Maradona Death Case Returns To Court As Retrial Begins Over Medical Negligence Claims

A retrial into the death of Diego Maradona begins on Tuesday, reopening one of football’s most painful and controversial legal cases, more than four years after the icon’s passing.

Maradona died in November 2020 at the age of 60 after suffering heart failure while recovering at home in Tigre, Buenos Aires province. He had recently undergone surgery to remove a brain blood clot and was reportedly under home care when his condition deteriorated. A preliminary autopsy later confirmed that he suffered acute pulmonary oedema, a condition where fluid accumulates in the lungs, leading to cardiac arrest.

Seven members of his medical team are now facing trial for culpable homicide, with allegations that they failed to provide adequate medical care despite being aware of the seriousness of his condition. Prosecutors argue that the accused did not take necessary steps to prevent his death, even though he was in a high-risk medical state. If found guilty, they could face prison sentences ranging from eight to 25 years. All defendants have denied wrongdoing.

The case had previously begun in May 2025 but collapsed after one of the judges was accused of allowing unauthorised filming during proceedings for a documentary, forcing the court to restart the trial process under a new panel of judges in San Isidro. The retrial is expected to run until July, with around 100 witnesses scheduled to testify, including members of Maradona’s family.

A panel of medical experts appointed by prosecutors concluded that Maradona’s treatment at home was “deficient and reckless,” adding that he would likely have had a better chance of survival if he had been treated in a proper medical facility.

Maradona’s death in 2020 triggered national mourning in Argentina, with then-president Alberto Fernández declaring three days of tribute and describing him as an irreplaceable national figure.

Beyond the courtroom, Maradona’s legacy remains towering in world football. He began his professional career at Argentinos Juniors before becoming a global superstar. He represented Argentina in four FIFA World Cups, scoring 34 goals and producing some of the sport’s most iconic moments, including the infamous “Hand of God” goal and his dazzling solo effort against England in 1986.

At club level, he played for giants such as Boca Juniors, FC Barcelona, Sevilla, and most famously SSC Napoli, where he became a symbol of success and cultural pride. He later transitioned into management, leading the Argentina national team at the 2010 World Cup and coaching clubs in Mexico, the UAE, and Argentina, including Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata at the time of his death.