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Retrial begins over Maradona's death
Seven members of Diego Maradona's medical team face charges of homicide with possible intent as a new trial opens today in San Isidro, Argentina. The football icon died of heart failure at age 60 in November 2020.
Why the first trial collapsed
The initial proceedings in May 2025 were halted after allegations surfaced that one of the three presiding judges permitted unauthorized filming inside the courtroom for a documentary.
Charges and potential penalties
Prosecutors accuse the defendants-including Maradona's primary medical adviser Leopoldo Luque and psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov-of failing to provide adequate care. If convicted, they could serve between eight and 25 years in prison. All seven deny wrongdoing.
Investigators classified the case as culpable homicide, akin to involuntary manslaughter, arguing the team knew the severity of Maradona's condition but did not act decisively to save him.
Medical findings and criticism
The autopsy revealed Maradona suffered acute pulmonary edema-fluid buildup in the lungs-triggered by heart failure. A panel of medical experts commissioned by prosecutors labeled his home treatment "deficient and reckless."
"With proper care in a suitable medical facility, Maradona would have had a significantly better chance of survival,"
the expert report concluded.
Trial details and key witnesses
Around 100 witnesses, including Maradona's daughters, are expected to testify before a new panel of judges. Proceedings are scheduled to run until July at the San Isidro courthouse.
Maradona's former nurse, Dahiana Gisela Madrid, will face a separate trial.
National mourning and legacy
Argentina observed three days of national mourning following Maradona's death. Then-President Alberto Fernández paid tribute: "Thank you for having existed, Diego. We're going to miss you all our lives."
Maradona, who began his career at Argentinos Juniors, represented Argentina in four World Cups and scored 34 international goals. His 1986 "Hand of God" goal against England remains one of football's most infamous moments.
After retiring in 1997, he coached Argentina's national team from 2008 to 2010 and later managed clubs in the UAE, Mexico, and Argentina. At the time of his death, he was head of Gimnasia y Esgrima.
