Loved in his homeland after leading Argentina to win the 1986 World Cup and adored in Italy after leading Napoli to two Serie A titles, Maradona was a player with a unique talent and a charismatic figure, but also fought demons off the field.
Maradona, 60, had recently battled health problems and underwent emergency surgery for a subdural hematoma several weeks ago.
He suffered a heart attack at his home on the outskirts of Buenos Aires On Wednesday, acquaintances of the former player said.
In Argentina, the government has declared three days of mourning. President Alberto Fernández said in a tweet: “You took us to the highest point in the world and made us immensely happy. You were the greatest of all. Thank you for being with us, Diego. We will miss you forever.” . ”
Reports from Argentina that Diego Armando Maradona has died. Somehow the best player of my generation and… https://t.co/A0iZVYrFnR
– Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) 1606322090000
Pelé, the Brazilian footballer who is considered the only player who has come close to Maradona’s skill level, was one of those who rushed to pay tribute to the Argentine.
“Certainly one day we will kick a ball together in the sky,” he said in a short statement provided to Reuters by a representative.
Maradona’s pinnacle of glory came when he captained Argentina to win the World Cup in 1986, before sinking into misery when he was kicked out of the 1994 World Cup for doping.
At club level, he burst onto the scene with Boca Juniors in Buenos Aires before playing in Spain with Barcelona. He was idolized in Italy after leading Napoli to their first Italian league title in 1987.
My hero no more … my crazy genius rest in peace … I watched football for you … https://t.co/JhqFffD2vr
– Sourav Ganguly (@ SGanguly99) 1606322837000
He finished his playing career in Argentina, returning to Boca. He had a brief and controversial stint as coach of the Argentine national team from 2008 to 2010 before training in the Middle East and Mexico.
Years of drug use, binge eating and alcoholism cut short his stellar career and altered his appearance from an agile athlete who could effortlessly slalom between teams to a bloated addict who nearly died of cocaine-induced heart failure in 2000.
We mourn the tragic disappearance of the legendary soccer icon of @Argentina Diego #Maradona, who was adored by fans and… https://t.co/ZTRM8ntK38
– Indian Soccer Team (@IndianFootball) 1606324255000
RIP God of football 😢 https://t.co/7NO8qlZ5uT
– MI Vijayan (@ IMVijayan1) 1606324272000
Soccer and the world of sports has lost today one of its great players: Rest in Peace Diego Maradona! You must… https://t.co/Edmg8taiy4
– Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) 1606324930000
Very sad to know of the death of a RIP legend 🙏🙏🙏 #diegomaradona https://t.co/rWbF9bBkV0
– Nadia Comaneci (@ nadiacomaneci10) 1606323202000
Diego #Maradona, has left us the legend. He was a magician who showed us why soccer is called “The beautiful game… https://t.co/evNUUrK2Yx
– Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) 1606323722000
RIP #DiegoMaradona. God has claimed your hand. https://t.co/RnRqRTuqDB
– Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) 1606324090000
RIP #diegomaradona 💔💔
– Harbhajan Turban (@harbhajan_singh) 1606322947000
RIP to the legend #Maradona 🙏🏿 https://t.co/U9KdyRhGBE
– Usain St. Leo Bolt (@usainbolt) 1606323144000
Very sad news !!!! I grew up watching soccer thanks to this genius. RIP Maradona 🙏🏻 https://t.co/rof6g3mcnb
– Mahela Jayawardena (@MahelaJay) 1606323895000
Great great loss! The star of our childhood who gave us so many memories to cherish and celebrate. Saddened to hear about the… https://t.co/OZnUlXkR6X
– Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) 1606323752000
What sad news of the passing of an icon and a legend. A man who defined an era and brought joy and inspiration to me… https://t.co/q1qyoUHZRy
– Kumar Sangakkara (@ KumarSanga2) 1606323230000
It is terribly sad to hear that Diego Maradona has died of a heart attack at the age of 60. My condolences ah… https://t.co/wgwbMzqCo8
– StephenConstantine (@StephenConstan) 1606323438000
.
