The trial of seven doctors and medical professionals who treated Argentine football legend Diego Maradona before his death has officially begun in Buenos Aires.
The group, including Maradona’s brain surgeon, psychiatrist, and several nurses, is accused of homicide due to alleged medical negligence that led to the 60-year-old’s tragic passing in November 2020.
Maradona died from a heart attack just two weeks after undergoing surgery for a brain bleed.
His death sparked widespread controversy, with his family alleging a cover-up and accusing the medical team of serious negligence in his care.
The family claims that the doctors’ actions — and lack of timely medical intervention — contributed directly to his death. They have called it a “mafia” that controlled the treatment process, with derogatory comments and a disregard for his well-being.
While Maradona had a long history of battling drug addiction, obesity, and alcoholism, which had brought him close to death in previous years, prosecutors believe that with better medical care, his passing could have been avoided.
The seven medical professionals facing trial have been charged with culpable homicide, a crime akin to involuntary manslaughter.
If convicted, they could face up to 25 years in prison.
Dalma Maradona, the football icon’s eldest daughter, has been outspoken in her efforts to uncover the truth behind her father’s death.
She shared a video, claiming to have audio recordings that reveal serious irregularities in the care her father received. Dalma also spoke of her mother’s fear of speaking out, suggesting that powerful individuals may be involved in a cover-up.
“My mother is worried because she is afraid. Afraid of the mafia, of those who control everything, have money and power,” Dalma said during a live interview. “But I can’t remain silent. I owe it to him.”
Maradona, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time, is remembered for his World Cup victory with Argentina in 1986.
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His legendary career included both triumphs — like the iconic ‘Hand of God’ goal and ‘Goal of the Century’ — as well as personal struggles that made his later years tumultuous.
As the trial continues, the world watches closely, hoping for justice in one of the most high-profile cases in sports history.
