World football lost one of its most precious gems on Wednesday (November 25th) as Argentine football legend Diego Maradona passed away due to cardiac arrest, aged just 60. He had been discharged from a hospital just two weeks ago after undergoing surgery for a blood clot in the brain.

The 'Beautiful Game' is undoubtedly the most popular, followed and watched sport across the globe and footballers have attained cult status courtesy their remarkable exploits on the green turf.

There have been many greats across different eras in world football like Pele, Frenesc Puskas, Franz Beckenbauer, Sir Bobby Charlton, Ronaldo and Lionel Messi,  but if you were to ask any soccer fan to pick up one of their all-time favorites, the name Diego Armando Maradona does ring a bell or flash across the mind of those who watched him at his peaks of his prowess and who have heard stories about his sheer pedigree and skill.

Maradona was a flawed genius who produced some flashes of brilliance which certainly made him look the most gifted footballer of all time. However, with the good also game the bad, there were temperamental issues a plenty and a perennial drug addiction habit proved to be the soccer star's nemesis for a lifetime.

Maradona enjoyed a demi god status in international soccer pretty similar to the what Sir Don Bradman did in cricket and or a Michael Jordan attained in Basketball. Such had been his impact in world football that fans across the globe voted him as the joint 'Greatest Footballer of the Century' with Brazilian great Pele.

IN PICS | Diego Maradona Death: A Look Back At The Iconic Career Of The Argentine Football Legend

Short but stocky built with thighs and bull-like legs, Maradona's physique was tailor made with a low center of gravity that made a livewire on the football field

Not an out and out striker but an attacking midfielder with a goal poaching instinct, Maradona shot into limelight when he spearhead Argentina to title at the 1979 World Youth Championships, beating Soviet Union 3-1 in the finals played out at Tokyo, Japan.

Maradona became the most footballer in the 80s courtesy his dazzling skills with the ball at his feet. He could make those mesmerizing dribbles, launch those imploding attacks and score some spectacular goals at will to win matches on his own for the top flights clubs and his nation Argentina.

Highs Of Maradona's Glittering Footballing Career 

Spearheads Argentina To Their Second FIFA World Cup Title In 1986 

While the world took notice of Maradona's footballing skills at the 1982 World Cup, the legend's moment under the sun came in the 1986 World Cup when he almost single handedly led Argentina to the World Cup title in the 1986 edition of the showpiece event at Mexico. Maradona's heroics sent his nation into a tizzy and it came one of the most cherished sporting moment for the soccer crazy South American nation.

Maradona Wins Golden Ball And Silver Shoe At 1986 FIFA World Cup

Maradona won individual accolades too at the 1986 FIFA World Cup, winning the Golden Ball (Best Player Of Tournament) and the Silver Shoe notching up 5 goals to end up as the second highest goal scorer in the World Cup behind English striker Gary Linekar (6).

'Hand Of God' Goal Against England In 1986 World Cup Quarterfinals 

He hogged the limelight for that highly controversial and infamous 'Hand of God' against England in the quarterfinals of the 1986 World Cup.

Finalist With Argentina in 1990 FIFA World Cup 

Maradona brought Argentina close to a third World Cup title as he be played an integral part in leading them to the finals against West Germany. Argentina ended as the eventual finalist losing 0-1 to resilient German team.

Maradona Signed For Record 5 Million Pounds By Italian Club Napoli 

After topping the goal scoring charts in Argentina's top division league for title winners Boca Juniors, Maradona was a top catch for top flight clubs in Europe and Spanish giants Barcelona signed him for a then record fee. He once again set the records for the most expensive transfer when he moved to Napoli from Barcelona for a staggering transfer fee of 5 million pounds.

Maradona was a prized asset during his stints with Barcelona and Napoli. He racked up major titles with Napoli and Barcelona before moving back to Argentina.

Won Major Club Titles With Barcelona and Napoli 

Maradona led Napoli to two major Serie A titles in 1987 and 1990, besides winning the UEFA Cup with them in 1989. He won the Copa del Rey, Copa de La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup during his time with Barcelona at Camp Nou. He had one season at Sevilla between 1992 and 1993 before returning to Argentina to play for Newell's Old Boys.

Lows In Diego Maradona's Career 

Sent Packing From 1994 FIFA World Cup For Testing Positive For Banned Substance

He was ruled out of the 1994 FIFA World Cup on account of testing positive for a banned substance. This was the second major instance when the Argentine soccer star was banned for drug abuse as he had been being handed a 15 month ban from football over testing positive for cocaine while playing with Napoli.

Rendered Urgent Medical Treatment In FIFA 2018 World Cup In Russia

As a die hard supporter for his national team at the FIFA 2018 World Cup in Russia, Maradona ended up needing medical treatment after appearing in a dismal medical condition after collapsing while watching an Argentina game.

Stint As National Team Manager Not Successful As Argentina Trounced By Germany In 2010 World Cup Quarterfinals

After leading Argentina to the World Cup title in 1986, Maradona returned as Argentina manager at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. After an impressive showing in the group stage and the Round of 16 , Maradona-managed side were knocked out of the tournament by Germany with a 4-0 thumping in the quarter-finals.