A high-profile retrial into the death of football legend Diego Maradona begins this Tuesday in San Isidro, Argentina. Seven members of his medical team face charges of "homicide with eventual intent" following allegations of severe medical negligence.
Maradona, the 1986 World Cup hero died on November 25, 2020, at the age of 60. He suffered a fatal heart attack while recovering at a private residence in Tigre following brain surgery.
This new trial follows the collapse of the initial case in May 2025, which ended in a mistrial after a judge was found to have breached judicial rules by allowing unauthorized documentary filming.
The prosecution argues that the medical team—including neurosurgeon Leopoldo Luque and psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov—violated treatment protocols. A medical board previously described the home care provided to Maradona as "deficient and reckless," stating he would have had a significantly better chance of survival in a proper medical facility.
The defense maintains that Maradona’s death was an unavoidable consequence of his long-term health struggles and history of addiction. If found guilty, the defendants face prison sentences ranging from eight to 25 years.
Approximately 100 witnesses are expected to testify in a legal process that could last until July. An eighth defendant, nurse Dahiana Madrid will be tried separately at a later date.
