Nearly six years after Diego Maradona’s death sent shockwaves through the soccer world, Argentina has launched a second attempt to determine whether his passing was the result of criminal negligence, an unavoidable tragedy—or something in between. The new trial, which began April 14 in a courthouse on the outskirts of Buenos Aires, has reignited global scrutiny of the medical care provided to one of the sport’s most iconic figures during his final days.

Seven health care professionals—including Maradona’s personal physician, Leopoldo Luque—stand accused of homicide by negligence in connection with the soccer legend’s death on November 25, 2020. The charges stem from their roles in overseeing his recovery from brain surgery just weeks earlier, a period marked by allegations of inadequate monitoring, delayed interventions, and conflicting medical opinions.

Why This Trial Matters Now

The first trial, which collapsed in May 2025 amid allegations of procedural irregularities and judicial misconduct, left many questions unanswered. For Maradona’s family, fans, and the broader soccer community, the restart represents a rare opportunity to achieve closure—or at least accountability—in a case that has become a symbol of Argentina’s struggle to reconcile its reverence for its sporting heroes with its legal obligations.

“We hope the court understands the gravity of what they are judging,” said Mario Baudry, the attorney representing Diego Fernando Maradona, the late star’s youngest son, in remarks to reporters outside the courthouse on April 14. “This isn’t just about Diego as a player. It’s about what he represented to millions of people.”

The Timeline: From Surgery to Death

Maradona’s final chapter began on November 3, 2020, when he underwent emergency surgery at the Olivos Clinic in Buenos Aires to remove a subdural hematoma—a blood clot between the brain and its outer lining. The procedure was deemed successful, and he was discharged to his home in the gated community of Tigre, north of the capital, for recovery under 24-hour medical supervision.

Over the next two weeks, however, his condition deteriorated. According to court documents, his medical team—led by Luque—failed to consistently monitor his vital signs, administer necessary medications, or escalate care despite signs of distress. On November 25, Maradona was found unresponsive in his bed. Attempts to revive him were unsuccessful. An autopsy later determined the cause of death as acute heart failure, though prosecutors argue that his underlying neurological condition, exacerbated by alleged medical lapses, played a direct role.

The Defendants: Who Are the Seven on Trial?

The accused include:

• Leopoldo Luque, Maradona’s personal physician and the de facto leader of his medical team. Luque has maintained that Maradona’s death was unavoidable given his complex health history, which included long-term struggles with substance abuse and cardiovascular issues.
• Psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov, who was responsible for managing Maradona’s mental health and medication regimen during his recovery.
• Nurse Ricardo Almiron, who was present during Maradona’s final hours and has been accused of failing to alert doctors to critical changes in his condition.
• Four additional medical professionals, including a neurologist and three nurses, whose roles in his care are under scrutiny.

All seven defendants have pleaded not guilty. Their legal teams argue that Maradona’s death was the result of a “multifactorial” decline—one that no single intervention could have prevented.

What’s Different This Time?

The first trial was derailed by what prosecutors described as “serious irregularities”, including allegations that key evidence was mishandled and that some witnesses were pressured to alter their testimony. This time, the court has implemented stricter protocols for evidence handling and witness protection, though skepticism remains among Maradona’s supporters.

Proceedings are expected to last at least three months, with hearings scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The court has already heard testimony from Maradona’s daughters, Dalma and Gianinna, as well as his former partner, Verónica Ojeda, all of whom were present on the first day of the trial. Their emotional accounts of his final days have dominated headlines in Argentina, where Maradona’s legacy transcends sports.

The Stakes Beyond the Courtroom

For Argentina, the trial is about more than legal culpability. Maradona’s death in 2020 sparked an outpouring of grief not seen since the passing of Eva Perón in 1952. Thousands of fans gathered outside the courthouse during the first trial, holding vigils with candles, jerseys, and signs bearing his iconic No. 10. Similar scenes are expected in the coming weeks, particularly if the trial gains momentum.

The case has also reignited debates about the pressures faced by medical professionals treating high-profile patients, as well as the ethical responsibilities of physicians when their patients are public figures with histories of self-destructive behavior. Maradona’s struggles with addiction and mental health were well-documented, and his medical team has argued that his refusal to follow certain treatments complicated their efforts to stabilize him.

What Happens Next?

The trial is expected to continue through at least July 2026, with a verdict unlikely before the end of the year. If convicted, the defendants could face prison sentences of up to 15 years, though legal experts caution that such outcomes are rare in cases involving medical negligence in Argentina.

For now, the focus remains on the testimony of medical experts, who will be called to assess whether the care Maradona received met the standards expected of his treating team. Prosecutors have signaled their intent to introduce new evidence, including previously undisclosed medical records and communications between the defendants, which they claim will demonstrate a pattern of “systemic failure” in his treatment.

Key Questions Still Unanswered

As the trial unfolds, several critical questions loom:

1. Was Maradona’s death preventable? Prosecutors argue that earlier intervention could have saved his life, while the defense maintains that his underlying conditions made his decline inevitable.
2. Who bears ultimate responsibility? The trial will examine whether Luque, as the lead physician, should have delegated more authority to specialists—or whether the entire team failed to act as a cohesive unit.
3. Will this trial bring closure? For Maradona’s family and fans, the legal process has already dragged on for years. Even if the court delivers a verdict, some wounds may never fully heal.

A Legacy on Trial

Diego Maradona was more than a soccer player. To many, he was a symbol of defiance, genius, and the complexities of human frailty. His 1986 “Hand of God” goal against England in the World Cup quarterfinals—a moment that blended brilliance with controversy—epitomized his career: transcendent, flawed, and impossible to ignore.

Now, six years after his death, Argentina is once again grappling with how to honor that legacy. The trial may not provide all the answers, but for a nation still mourning its greatest sporting icon, it offers a chance to confront the unanswered questions that have lingered since that November day in 2020.

How to Follow the Trial

For those interested in staying updated on the proceedings:

• Official Court Updates: The Public Prosecutor’s Office of Buenos Aires Province (in Spanish) will post rulings and key developments.
• Live Coverage: Major Argentine outlets like Clarín and La Nación are providing daily reports, with some offering English-language summaries.
• Family Statements: Maradona’s daughters, Dalma and Gianinna, occasionally share updates on their Instagram accounts.

The next hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, April 29, when the court is expected to hear testimony from additional medical experts. Check back with Archysport for updates as the trial progresses.

What do you think the trial should focus on? Should the medical team be held accountable, or was Maradona’s death an unavoidable tragedy? Share your thoughts in the comments below.