The trial of eight medical professionals accused of criminal negligence in the death of Argentine football legend Diego Maradona began on March 11, 2025, in San Isidro, Buenos Aires. Maradona, who led Argentina to victory in the 1986 World Cup, passed away on November 25, 2020, at the age of 60, while recovering from brain surgery to remove a blood clot. His sudden death shocked the nation and caused widespread mourning.
The accused include Maradona’s personal doctor and neurosurgeon, Leopoldo Luque; psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov; addiction specialist Carlos Díaz; medical coordinator Nancy Forlini; nursing coordinator Mariano Perroni; night nurse Ricardo Almirón; clinician Pedro Pablo Di Spagna; and nurse Gisela Dahiana Madrid, who will face a separate trial later. They are charged with “homicide with eventual intent,” with prison sentences ranging from eight to 25 years if convicted.
Prosecutors allege that the medical team provided inadequate and negligent care, releasing Maradona from the hospital prematurely and failing to equip his home with essential medical devices, such as a defibrillator. An investigative panel concluded that Maradona’s death could have been prevented with proper medical attention.
The trial is expected to last several months, with over 100 witnesses, including family members and former medical team members, scheduled to testify. The proceedings have attracted significant public interest, with many fans demanding justice for Maradona.
The defense argues that Maradona was a challenging patient due to his history of addiction and that his death was sudden, without prior symptoms. They deny the allegations of negligence, stating that Maradona’s condition was complex and difficult to manage.
As the trial progresses, it seeks to address questions of accountability and transparency surrounding Maradona’s final days, aiming to provide clarity and justice for the football star’s family and fans around the world.
Sources: Reuters and AP