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Diego Maradona: Football World Reacts To Death Of Legend At Age 60

Diego Maradona: Football World Reacts To Death Of Legend At Age 60

Marcus Rashford, Gary Lineker, Kylian Mbappe and many more pay tribute to one of the game's all-time greats.

Alex Reid

Alex Reid

There's been an outpouring of tributes and grief from the world of football after news broke that Diego Maradona has died at the age of 60.

One of the first to react to the reports of Maradona's passing, apparently by cardiac arrest, was Marcus Rashford. The Manchester United striker tweeted a picture of Maradona in an Argentina shirt with the simple caption: "Legendary" and a broken heart symbol.

Rashford was born after Maradona's incredible playing career had finished - but the 1986 World Cup winner had an influence on a generation far beyond his own. Earlier this year, Rashford listed El Diego as one of his three greatest players of all time, alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

Kylian Mbappe also paid tribute. The France and PSG ace summed up the feelings of many, when he tweeted:

"RIP Legend. You will stay in the history of football forever. Thanks you for all the pleasure you gave to the whole world." Mbappe finished with a "F**cking 2020" which again sums up how many feel.

Gary Lineker, who played in the England side knocked out of the '86 World Cup by Maradona's Argentina, also posted a heartfelt tribute.

"Reports from Argentina that Diego Armando Maradona has died," said Lineker on Twitter. "By some distance the best player of my generation and arguably the greatest of all time.

"After a blessed but troubled life, hopefully he'll finally find some comfort in the hands of God. #RipDiego"

Another England striking great, Michael Owen, also paid his respects. "Quite simply - a player like no other," tweeted Owen, above a picture of Diego holding the World Cup trophy aloft. "Rest In Peace Diego Maradona."

Jose Mourinho got straight to the point with an Instagram post showing the many times he was in company with Maradona - with the Tottenham manager often looking delighted to be in the iconic No 10's company.

"Don Diego... f**k, friend I miss you," was Mourinho's tribute.

Perhaps most touchingly of all, a tribute came via the account of Pele. The 80-year-old Brazil great had a sometimes tempestuous relationship with the man 20 years his junior. Some of that stemmed from divided opinions as to who was the best player of the 20th century.

But clearly now all is forgiven and forgotten as Pele's tweet translated as: "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." Powerful stuff.

Faustino Asprilla, the former Colombia striker, also paid warm tribute to a player who was beloved by many across South America.

"My dear friend, soccer hero, soccer icon, footballing legend," tweeted Asprilla. "Rest in peace Diego Maradona, I will miss you eternally."

Naturally, the world's biggest football clubs have been reacting too.

Napoli, the club where Maradona spent seven years and led to numerous trophies including two Serie A titles and a UEFA Cup, tweeted in Italian: "Forever [heart]. Ciao Diego."

Liverpool, Everton and Manchester United also posted tributes. Many more clubs and football stars can be expected to follow, as the news spreads that one of the true all-time greats of the game has sadly passed away.

Featured image credit: PA Images

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Topics: Football News, Maradona, Football, Diego Maradona