The investigation into alleged medical negligence in the death of football legend Diego Maradona has resumed, with a trial against seven medical professionals underway in an Argentine court and expected to continue until July.
The high-profile case has restarted before a new panel of judges after the initial trial, which began in May 2025, was annulled following a controversy. One of the judges was accused of permitting a documentary to be filmed without court authorization, raising concerns over judicial conduct and leading to the cancellation of proceedings. The case has now been relaunched to ensure a fair hearing.
Seven medical professionals have been charged with culpable homicide in connection with Maradona’s death. If found guilty, they face prison sentences ranging from 8 to 25 years. Investigators allege that the medical team was aware of the severity of Maradona’s condition but failed to take necessary and timely action.
According to investigation reports and medical expert opinions, several lapses were identified in Maradona’s care:
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Failure to properly monitor the patient’s condition
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Delay in providing emergency medical assistance
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Inadequate post-surgical supervision at home
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Failure to adequately consider specialist medical advice
Medical experts described the treatment as negligent and insufficient.
Diego Maradona died on November 25, 2020, at the age of 60 while recovering at home following brain blood clot surgery. The postmortem report identified cardiac arrest and pulmonary edema as the primary causes of death. It also indicated that his condition was already critical and required continuous monitoring.
Approximately 100 witnesses are expected to testify in the trial, including medical staff, investigators, and family members. Statements from Maradona’s daughters are also likely to be recorded. The proceedings are expected to continue for several months, potentially until July.
Maradona scored a total of 312 goals in his professional career. At the international level, he made 91 appearances for Argentina and scored 34 goals. His club career included:
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22 goals in 36 matches for Barcelona
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81 goals in 188 matches for Napoli
He also played for Sevilla, Boca Juniors, and Newell’s Old Boys.
Maradona won multiple titles and awards, including:
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1986 FIFA World Cup
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11 major tournament titles
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One UEFA Cup
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Several national league titles
He was named FIFA Player of the Century and received honors such as the Ballon d’Or and South American Footballer of the Year.
Maradona remains associated with both achievements and controversies. His “Hand of God” goal against England during the 1986 World Cup remains one of the most widely discussed incidents in football history.
The case has drawn international attention beyond Argentina, with implications for both the sports and medical communities. If the charges are proven, it may set a precedent regarding medical responsibility and professional negligence in sports-related cases.
