It's no secret that we here at JoBlo.com appreciate the finer things in life outside of the film spectrum, such as music, video games, comic books, and of course, sports. Today is a day we take notice of an event outside the world of entertainment journalism and are sad to report that soccer legend Diego Maradona has died at age 60. A legend on and off the soccer field, the former attacking midfielder and manager passed away after suffering a heart attack at his Buenos Aires home. His passing comes not long after enduring a successful surgery on a brain blood clot earlier in November. During his recovery, it was announced that Maradona was also being treated for alcohol dependency.
Regarded throughout the soccer community as one of the greatest players of all time, Maradona helped lead his team to victory when Argentina won the 1986 World Cup, an event that kept sports fans on the edge of their seats with each amazing play, including two famous goals against England. During the game, Maradona scored an unforgettable solo goal and another that he referred to as being guided into the net by the "hand of God."
Throughout his life and career – including contributions to Boca Juniors, Barcelona, and Napoli – Maradona was known for struggling to keep a series of personal demons at bay, such as alcohol and substance addiction. Despite coming to blows with substance abuse, Maradona became one of two joint winners of the FIFA Player of the 20th Century Award. Celebrated for his keen footwork and spellbinding dribbling skills, Maradona was crowned as the first player in football history to set the world record transfer fee twice. When all was said and done, and he was ready to retire from the game, Maradona managed 259 goals in 491 appearances on the field.
As the subject of several documentaries throughout the years, including Diego Maradona by Asif Kapadia, Maradona is as iconic as they come in the sports arena and leaves behind a legacy that many can only hope to achieve.
In saying goodbye to Maradona, the Argentine Football Association tweeted that his contributions to the game and indomitable spirit “would forever be in our hearts”.
We here at JoBlo.com would like to extend our sincere condolences to Mr. Maradona's family, friends, and fans. May he rest in peace, always.