Buenos Aires, Argentina – The highly anticipated trial over the death of football legend Diego Maradona opened Tuesday, drawing emotional scenes outside the courthouse as fans gathered to honor their idol. Waving Argentine flags, chanting his name, and proudly wearing his iconic No. 10 jersey, supporters showed their devotion as legal proceedings got underway.
The Case: Was There Medical Negligence?
The trial has attracted global attention, aiming to determine whether medical malpractice contributed to Maradona’s untimely death. The 1986 World Cup hero died from heart failure on November 25, 2020, at the age of 60 while recovering from brain surgery in a private residence.
Prosecutors argue that medical negligence played a key role in his death, accusing a group of doctors and caregivers of failing to provide adequate care, ultimately leading to the premature passing of Argentina’s footballing icon.
Who Is on Trial?
A total of eight medical professionals are facing homicide charges under the legal concept of “dolus eventualis”—a term that applies when a person is aware that their actions could result in death but proceeds regardless.
The Accused Include:
✔ Two doctors
✔ Two nurses
✔ A psychiatrist
✔ Other medical professionals involved in his care
If convicted, the defendants could face up to 25 years in prison.
Before the court, the accused denied wrongdoing, arguing that Maradona’s poor health was inevitable due to his long history of cardiac issues, substance abuse, and refusal of certain treatments. Their lawyers claim that they followed standard medical practices and that his death was not preventable.
Emotional Scenes Outside the Court
The streets outside the courthouse were filled with Maradona’s devoted fans, known as “Maradonianos”, who carried banners and placards demanding justice.
📢 One sign read: “Diego was abandoned. The guilty must pay.”
His daughters, Dalma and Gianinna Maradona, were also present, visibly moved by the public’s overwhelming support.
The Prosecution’s Argument: A Case of Neglect?
Prosecutors maintain that Maradona’s medical team acted incompetently, recklessly, and inadequately, failing to prevent complications. A 2021 medical report concluded that his caregivers provided “inappropriate, deficient, and reckless” treatment.
The accusation centers on claims that Maradona:
⚠ Lacked proper medical supervision
⚠ Was neglected in his final days
⚠ Did not receive the necessary care to prevent fatal complications
The defense, however, insists that Maradona’s pre-existing heart conditions and history of rejecting medical interventions made his situation extremely difficult to manage, placing the doctors in an impossible position.
What’s Next?
The trial is expected to last several months, with testimonies from medical experts, witnesses, and Maradona’s family.
For millions of Argentinians, this case is not just about legal justice—it is about seeking accountability for a national hero who gave them their greatest footballing triumph.
With Argentina closely following every development, reactions to the trial are bound to be intense, as the nation seeks justice for one of the greatest football legends of all time.