Without a shadow of a doubt, Diego Maradona was one of the greatest architects football has ever seen.
Diego Maradona: What’s the cause of death?
The Argentinian icon was pronounced dead on Wednesday, sparking a global reaction that can be marked as one of the biggest losses of 2020.
As reported by BBC News, the iconic attacking midfielder had suffered a heart attack at his Buenos Aires home, in earlier this month.
That followed a brain blood clot surgery and by late Tuesday, Maradona’s condition had deteriorated severely.
The former Barcelona attacker died at the age of 60. Around the world, news of his death reverberated, with dozens of prominent footballers and clubs paying tribute to the football legend.
Football and the world of sports has lost one of its greatest players today.
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) November 25, 2020
Rest in Peace Diego Maradona!
You shall be missed. pic.twitter.com/QxhuROZ5a5
Almost a Blade at 17. RIP Diego. ❤️
— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) November 25, 2020
Sheffield United are joining the football world in saying farewell to one of the greatest players to have ever played the beautiful game, Diego Maradona. pic.twitter.com/zOexhEKMhI
Maradona’s career highlights
At the time of his death, Maradona was on the path of recovery. The plan was to treat his alcohol addiction and focus his efforts on improving his status as head coach of Argentinian club Gimnasia y Esgrima.
A well-decorated footballer with the uncanny foot skills that inspired at least two generations — namely, the likes of Ronaldinho and Lionel Messi — these are Maradona’s career highlights he will forever be remembered for:
- 312 goals from 588 club career appearances;
- 42 goals from 106 professional international appearances;
- four league titles in his club career (Boca Juniors in 1981, Barcelona in 1983, Napoli in 1986/87 and 1989/90);
- FIFA World Cup winner with Argentina in 1986;
- Ballon d’Or winner for services to football in 1995
News of Maradona’s burial arrangements has not been confirmed.