Putting it simply, Maradona was the greatest player to have played the game of football.
The legendary Argentine tragically passed away at the age of 60 and the football world is in mourning.
Tributes are pouring in for the man regarded as a skillful genius, a precocious talent and a magician on the football pitch.
Unibet football expert Craig Moore said the Argentine was a 'football God' and the image of him holding up the 1986 World Cup Trophy made him fall in love with the game.
This photo reminds me of my years of falling in love with the game. 1986 WC still the clearest memory for me growing up as a kid.
Maradona stole the show with amazing skill plus plenty of cheek. Watched so many videos of him. Rest In Peace football God #Maradona pic.twitter.com/5CNCNOJ8FY— Craig Moore (@CraigMoore_18) November 25, 2020
Experienced football commentator and Unibet ambassador Simon Hill said the legend's passing is a sad day for the game.
A sad day for anyone who loves football. https://t.co/PQreYosRsk
— simonhill1894 (@simonhill1894) November 25, 2020
In Argentina, Maradona is revered as a football God and the outpouring of emotion over his passing has been overwhelming.
The President of Argentina Alberto Fernández has already declared three days of national mourning for the Argentine legend.
The Argentine National Team tweeted: “Goodbye, Diego. You will #Eterno in every heart of the soccer planet.”
Hasta siempre, Diego.
Serás #Eterno en cada corazón del planeta fútbol. pic.twitter.com/jcsGP3GlNI
— Selección Argentina (@Argentina) November 25, 2020
Diego Maradona played for Argentina from 1977-1994, scoring 34 goals in 91 appearances for his country.
The magestic attacking no.10 famously led Argentina to victory at the 1986 World Cup and was part of the team which were runners-up to West Germany at the 1990 World Cup.
Diego Maradona was one of the greatest to ever play the game.
This goal in the 1986 World Cup was pure genius
(via @Argentina) pic.twitter.com/GCvb8LeeNq
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 25, 2020
Maradona infamously scored the ‘Hand of God’ goal against England in the 1986 Cup but his other goal is widely regarded as the one of the greatest, if not the greatest goal in World Cup history.
At club level, Maradona kickstarted his football journey at Argentinos Juniors in 1976 and from there he went on to play at Boca Juniors, Barcelona, Napoli, Sevilla and Newell’s Old Boys before a final stint back at Boca Juniors.
Barcelona star and fellow Argentine Lionel Messi said he will forever cherish the moments he shared with the Argentine legend.
“A very sad day for all Argentines and football," Messi said.
"He leaves us but does not leave, because Diego is eternal.
"I take all the cute moments lived with him and wanted to take advantage to send condolences to all his family and friends. RIP.”
Messi on Maradona ❤️ pic.twitter.com/npLoa7UOCR
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 25, 2020
Socceroos legend Tim Cahill led the chorus of tributes from Australia, taking to Twitter to pay his respects to the Argentine legend.
So sad to hear this news. Rest in peace Maradona pic.twitter.com/ZTYnF7aMmF
— TIM CAHILL (@Tim_Cahill) November 25, 2020
Off the pitch, Maradona was a colourful and charismatic personality and one of his more colourful and polarising moments was at the 2018 World Cup where he was Argentina’s most-watched fan, attracting plenty of attention for his extravagant goal celebrations and antics.
What is your favourite memory of Diego Maradona?
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