Prosecutors have shocked a courtroom in Buenos Aires with graphic evidence as they accuse the medical team responsible for Diego Maradona’s care of murder. The trial, which has captivated Argentina and the world, seeks to determine whether the football legend’s death was due to gross negligence or an unavoidable tragedy.
Maradona died of a heart attack in November 2020 at the age of 60, just two weeks after being discharged from the hospital following surgery for a brain bleed. Prosecutors argue that had he remained under medical supervision, he would still be alive today.
On the first day of the trial, prosecutors presented a haunting image of Maradona at the time of his death, revealing his severely swollen abdomen. Addressing the court, the prosecution insisted that anyone claiming not to have noticed his worsening condition was lying.
Outside the courtroom, further damning accusations were made, with Maradona’s care being described as a “theater of horror.” The medical team was accused of fabricating reports and neglecting their duty, focusing only on maintaining records rather than providing necessary care.
Seven medical professionals currently stand trial, including Maradona’s personal doctor, Leopoldo Luque, psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov, addiction specialist Carlos Diaz, home care doctor Nancy Forlini, nursing coordinator Mariano Perroni, and nurses Ricardo Almiron and Pedro Pablo Di Spagna. An eighth defendant, nurse Gisela Dahiana Madrid, will face trial separately in July. If convicted of culpable homicide, they could face up to 25 years in prison.
Luque, who performed Maradona’s brain surgery and oversaw his transition from hospital to home, has been a key figure in the trial. Critics have questioned the speed of Maradona’s discharge, arguing he was too fragile to leave medical supervision. However, Luque’s defense maintains that Maradona himself demanded to be released.
A crucial piece of evidence presented was a detailed model of the house where Maradona spent his final days. Prosecutors walked the court through each room, emphasizing the absence of essential medical equipment necessary for his recovery. They insisted that the home lacked proper monitoring and protocol, contributing to his death.
Maradona’s family has long claimed that he was a victim of severe medical negligence, referring to those responsible for his care as a “mafia.” His daughter, Dalma Maradona, and his ex-wife, Veronica Ojeda, were present in court.
The family’s lawyer declared Maradona was “murdered” and argued that his death was entirely preventable. The prosecution relied on a 2021 medical board report, which concluded that Maradona’s treatment was “inappropriate, deficient, and reckless.” The report questioned his early discharge and highlighted the lack of critical medical devices such as an oxygen tube and defibrillator.
While toxicology reports showed no alcohol or illegal drugs in Maradona’s system, he had been taking medications for anxiety and depression. A medical examiner later suggested that his erratic heartbeat could have been caused by a natural condition or an “external factor,” possibly a stimulant.
Cosachov’s defense team has denied any criminal responsibility, stating that Maradona’s prescriptions were necessary and appropriate.
The case has drawn widespread attention in Argentina, where Maradona remains a national icon. Fans gathered outside the courtroom, holding signs demanding “Justice for Diego.” His death in 2020 led to three days of national mourning, with thousands lining the streets as his hearse made its way to Bella Vista cemetery.
Maradona’s impact on football is immeasurable. He led Argentina to World Cup glory in 1986, scoring the infamous “Hand of God” goal against England and later dazzling the world with what was voted the “Goal of the Century.”
Off the pitch, his life was filled with controversies, including battles with drug addiction, alcoholism, and alleged ties to organized crime in Naples. The trial now seeks to bring closure to one of football’s most tragic and controversial chapters.
