Argentinian Court Begins Trial for Medical Team Accused in Diego Maradona’s Death
A court in Argentina has commenced the trial of seven healthcare professionals accused of negligence in the 2020 death of football legend Diego Maradona. The 60-year-old, who was under their care, suffered a cardiac arrest on November 25, 2020, while recovering in a house outside Buenos Aires.
The panel of three judges will determine whether those charged, including a neurosurgeon, a psychiatrist, and other medical staff, are guilty of manslaughter, which carries a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison. Prosecutors argue that Maradona’s medical team failed to provide adequate care and claim that between November 11 and 15, 2020, he was transferred to a private residence while not in full control of his mental faculties, making him incapable of deciding on home hospitalization.
Prosecutor Patricio Ferrari described the decision as reckless, asserting that Maradona was effectively abandoned. A photograph presented in court showed the football star lying in the bed where he was found, with his abdomen visibly swollen. His grieving family, including his daughters Dalma, Giannina, and Jana, as well as former partner Verónica Ojeda, attended the hearing. Before the proceedings, Ojeda shared a video of Maradona’s son wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with his father’s image and the word "justice."
The trial is expected to last up to four months, with three hearings scheduled per week. Around 110 witnesses are set to testify before the court delivers its verdict. None of the accused are likely to be detained before or during the trial.
The main defendant, neurosurgeon Leonardo Luque, served as Maradona’s personal physician for four years and performed surgery to remove a blood clot from his brain shortly before his death. Others on trial include psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov, who prescribed Maradona’s medication, Nancy Forlini, a medical coordinator, and Dr. Pedro Di Spagna, who oversaw his treatment. Nurse Gisela Madrid, who was also indicted, will face a separate jury trial later this year.
All the defendants deny any wrongdoing, describing Maradona as a difficult patient who resisted treatment. Luque stated that Maradona’s death was unexpected and occurred in his sleep, arguing that the medical team had no opportunity to intervene. The defense commissioned an independent forensic study concluding that Maradona's death was sudden and without agony.
Luque maintained that Maradona personally insisted on home hospitalization. The football star had isolated himself during the COVID-19 pandemic due to chronic health conditions that put him at high risk. Court documents indicate that isolation triggered depression and anxiety, leading Maradona to increase his alcohol consumption.
Medical tests conducted by Luque in early 2020 revealed a subdural hematoma, which required emergency surgery. After being discharged, Maradona refused inpatient treatment for alcoholism and opted for outpatient care instead.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, Maradona led Argentina to World Cup victory in 1986 and became an icon of the sport. His rise from poverty in Buenos Aires to international stardom inspired millions. In Naples, Italy, where he played for SSC Napoli, he remains revered by fans.
However, his career was marred by long-standing struggles with drug addiction, obesity, and alcoholism. He had previously faced severe health crises, nearly dying in both 2000 and 2004.
The trial continues, with the court set to hear testimonies from medical experts, witnesses, and the defendants before reaching a verdict.
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