Diego Maradona Undergoes Brain Surgery

Diego Maradona, the Argentine soccer great, underwent successful brain surgery on November 3 to treat a subdural hematoma. The 60-year-old former World Cup winner was admitted to hospital a day earlier.

What happened?

Maradona's neurosurgeon and personal physician, Leopoldo Luque, performed the operation to address the clot, which can put pressure on the brain.

The procedure took around 80 minutes and was considered potentially risky due to Maradona's delicate general health. Luque earlier described the procedure as "routine surgery" and said Maradona had been "lucid" and understood and agreed with the procedure.

Why it matters for Diego Maradona

Maradona, who won the World Cup with Argentina in 1986, is widely considered to be one of the greatest players of all time. He currently coaches local club Gimnasia y Esgrima and last appeared in public on his 60th birthday, just before his side's league match against Patronato.

What comes next?

Maradona's doctor said the steps now are observation, but it is controlled, and it will depend on how he does. Dozens of fans of Gimnasia y Esgrima have converged on the hospital since Monday evening, waving flags and holding posters with messages of support.

Around 50 fans gathered in front of the Olivos Clinic, in the suburbs of Buenos Aires, celebrated when reports of the successful outcome started to emerge, chanting: "Diego, Diego!". Diego Bermudez, a 41-year-old Maradona fan waiting outside the hospital, said: "What we want the most is for Diego to get out of all this. He can be, he is the greatest, the greatest in the world."

Maradona was initially admitted to the Ipensa clinic in La Plata, Argentina, on Monday for anemia and dehydration, before being transferred to Olivos Clinic in Buenos Aires province. Oscar Medina, another fan, said: "Diego is fighting inside with medics. Hopefully God blesses the medics, to move on from this. His people are out here on the street, hearts beating."

The successful surgery has brought relief to Maradona's fans, who are eagerly waiting for his recovery. On November 3, Maradona's doctor confirmed that the operation was a success, and the former footballer was in recovery.