Australians think MADONNA is dead after mistaking the pop superstar for Argentine football legend Diego Maradona who passed away aged 60
- Fans have confused fallen footballer Diego Maradona with pop star Madonna
- Argentine football icon died from a heart attack in Buenos Aires on Wednesday
- Madonna was trending on Twitter after a case of mistaken identity among fans
- Maradona is widely regarded as the greatest footballer player of all time
Social media has lit up with confused fans who misread fallen football great Diego Maradona as pop star Madonna.
The sporting world has been left in shock from the Argentine icon’s passing from a heart attack in his home outside of Buenos Aires aged 60 on Wednesday.
Fans took to Twitter to mourn the passing of the legend, but many thought it was the ‘Holiday’ hit maker who had passed away.
Madonna was trending on Twitter on Thursday morning, with many fans heading online to express their sadness amid the mistaken identity.
Fans on social media have confused fallen footballer Diego Maradona with pop star Madonna
Madonna was trending on Twitter after fans thought she had passed away after confusing her with Diego Maradona
Australians were quick to post tributes to the pop princess after many misread who had died
Maradona is widely regarded as the greatest footballer of all time and led Argentina to a World Cup victory in 1986, having knocked England out in the quarter final with the infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal and another – later voted ‘Goal of the Century.’
His spokesman Sebastian Sanchi confirmed the legend’s death two weeks after being released from a hospital following brain surgery.
The Argentine government has declared three days of mourning after Maradona’s death, with social media teeming with tributes to the charismatic footballer.
Former Australian footballer Tim Cahill took to Twitter on Thursday morning to pay his respects.
Argentine football icon Maradona (pictured holding the World Cup trophy in Mexico in 1986) died from a heart attack in Buenos Aires on Wednesday
Maradona (pictured in 2009) is widely regarded as the greatest footballer player of all time
‘So sad to hear this news. Rest in peace Maradona,’ he posted.
Maradona died 15 years to the day of fellow football star George Best and four years to the day of one of his political heroes Fidel Castro.
People took to the streets of Buenos Aires once news of Maradona’s death broke, flocking to his neighbourhood in San Andres to mourn.
‘You took us to the highest point in the world, and made us immensely happy,’ Argentine president Alberto Fernandez tweeted.
‘You were the greatest of all. Thank you for having been with us, Diego. We will miss you all our lives.’
Fans gather outside the morgue where Maradona’s body will undergo an autopsy on Wednesday
Italian fans also took to the streets in Naples in tribute to Maradona, who won two Serie A titles for Napoli.
Maradona grew up in one of the poorest areas of Buenos Aires to become a masterful footballer for Argentina, who debuted in the national side aged 16 in 1977.
Renowned for his breathtaking playing ability, Maradona’s wild life off the pitch was equally notorious.
He was a serial womaniser, who fell into the depths of cocaine and alcohol addiction, with ties to the mafia in Naples.
The footballer’s family have yet to make any formal comment.
One minute of silence was held for Maradona during the UEFA Champions League match between Ajax Amsterdam and FC Midtjylland in Amsterdam on Wednesday