Diego Maradona, a celebrated athlete from the Latin country of Argentina has recently died at the age of 60.

Maradona was a soccer legend who is most known for his performance at the 1986 World Cup, where he led his country to glory. A memorable event that many soccer fans know of is the “Hand of God” where Maradona scored a controversial goal against England. At the time, the Falklands War was fresh on the minds of both teams. For a bit of background information: The Falklands War was a brief undeclared war fought between Argentina and Great Britain in 1982 over control of the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) and other small islands. Tension was seen and felt during the game and for the first 51 minutes, no goals were made. Right after, Maradona jumped with opposing goalkeeper Peter Shilton and scored by punching the ball into the net. Despite English players' protests, the goal was allowed to stand because the referee did not see the foul. Even if many considered this a cheating act, they could not deny his incredible soccer skills. Just four minutes later, Maradona scored what has been described as the 'goal of the century' where he weaved his way past seven English defenders. England lost, and Argentina continued its way to eventually winning the World Cup.

Rise & Fall to Stardom

Maradona was the fifth out of eight children in his family who grew up in the outskirts of Bueno Aires in a poor, gritty barrio. There, he played the casual type of soccer in dirt-patch areas, which surprisingly has launched many players to international stardom. As Maradona grew up, he initially reaped titles at home playing for Argentinos Juniors and Boca Juniors and then moved internationally playing for Spanish and Italian clubs. He was known for his unpredictability, juggling the ball quickly and often scored against all odds with a killer left foot. In 2000, Maradona was voted by FIFA as one the world’s greatest soccer players, alongside Pele.

Unfortunately his legendary stance in the world started to dwindle once he became addicted to cocaine during his playing days in the 1980s. He got over his addiction but unfortunately it was too late. By 2004, he was admitted into a hospital in Buenos Aires where doctors diagnosed a weaker heart and acute breathing problems. He also endured many surgeries, including gastric bypass surgery to contain his weight and treatment for alcohol abuse. Maradona’s death was caused by a brain surgery he underwent several weeks ago. He suffered a subdural hematoma, bleeding that collects in tissues surrounding the brain and can be caused by a head injury.

Controversial, Yet Revered

Maradona spent his time participating in charity football games and even stood up for international causes, such as Palestine. In 2012, he said “I am the number one fan of the Palestinian people... I respect them and sympathize with them.”

Despite his shortcomings and controversial events, it is no doubt that Maradona helped lift the spirits of everyone, especially his own in Argentina. He rose from his own upbringing and has tried to make a good life for himself. Soccer fans have Diego Maradona to thank for the countless iconic moments that will forever live in their memory.