'The Star of Soccer Has Set' Maradona Passes Away

Heart Attack Death... Aged 60
Starred in World Cup and Spanish, Italian Leagues
Also Known for Rebel Image

On September 7, 1979, at the National Stadium in Tokyo, Japan, during the 35th minute of the second half against the Soviet Union in the FIFA World Youth Championship, Diego Maradona (then 19 years old) of the Argentina national team scored a free kick goal and jumped up in celebration.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] Diego Maradona, who was recognized as a hero by soccer fans worldwide beyond Argentina, passed away on the 25th (local time) at the age of 60.

According to AFP, Maradona's lawyer stated that the cause of death was a heart attack. Maradona was currently the coach of the Argentine professional team Gimnasia and had undergone brain surgery on the 11th before being discharged.

Maradona made a spectacular debut on the world stage through the 1979 FIFA World Youth Championship. In the 1986 Mexico World Cup, he led Argentina to the championship. During the match against England, he scored a goal with his hand, which was recognized as a goal and earned him the nickname "Hand of God."

Maradona also played brilliantly for Spain's FC Barcelona and Italy's SSC Napoli but attracted attention for various antics, earning him the nickname "the bad boy."

Claudio Tapia, president of the Argentine Football Association, expressed in a statement, "We deeply mourn the death of our legend Maradona. You will always be in our hearts."