Argentine Soccer Legend Diego Maradona Dead At 60

Argentine soccer legend Diego Maradona, famous for his "Hand of God" goal, has died at the age of 60, according to reports from local sources in Argentina.

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Image via Getty/Marcelo Endelli

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Diego Maradona, arguably one of the greatest soccer players ever, has passed away at the age of 60 after suffering a heart attack, per multiple reports.

BUENOS AIRES (AP) - AP Source: Diego Maradona, world soccer legend, has passed away.

— David Mack (@davidmackau) November 25, 2020

#ULTIMAHORA Fuente AP: el argentino Diego Maradona, leyenda del fútbol mundial, ha fallecido

— AP Noticias (@AP_Noticias) November 25, 2020

Maradona had one of the most storied international careers in history, leading his national team in four World Cups, including the country's victorious run in 1986. Maradona's most famous moment came in a quarterfinal match against England. The diminutive and crafty goal scorer put in both goals in the team's 2-1 victory, including the handball goal that would come to be known as the "Hand of God."

The one & only 'Hand Of God'🥺
RIP Legend.
Rest in Perfect Peace Maradona.🥺🕊️💔 pic.twitter.com/LiznKsU6uN

— Napaul (@LifeOfNapaul) November 25, 2020

Maradona punched the ball in with his fist while jockeying for position with England's keeper, but was positioned in such a way that referees could not see the infraction. That team would go on to beat West Germany 3-2 in the final, with Maradona being awarded the Golden Ball for best overall player in the tournament.  His recognition extended well beyond that championship, however. Along with Brazil's Pelé, Maradona was awarded FIFA's one-off prize of Player of the Century in 2000.

After retiring from playing, Maradona was a successful coach across several leagues and in international play. In 2010, he led the Argentine national team at the World Cup, eventually losing to the German squad in the knockout stages. At the time of his death, he was the coach of Club de Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata, a top-flight football team in the premier division of Argentine soccer.

Earlier this month, Maradona was admitted to the hospital in Buenos Aires. He underwent brain surgery to remove a blood clot. He was released from the hospital shortly thereafter. Reports indicate that he passed away at his home in the city of Tigre. 

The soccer world reacted swiftly after news of his death broke. 

"I have lost a dear friend, and the world has lost a legend. One day, I hope, we will play soccer together in the sky."

🗣️ Pele on Diego Maradona pic.twitter.com/ToG4IpJURv

— B/R Football (@brfootball) November 25, 2020

DON DIEGO MARADONA...

😥 Descanse em paz!🙏 LENDA do futebol 🇦🇷⚽

😥Rest in peace!🙏 LEGEND of football 🇦🇷⚽
#Neymar #NeymarJr #Football #Futebol #Argentina #Maradona #DiegoMaradona #RIPMaradona pic.twitter.com/o981Be1Qw9

— Neymar Jr Site (@NeymarJrSite) November 25, 2020

Gracias por todo, Diego pic.twitter.com/hB18LnCkpn

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona_es) November 25, 2020

Cant quite believe DM has gone. Hard to process. He always seemed indestructible. I had 10 hours with the man!! I touched his left foot. We did our best to show the world the man, the myth, the fighter he was. The greatest #legend #DiegoMaradona @MaradonaMovie #Diego #maradona pic.twitter.com/4BSULN9rdt

— asifkapadia (@asifkapadia) November 25, 2020

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