoned with an image of Diego Maradona in Buenos Aires, … [+]
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Key facts
Earlier this month, Maradona underwent emergency brain surgery for a subdural hematoma, which was deemed successful.
Maradona was initially admitted to another medical center in Argentina due to “signs of depression, anemia and dehydration” in late October before the hematoma was discovered.
Eight days after the surgery, on November 11, he was discharged from the hospital, with his lawyer Matías Morla, who indicated that Maradona would continue to receive treatment for alcohol dependence.
According to the Daily mailMorla said the 60-year-old Argentine soccer legend died at his home.
Crucial quote:
“The Argentine Football Association, through its president Claudio Tapia, expresses its deepest sorrow for the death of our legend, Diego Armando Maradona. You will always be in our hearts,” said the AFA in a statement.
Key Background:
Born and raised in an impoverished city outside of Buenos Aires, Maradona rose to international fame at age 26 in 1986, when he helped capture the World Cup for Argentina. In the quarterfinals, Maradona scored both of Argentina’s goals in an epic 2-1 victory over England. In the 51st minute of that game, he jumped past England goalkeeper Peter Shilton and, with a clenched fist, threw the ball into the net, which the referees could not see. It became known as the target of the “Hand of God”. Just four minutes later, in the 55th minute, Maradona fought his way through five English defenders (on 11 touches) before passing the ball to Shilton. Later it would be baptized as the “Goal of the century”. Maradona scored two more goals in a semi-final victory over Belgium and another in the final match against West Germany. Maradona would go on to play for Barcelona at club level. In 1984, Maradona was transferred to Napoli for a world record fee of $ 13 million. He led Napoli to a Serie A title in 1990 (scored 18 goals in 36 games). During his playing days and well into retirement, Maradona struggled with substance abuse problems, primarily related to addiction to cocaine and alcohol. He was sent home from the 1994 World Cup after failing a drug test. Maradona was hospitalized in 1999 and 2000 for heart problems.
Tangent:
In December 2000, Maradona and Pelé were named joint winners of the FIFA Player of the Century award.
Large number:
13.5 billion. The 1986 World Cup attracted an estimated 13.5 billion viewers worldwide over the course of the tournament, according to the Chicago Tribune. The final match was broadcast in 166 countries.
Other readings:
Argentine soccer legend Diego Maradona dies at 60 (ESPN)
‘The golden boy’ Diego Maradona turns 60 (CNN)
