Diego Maradona passes away at 60, multiple sources say

(Marcos Brindicci/Getty Images)

Argentine soccer legend, Diego Armando Maradona, passed away at 60-years-old, according to Argentinian newspaper Clarín.

The former Barcelona and Napoli player is reported to have died of a "cardiorespiratory arrest." He was hospitalized earlier this month for a blood clot surgery near his brain.

Maradona earned his fame after leading Argentina to a World Cup title in 1986. Along with a successful run in Europe as a player, he also played for Argentinian club Boca Juniors.

He finished his soccer career as manager of Argentinian Primera Division side Club de Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata, a job he started in September 2019. The club acknowledged his death with a black ribbon image on Twitter.

The Argentine Football Association confirmed his death through a statement from its president, Claudio Tapia, on Twitter.

Despite many controversial moments off the field, the former international star showed an interest in life beyond soccer, meeting Pope Francis and spending time with Fidel Castro.

Argentine soccer broadcaster Victor Hugo Morales spoke on Maradona's influence and the excitement he brought to the sport.

“He has been one of the great artists of my time. Like great masters of music and painting, he has defied our intellect and enriched the human spirit,” Morales said. “Nobody has thrilled me more and left me in such awe as Diego."

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