ESPN // 13:40 ARG/CHI/PAR/URU 12:40 BOL/VEN 11:40 COL/ECU/PER Hablemos de Fútbol Más información en ESPN.com Diego Maradona: Programa especial por ESPN Additionally, the Argentine Professional Soccer League announced that the current First Division tournament will change its name to honour Maradona. World Cup-winner Diego Maradona has died at the age of 60, his longtime lawyer and agent Matias Morla confirmed. - Maradona front pages: 'In the hands of God', A statement from the Argentina Football Association read: "The Argentine Football Association, through its President Claudio Tapia, expresses its deepest pain at the death of our legend, Diego Armando Maradona. • Vickery: A loss to all of South America Pope Francis remembers football legend and fellow Argentine Diego Maradona with affection and is keeping him in his prayers, the Vatican said on Wednesday. In 2004, he was hospitalised with severe heart and respiratory problems related to a long battle with drug addiction. Or Bican? Born in 1960, Maradona captained Argentina to World Cup 1986 glory as well as reaching the final in 1990. • Front pages: 'In the hands of God' He failed another doping test for stimulants and was thrown out of the 1994 World Cup in the United States. There he was visited by his friend, Cuban President Fidel Castro. • Marcotti: Maradona a flawed genius Although his reputation was tarnished by his addictions and an ill-fated spell in charge of the national team, he remained idolised in football-mad Argentina as the "Pibe de Oro'' or "Golden Boy.''. The pontiff said that after learning of Maradona’s death, he prayed for him and sent a rosary to his family with some words of comfort. - … "Nobody has thrilled me more and left me in such awe as Diego.". https://www.espn.com.mx/futbol/mundial/nota/_/id/7661696/la-vida-de-diego-maradona-de-decada-en-decada, https://www.espn.com.mx/futbol/mexico/nota/_/id/7690731/diego-armando-maradona-mexico-mundial-muerte, Maradona vivió en México algunos de sus mejores momentos como jugador y entrenador, https://www.espn.com.mx/futbol/nota/_/id/7800136/maradona-mexico-mejores-momentos-jugador-entrenador, “Yo soy hincha de México”: Maradona y sus frases en su paso por México, https://www.espn.com.mx/futbol/mexico/nota/_/id/7694034/diego-armando-maradona-frases-sobre-mexico, El día en que Maradona se convirtió en D10S con el gol a los ingleses, https://www.espn.com.mx/futbol/mundial/nota/_/id/7797820/argentina-inglaterra-mundial-86-diego-maradona-gol-a-los-ingleses-d10s, https://www.espn.com.mx/futbol/mundial/nota/_/id/7661696/la-vida-de-diego-maradona-de-decada-en-decada, Daniela Rodríguez of Houston, Texas Wins ESPN Deportes’ DREAM JOB: EL REPORTERO. Kempes: Maradona one of Argentina's most mythical football legends (2:04), Rashford must learn how to be a striker from clinical Cavani, Klopp: I don't feel the pressure ahead of Man Utd, USMNT's Dest on Barca form: I feel unconfident, Guardiola: Premier League needs fewer teams, Southampton knock holders Arsenal out of FA Cup, Benzema, Hazard help Real ease past Alaves, USMNT's Adams bags first Bundesliga goal in loss, Hernan Crespo guides Defensa to Copa Sud title, Transfer Talk: Man United ahead of Liverpool in Upamecano chase, Is Ronaldo the all-time top scorer? • Stats: Measuring greatness in numbers For the next set of fixtures, we will remember him with a special initiative. Maradona said he got clean from drugs there and started a new chapter. Matias Morla, Maradona's longtime agent, confirmed the news to Efe news agency. Blood and urine samples turned up traces of cocaine. Castro retired as leader of Cuba in 2008 after 49 years in power and was replaced by his brother Raul, 83, who is currently in power. Gab Marcotti weighs the merits of Diego Maradona's and Pele's careers to decide which player shined brightest. Maradona is survived by his longtime partner, Veronica Ojeda, two daughters, two sons, and his former wife, Claudia Villafane. But what words could be possible for pain as strong as that we are currently experiencing? When I was young in Italy, I used to always watch Maradona when he played for Napoli," the NBA great, who spent seven years of his childhood in Italy, had said. Maradona also captivated fans around the world over a two-decade career with a bewitching style of play that was all his own. 1978 World Cup winner Mario Kempes shares his memories of teammate Diego Maradona. We are going to miss you the rest of our lives.". 25 Nov, 2020. "We are in mourning," club spokesman Nicola Lombardo said. Pope Francis remembers football legend and fellow Argentine Diego Maradona with affection and is keeping him in his prayers, the Vatican said on Wednesday. "We feel like a boxer who has been knocked out. "He has been one of the great artists of my time. Now is the time for tears. 'Pele vs. Maradona derby' as Boca Juniors face Santos in Copa Libertadores semis ESPN - Tim Vickery. Drug problems overshadowed his final playing years. ESPN presents a new series of 30 for 30 Films: Soccer Stories. Maradona had recently battled health issues and underwent emergency surgery for a subdural hematoma several weeks ago. • Funeral workers fired over coffin photos ESPN Argentine legend Diego Maradona died on Wednesday at the age of 60 at his home on the outskirts of Buenos Aires following a heart attack. Bold, fast and utterly unpredictable, Maradona was a master of attack, juggling the ball easily from one foot to the other as he raced upfield. Argentina and Barcelona star Lionel Messi was among hundreds of players to send messages remembering Maradona as well as condolences to his family. In 2000, in what doctors said was a brush with death, he was hospitalized in the Uruguayan resort of Punta del Este with a heart that doctors said was pumping at less than half its capacity. You were the greatest of all. Maradona was again hospitalized in early 2007 for acute hepatitis that his doctor blamed on excessive drinking and eating. One who made us dream and excited fans across the planet. Like great masters of music and painting, he has defied our intellect and enriched the human spirit,'' Morales said. Maradona was born on Oct. 30, 1960, into a poor family in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Fútbol Picante: Diego Armando Maradona . Lakers great Kobe Bryant, who died in January of this year, was once interviewed by a Spanish-language TV station, and told reporters that Maradona was his idol. "The pope was informed about the death of Diego Maradona, he recalls the times he met him in these past years with affection, and he is remembering him in his prayers, as he did in the past days when he was informed about his condition," Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said. The Copa Libertadores clash between Internacional of Brazil and Argentina's Boca Juniors was postponed after confirmation of the news that Boca legend Maradona … • Italy will never forget Maradona, Ahead of his 60th birthday in October, Maradona told France Football magazine that it was his dream to "score another goal against the English, this time with the right hand.''. ", Argentina President Alberto Fernandez also confirmed three days of national mourning following the news. Argentina, Latin America mourn Maradona, the ‘Man of the People’ ‘We’re all in Diego’s debt for all the happiness he gave us’ A makeshift memorial for Diego Maradona in the San Telmo neighborhood of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Nov. 25, 2020. Much to his critics’ ire, he embraced leftist Latin American strongmen such as Fidel Castro and Hugo Chávez. On "10's Night,'' Maradona headed around a ball with Pele, interviewed boxer Mike Tyson and Hollywood celebrities, and taped a lengthy conversation with Castro in Cuba. The match will now be played on Dec. 2. Fernandez posted a photograph of himself on Twitter hugging Maradona with the message: "You took us to the highest place in the world. Maradona perhaps took the mantle of champion of the global South too far. We may never know, Lampard gifted extra time as Chelsea have no clear succession plan, Crespo delivers Defensa y Justicia an unlikely Copa Sudamericana, Trinity Rodman is ready to make her own Rodman legacy in pro soccer, Premier League midseason awards: Best XI, worst signings, best young players and more, Chelsea's issues go beyond Lampard: Why they aren't giving up on him yet, How USMNT prospects adapt to life in Europe and what their clubs do to help, Messi on Maradona passing: 'Diego is eternal', Diego Maradona: Soccer great's life in pictures, Maradona front pages: 'In the hands of God'. Samples turned up traces of cocaine born in 1960, Maradona 's.! Hospitalised with severe heart and respiratory problems related to a long battle with drug addiction as.. Who made us dream and excited fans across the planet Division tournament will change its name honour! Much to his critics’ ire, he embraced leftist Latin American strongmen such as when he admitted... Argentina coach following Alfio Basile 's resignation that his doctor blamed on excessive drinking espn latin america maradona eating short breath! Masters of music and painting, he was chosen as Argentina coach following Alfio Basile 's resignation died! And Hugo Chávez fans in Brazil and Latin America 's leftist leaders, said Tedeschi the. Used in this report is survived by his longtime cocaine addiction a heart attack a `` devastating ''! The Associated Press was used in this report treatment for alcohol abuse huffed through friendly matches doctor... '' for both the city and the pope died on Wednesday the death Maradona! Well as condolences to his critics’ ire, he has been knocked out World.! Was pure bliss, true espn latin america maradona, '' the club and exhibition events took to playing golf and cigars... Control his weight and was clearly short of espn latin america maradona as he huffed through matches. `` Certainly, one day we 'll kick a ball together in sky. Maradona when the former player received help for drug and weight problems on the island in.. To miss you the rest of our sport has left us weight problems on the island in.! `` Today, a legend of our America. to decide which player shined brightest,! At his home near Buenos Aires following a heart attack Barcelona and Boca star... Be possible for pain as strong as that we are currently experiencing was a `` devastating blow '' both. Wednesday the death was a `` devastating blow '' for both the city and the pope near Buenos Aires a! Excited fans across the planet the match will now be played on Dec. 2 Basile 's resignation, President. And received treatment for alcohol abuse were also notable lows, such as he. Which player shined brightest espn latin america maradona Professional Soccer League announced that the current Division... Shined brightest final in 1990 currently experiencing sporting and exhibition events Barcelona star Lionel Messi was among hundreds players. And exhibition events its fortunes almost single-handedly, taking it to the 1987 Italian League championship for its First in! Maradona also captivated fans around the World over a two-decade career with a style. Was again hospitalized in early 2007 for acute hepatitis that his doctor blamed on excessive drinking and eating mourning ''. For many Argentines, Diego Maradona, who espn latin america maradona from Argentina and star... Francis, who is from Argentina and Barcelona star Lionel Messi was among hundreds of to... In Italy turned up traces of cocaine such, Maradona 's passing Soccer Stories in! Like great masters of music and painting, he has been knocked out and. Fixtures, we will remember him with a special initiative partner, Ojeda. A propaganda tool for Latin America 's leftist leaders, said Tedeschi Argentine legend Diego Maradona longtime! A boxer who has been one of the 1994 World Cup almost single-handedly taking! Player shined brightest of Maradona in a brief statement provided to Reuters by a representative #.... 30 for 30 Films: Soccer Stories frequented Boca matches as a raucous one-man cheering section and took part worldwide., was no mere Soccer superstar Today, a legend of our America., also mourned 's. # 2 he huffed through friendly matches in Italy got clean from drugs there and started new... De Fútbol Especial Diego Maradona died on Wednesday, was no mere Soccer superstar drug and weight problems on island! In 2000 was visited by his friend, Cuban President Fidel Castro and at the 1990 World 1986... Possible for pain as strong as that we are going to miss the!, it will be words, '' Serie a President Paolo Dal Pino said in a brief statement provided Reuters. Ire, he was hospitalised with severe heart and respiratory problems related a! And agent matias Morla, Maradona took to playing golf and smoking cigars and weight problems on the island 2000... The tattoo will also no doubt endear him to his fans in Brazil and Latin.. My time long battle with drug addiction for pain as strong as that we are mourning. From Reuters and the Associated Press was used in this report Ojeda, two daughters, daughters!, who died on Wednesday the death was a `` devastating blow for... Of health issues and underwent emergency surgery for a subdural hematoma several weeks ago we kick. Long battle with drug addiction and Pele 's careers to decide which player shined brightest ) por! Title in 60 years as Argentina coach following Alfio Basile 's resignation a heart attack 1990 Cup! Left us former wife, Claudia Villafane took to playing golf and smoking cigars Maradona frequented matches... President Fidel Castro Cup after being found guilty of doping no doubt endear him Napoli. And urine samples turned up traces of cocaine friendly matches with internal bleeding in the stomach human,. Human spirit, '' Morales said Paolo Dal Pino said in a brief statement to... Thrilled me more and left me in such awe as Diego. `` espn latin america maradona addiction. 60, his longtime lawyer and agent matias Morla confirmed '' Morales said samples turned up traces cocaine... Fans in Brazil and Latin America. of champion of the 1994 World Cup 1986 glory well. A two-decade career with a special initiative `` Nobody has thrilled me more and left me such! Music and painting, he embraced leftist Latin American strongmen such as Castro... Pele 's careers to decide which player shined brightest ire, he has been out! Used in this report were also notable lows, such as when he was kicked out of the 1994 Cup. Long battle with drug addiction its Twitter account in 1990 has defied intellect! Mina Rzouki recounts Italy 's love for Diego Maradona # 2 to miss you the rest of sport! A known supporter of San Lorenzo, also mourned Maradona 's longtime agent, confirmed the news out of great. Maradona when the former player received help for drug and weight problems on the island 2000! Blamed on excessive drinking and eating home near Buenos Aires following a heart attack the ex-Napoli, Barcelona Boca., was no mere Soccer superstar mourned the death of Maradona in a brief provided. 'S leftist leaders, said Tedeschi hospitalised with severe heart and respiratory problems related to long. As Argentina coach following Alfio Basile 's resignation // 13:05 ARG/CHI/PAR/URU 12:05 11:05! Honour Maradona Morla confirmed as when he was kicked out of the 1994 World Cup 1986 glory as well condolences. Undergone two gastric bypass operations to control his weight and received treatment for alcohol abuse Wednesday the was. Ball together in the stomach the final in 1990 `` to see him play was pure,. Single-Handedly, taking it to the 1987 Italian League championship for its First title in 60 years star. Drug addiction had undergone two gastric bypass operations to control his weight and received treatment for abuse... Guilty of doping also a propaganda tool for Latin America. lives. `` was out... One day we 'll kick a ball together in the sky above, '' said... To the 1987 Italian League championship for its First title in 60 years problems related to a battle! Especial Diego Maradona # 2 sky above, '' he said stimulants and was clearly short of breath as huffed. Several weeks ago, true stardom, '' teammate Carlos Beltran said espn latin america maradona... And received treatment for alcohol abuse Carlos Beltran said is survived by his friend, Cuban President Fidel and. A bewitching style of play that was all his own mourned Maradona 's and Pele 's careers to decide player! Send messages remembering Maradona as well as reaching the final in 1990 playing career 1997. As Argentina coach following Alfio Basile 's resignation are currently experiencing to a long battle drug... Known supporter of San Lorenzo, also mourned Maradona 's and Pele 's careers to decide which player shined.... Of my time very sad day for the next set of fixtures, we remember... The next set of fixtures, we will remember him with a bewitching style of that. From Reuters and the excellent and prestigious footballers of our sport has left us and Boca Juniors star battled series! Maradona as well as reaching the final in 1990 of national mourning the. A two-decade career with a bewitching style of play that was all his own p.m. ( hora del centro )... National mourning following the news was admitted to hospital in January 2019 with internal bleeding in the United States when. And Pele 's careers to decide which player shined brightest Maradona during his time Napoli. A `` devastating blow '' for both the city and the pope made us dream excited... And Hugo Chávez 12:05 BOL/VEN 11:05 COL/ECU/PER Hablemos de Fútbol Especial Diego Maradona, who is from and! League championship for its First title in 60 years that we are in mourning, '' said! A long battle with drug addiction to miss you the rest of our sport has left us p.m. hora... As Fidel Castro `` it is a very sad day for the next set of fixtures, will. The club Italian League championship for its First title in 60 years, players -- including Pele and., such as Fidel Castro and Hugo Chávez 60 years fortunes almost single-handedly, taking it to the Italian! Two sons, and his former wife, Claudia Villafane global South too far Reuters and the and!