Argentinian legend Diego Maradona has passed away at the age of 60, the Argentine Football Association has announced.
The 1986 World Cup winner suffered cardiac arrest.
Considered one of the greatest footballers of all time, he played club football for Boca Juniors, Napoli and Barcelona. He also had brief spells at Sevilla and Newell’s Old Boys.
It is perhaps at Napoli that Maradona made the biggest impression, and he is still revered on the streets of of Naples after leading them to Serie A success.
In the 1986 World Cup quarter-finals, Maradona was responsible for the infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal, but also scored what is arguably the best goal ever scored at a World Cup.
A controversial character, Maradona battled drug and alcohol addiction throughout his life, and was only released from hospital a few weeks ago, after having a blood clot in his brain removed.
Maradona, who turned 60 last month, played 89 times for Argentina, scoring 33 goals.
Much like the Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo comparisons of today, Maradona and Pelé, the great Brazilian, were the subject of many arguments as to who was the greatest footballer.
Pelé took to social media on hearing the news and tweeted, “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. Once day, I hope we can play ball together in the sky.”
After his playing career, Maradona moved into coaching, most notably being in charge of Argentina between 2008 and 2010, when he led the country to the World Cup finals in South Africa.
