Diego Maradona, Argentina soccer legend, has died. Maradona played in four World Cups, winning in 1986. In the quarterfinals that year, Maradona scored both goals in Argentina's win over England. The first was the notorious "Hand of God" goal, scored despite an uncalled handing penalty. The second was scored after a 66-yard dribble past five England players.
In his book, Maradona said of the play, "Now I can say what I couldn't at that moment, what I defined at that time as 'The Hand of God'. What a hand of God, it was the hand of Diego!"
Maradona, 60, was an international icon, who played professionally for Boca Juniors, Barcelona, Napoli and Sevilla, among others.
Here's how the sports world reacted to news of his death:
Per Sempre ?
Ciao Diego pic.twitter.com/LzppqlBqLV— Official SSC Napoli (@sscnapoli) November 25, 2020
Eternas gracias. Eterno Diego. pic.twitter.com/SZVNOJnZ1j
— Boca Jrs. Oficial (desde ?) (@BocaJrsOficial) November 25, 2020
Pele's translation: "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. One day, I hope we can play ball together in the sky."
Que notícia triste. Eu perdi um grande amigo e o mundo perdeu uma lenda. Ainda há muito a ser dito, mas por agora, que Deus dê força para os familiares. Um dia, eu espero que possamos jogar bola juntos no céu. pic.twitter.com/6Li76HTikA
— Pelé (@Pele) November 25, 2020
Argentina's president, Alberto Fernandez, also commented on Maradona's passing: "You took us to the top of the world. You made us immensely happy. You were the greatest of all. Thanks for having existed, Diego. We will miss you for life."
Nos llevaste a lo más alto del mundo. Nos hiciste inmensamente felices. Fuiste el más grande de todos.
Gracias por haber existido, Diego. Te vamos a extrañar toda la vida. pic.twitter.com/pAf38sRlGC
— Alberto Fernández (@alferdez) November 25, 2020
The official account for the Argentina FA also had this to share: "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."
La Asociación del Fútbol Argentino, a través de su Presidente Claudio Tapia, manifiesta su más profundo dolor por el fallecimiento de nuestra leyenda, Diego Armando Maradona.
Siempre estarás en nuestros corazones ? pic.twitter.com/xh6DdfCFed
— AFA (@afa) November 25, 2020
From Cristiano Ronaldo: Today I say goodbye to a friend and the world says goodbye to an eternal genius. One of the best ever. An unparalleled magician. He leaves too soon, but leaves a legacy without limits and a void that will never be filled. Rest in peace, ace. You will never be forgotten."
Hoje despeço-me de um amigo e o Mundo despede-se de um génio eterno. Um dos melhores de todos os tempos. Um mágico inigualável. Parte demasiado cedo, mas deixa um legado sem limites e um vazio que jamais será preenchido. Descansa em paz, craque. Nunca serás esquecido.?? pic.twitter.com/WTS21uxmdL
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) November 25, 2020
Thank you for everything, Diego pic.twitter.com/bJ9l3ixY7A
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 25, 2020
RIP Football legend Diego Maradona ?
Photograph by Neal Preston © Queen Productions Ltd pic.twitter.com/A3o8A6pO2s
— Queen (@QueenWillRock) November 25, 2020
RIP to legend #Maradona ?? pic.twitter.com/U9KdyRhGBE
— Usain St. Leo Bolt (@usainbolt) November 25, 2020
A true great of the game.
Rest in peace, Diego Maradona. pic.twitter.com/jImGjnjhUl
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) November 25, 2020
Today, the football world has lost a genius. ? #RIPDiego#Maradona pic.twitter.com/DOnkUzEq6V
— Villarreal CF English (@Eng_Villarreal) November 25, 2020
Football has lost one of its greatest icons.
Rest in peace, Diego Maradona. pic.twitter.com/uGIinhLDgf
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 25, 2020
The one and only, Diego Maradona - R.I.P. ??? pic.twitter.com/r9pvWMaSTt
— Defected Records (@DefectedRecords) November 25, 2020
Privileged to have met him. Very sad news. RIP Diego Maradona. pic.twitter.com/x2LcIeQPqr
— Harry Kane (@HKane) November 25, 2020
Rest in peace, Legend. ?
Diego Maradona. ? pic.twitter.com/Ftw1h1TNuc
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_inside) November 25, 2020
Thread/
1. Diego Maradona was for my generation, born in the late 60s, the player most of saw in his absolute prime while we were teenagers & knew we were watching true greatness. No one played football more naturally than Diego Armando Maradona.— Derek Rae (@RaeComm) November 25, 2020
A true football legend passed away.
It was an honor to have you in our stadium. Rest in peace, Diego Maradona ? pic.twitter.com/38KAPadvHy
— PSV (@PSV) November 25, 2020
Other reactions from around the world
- Franco Baresi, Milan (1977-97) and Italy (1982-94) defender, who played against Maradona several times at the club and international level: "I am devastated. It has been an honour to have you as an adversary. You had a big heart, you will continue to make magic and joy and emotions always."
- Paolo Dal Pino, president of Serie A: "It is a very sad day for the football world. Today, a legend of our sport has left us. One who made us dream and excited fans across the planet. For the next set of fixtures, we will remember him with a 'special initiative.'"
-- Official statement from Napoli, where he won two Serie A titles: "Everyone is waiting for words from us. But what words could be possible use for pain as strong as that we are currently experiencing? Now is the time for tears. Later, it will be words."
Source: espn.co.uk