It is a dark Wednesday in the football world as legendary Argentina soccer player Diego Maradona dies at 60.
The news of his death was disclosed by a source close to the deceased family.
Having kicked off his professional football career at a very tender age of 16, Maradona retired at the age of 37.
During his football career, Maradona rose to become one of the finest players in football history. Till date, he is still largely regarded as one of the world’s greatest footballers.
The Argentine legend also set some of the finest records as a top-rated footballer.
ALSO READ: Lee Kun-Hee: Samsung Chairman Is Dead
He played a total of 490 official club games during his professional career and scored 259 goals.
He also had a significant input for his local team – Argentina, where he played for 17 years.
Maradona played a total of 91 games and had 34 goals to his name during his international career.
Maradona became a household name following his outstanding performance at the 1986 World Cup tournament.
Watched the hand of god goal live lol .New it was and only loved him all the more. The goal he scored afterwards made a great England team and peter shilton ( the best goalkeeper in the world at the time )look like they were smoking spice 😂😂 https://t.co/Eo3yznlA94
— mongoose 76 (@76Mongoose) November 25, 2020
His famous and iconic “Hand of God” goal against England secured the Argentina team their deserved victory at the tournament.
Maradona’s legacy is one to beat
While several football talents have risen after him, Maradona still holds up to his iconic title years after retirement.
An Internet poll conducted by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) named Maradona the top player of the 20th century.
Following the announcement of his death, Argentina’s president, Alberto Fernandez, declared a three-day national mourning in his honor.
President Fernandez has also posted a tribute on Twitter to appreciate the impact of the superstar.
“You took us to the top of the world. You made us feel incredibly happy. You were the greatest of all. Thank you for having existed,” the tweet read.
ALSO READ: Nigeria Vs Sierra Leone: What VAR Means For Local League
Similarly, Edson Arantes do Nascimento, known as Pelé, who shared the spotlight alongside Maradona, has also reacted to the death of his co-icon.
The retired Brazilian football superstar tweeted that;
“I have 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 his family members. One day, I hope, we will play football together in heaven.”
Reactions from the soccer world
Since the passing of Maradona hit the internet, a lot of football fans across the world have reacted.
As expected, many who couldn’t bear the loss of such a football wonder took to social media platforms to mourn his death.
On the other hand, there have been mixed reactions to his iconic “Hand of God” goal against England.
Here are some reactions from fans across the world:
Today the world of football has lost a legend, "the hand of god" Diego Armando Maradona😭😭
— Obaluchi Chife (@chifepauliyke) November 25, 2020
1986 WC will always be regarded as Maradona WC. Yes ' hand of God ' but he dazzled, dribbled & starred as he put on a great display of skills to lead Argentina to success. Yes had his issues, but today ⚽️ is mourning the brilliance of Maradona. R.I.P Diego Maradona. 💔 😭 ⚽️ https://t.co/DzC90uF7BD
— JIMMY PAVLOVIC (@jpavlovic801) November 25, 2020
https://twitter.com/RajuRoy98274292/status/1331677514951901184
At the first World Cup I was truly aware of, he was the first global icon I ever recognised in any walk of life.
He was one of the most compelling players to watch, one of the most gifted to ever grace the pitch.
He was taken far too young.
RIP Diego Armando Maradona Franco. pic.twitter.com/KDubE0AxC7
— David Garrido (@SkySportsDavid) November 25, 2020
I hated Diego Maradona for years after the 86 World Cup and the ‘Hand of God’ but his second goal in that game was magnificent. He was a football genius but unfortunately a tortured soul who never seemed to come to grips with his fame. My hate has long gone RIP Diego.
— steve #FBPE,#FBPPR,#JohnsonOut #UltraRemainer🇮🇪 (@steve20594431) November 25, 2020
The planet's greatest footballing magician, with a hand of God, has left his ground, leaving past a big vacuum. Those awesomely artistic dribblings and dodges will now remain only on videos.
Rest in Peace
Sir Diego Maradona#diegomaradona #Maradona60 #MaradonaRIP pic.twitter.com/btiOZgDKhZ— RudkraKX (@rudkrakx) November 25, 2020
Found this interesting? Share!
and then