Argentina Reopens Maradona Death Case, Medical Team on Trial

A new trial over the death of Argentine football legend Diego Maradona has begun in Argentina, reigniting global attention on the circumstances surrounding his passing nearly six years ago.

Proceedings opened on Tuesday in San Isidro, near Buenos Aires, where seven members of Maradona’s medical team are facing charges of negligent homicide. If convicted, they could receive prison sentences ranging from eight to 25 years.

Maradona, widely regarded as one of football’s greatest players, died on November 25, 2020, at the age of 60 after suffering a heart attack while recovering from brain surgery. The case centers on whether his caregivers failed to provide adequate medical attention during his recovery at a private residence.

The retrial follows the collapse of the initial proceedings in 2025, which ended in a mistrial after a judge resigned over a breach of judicial ethics linked to a documentary project.

Prosecutors argue that Maradona’s medical team acted in an “inappropriate, deficient and reckless” manner, alleging that the conditions of his home care were dangerously inadequate. Some have described the environment as a “theatre of horror,” claiming that critical warning signs were ignored.

However, the defence maintains that Maradona’s death was inevitable due to his long history of chronic health problems, including substance abuse and pre-existing medical conditions.

The court is expected to hear testimony from nearly 100 witnesses, including members of Maradona’s family and medical experts, as both sides revisit evidence presented during the initial trial.

The case remains one of the most closely followed legal battles in Argentina, reflecting the enduring legacy of Maradona and the public demand for accountability over his final days.