Diego Maradona dies: How social media reacted

Diego Maradona dies: How social media reacted
  • Post author:
  • Post last modified:January 11, 2021
  • Post category:Football
  • Reading time:7 mins read

Diego Maradona dies: How social media reacted

One of the greatest footballers of all time, Maradona passed away at age 60 after suffering a heart attack in Tigre, Argentina.

Argentina soccer legend Diego Maradona died Wednesday after battling health issues the past few weeks. He was 60.

– Report: Argentina legend Diego Maradona dies at 60
– Marcotti: Maradona was soccer’s ultimate flawed genius
– Messi on Maradona: ‘Diego is eternal’

Among his four World Cup appearances, he led Argentina to the title in 1986, including scoring both goals in their 2-1 quarterfinal victory against England. The first was the notorious “Hand of God” goal, scored despite an uncalled handing penalty; the second was after a 66-yard dribble past five England players.

In his book, Diego Maradona said of the former play, “Now I can say what I couldn’t at that moment, what I defined at that time as ‘The Hand of God’. What a hand of God, it was the hand of Diego!”

Maradona was an international icon, who played professionally for Boca Juniors, Barcelona, Napoli and Sevilla, among others.

Diego Maradona dies: Here’s how the sports world reacted to news of his death:

Pele’s tweet translation: “What sad news. I lost a great friend and the world lost a legend. There is still much to be said, but for now, may God give strength to family members. One day, I hope we can play ball together in the sky.”

Lionel Messi’s tribute: “A very sad day for all Argentines and for football. He leaves us but does not leave, because Diego is eternal. I keep all the beautiful moments lived with him and I wanted to take the opportunity to send my condolences to all his family and friends. RIP.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Leo Messi (@leomessi)

From Cristiano Ronaldo: “Today I say goodbye to a friend and the world says goodbye to an eternal genius. One of the best ever. An unparalleled magician. He leaves too soon but leaves a legacy without limits and a void that will never be filled. Rest in peace, ace. You will never be forgotten.”

Neymar also posted on Instagram: “RIP LEGEND!” Followed in Portuguese by this: “You will always be in our memories, you left your legacy. FOOTBALL thanks you. Rest in peace legend.”

Sergio Aguero, Argentina’s striker, was married to Maradona’s youngest daughter at one time. He said:

“We are never going to forget you. You will always be with us.#GraciasDiego RIP.”

Argentina’s president, Alberto Fernandez, also commented on Diego Maradona’s passing: “You took us to the top of the world. You made us immensely happy. You were the greatest of all. Thanks for having existed, Diego. We will miss you for life.”

The official account for the Argentina FA also had this to share: “The Argentine Football Association, through its President Claudio Tapia, expresses its deepest sorrow for the death of our legend, Diego Armando Maradona. You will always be in our hearts.”

KEEP READING

In a neat nod to an iconic viral video from Diego Maradona’s time at Napoli, Ajax defender (and Argentina international) Nicolas Tagliafico, tried his best to emulate it right down to the pre-match hops and the choice of music…

From Mexico star, Rafa Marquez: “Sad news for all of us who love this beautiful sport (Soccer), rest in peace Legend, Diego Armando Maradona.”

Other reactions from around the world

– Franco Baresi, Milan (1977-97) and Italy (1982-94) defender, who played against Maradona several times at the club and international level: “I am devastated. It has been an honour to have you as an adversary. You had a big heart, you will continue to make magic and joy and emotions always.”

– Paolo Dal Pino, president of Serie A: “It is a very sad day for the football world. Today, a legend of our sport has left us. One who made us dream and excited fans across the planet. For the next set of fixtures, we will remember him with a ‘special initiative.”

– Official statement from Napoli, where he won two Serie A titles: “Everyone is waiting for words from us. But what words could be possible use for pain as strong as that we are currently experiencing? Now is the time for tears. Later, it will be words.”