Argentina soccer legend Diego Maradona has died after suffering a cardiac arrest at the age of 60, his lawyer Matias Morla confirmed to CNN.
The Argentine Football Association confirmed the news on Wednesday and posted a short message on its social media platforms. A cardiac arrest is the result of electrical disturbances that cause the heart to suddenly stop beating.
“The Argentine Football Association, through its President Claudio Tapia, expresses its deepest sorrow for the death of our legend, Diego Armando Maradona. You will always be in our hearts,” it tweeted.
Regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the game, Maradona became a household name after inspiring his country to World Cup glory in 1986.
He took center stage at the tournament with a memorable performance against England where he scored an iconic goal that he later described as the “Hand of God.”
The diminutive forward out-jumped legendary keeper Peter Shilton and punched the ball into the net. Despite the obvious handball, the goal was allowed to stand because the referee did not see the foul.
Later in the game he scored one of the best goals in history after weaving his way past seven English defenders.
His glittering career was also marked by numerous controversies and his notorious lifestyle led to alcoholism and addiction.
Argentina’s President Alberto Fernandez announced three days of national mourning for the passing of the superstar, and posted a tribute to Maradona on Twitter.
“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,” it read.
Fans took to the streets across Argentina and in Naples on Wednesday to pay tribute to their hero.
Meanwhile, UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin said a minute’s silence would be observed ahead of all European matches this week in honor of the Argentine.
“He will go down in history as someone who set football alight and thrilled fans young and old with his brilliance and skill,” Čeferin said in a statement.
Maradona’s family has authorized an autopsy to determine the official cause and manner of death, according to a source close to the soccer star.
Diego Maradona is carried around the field after leading Argentina to victory in the 1986 World Cup final. Argentina defeated West Germany at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.
A 16-year-old Maradona warms up in Buenos Aires in 1977. A year earlier, he made his professional debut with the club Argentinos Juniors. A few months after that, he made his international debut with Argentina's national team.
Soccer legend Diego Maradona
Diego Maradona is carried around the field after leading Argentina to victory in the 1986 World Cup final. Argentina defeated West Germany at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. – CNN
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