Diego Maradona seen smiling from hospital bed in haunting final picture just days before his death aged 60

THIS is believed to be the final picture taken of Diego Maradona before he passed away, aged 60.

Tributes have poured in from around the world following the death of the legendary Argentine footballer.

Maradona passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest just two weeks after undergoing brain surgery.

After being released from hospital, he was expected to continue treatment for alcohol dependency.

But the last known picture of Maradona shows the 60-year-old smiling in his hospital bed.

In the snap, the football icon is wearing a hospital gown and has a huge plaster on his head.

Despite his struggles, Maradona still appeared to crack a slight smile for the camera.

Maradona played for Argentinos Juniors, Boca Juniors, Barcelona, Napoli, Sevilla and Newell’s Old Boys during his illustrious career.

He scored 34 goals in 91 appearances for Argentina before he retired from professional football in 1997.

After he hung up his boots, Maradona managed a long list of teams including Racing Club and his beloved Argentina.

Most recently he was in charge of Gimnasia de La Plata after he joined them in 2019.

One of the most gifted football players in history, Maradona’s pinnacle of glory came when he captained Argentina to win the World Cup in 1986.

His career then hit a low point as he was kicked out the 1994 World Cup for doping.

Years of drug use, overeating and alcoholism brought an end to his stellar career – and left him almost dying of cocaine-induced heart failure in 2000.

Maradona – who turned 60 last month –  has suffered a long battle with his health forcing him to make numerous trips to hospital in recent months.

Argentine President Alberto Fernandez declared three days of national mourning in honour of the star, who was a cultural icon and national hero.

UEFA has also announced there will be a minute of silence before tonight’s games in the Champions League.