Psychologist Testifies Maradona Suffered from Bipolar Disorder and Narcissistic Personality Disorder in Death Trial

Novel details regarding the mental health of Diego Maradona have emerged during the ongoing trial in Argentina to determine the circumstances surrounding the football legend’s death. On Thursday, April 30, a psychologist testified that the former star struggled with a complex clinical profile that extended beyond his well-documented battles with addiction.

The testimony comes as part of a high-stakes legal proceeding in San Isidro, Argentina, where seven healthcare professionals are facing charges of homicide by negligence. The defendants, who were part of Maradona’s medical team, risk significant prison sentences if convicted of failing to provide proper care to the icon before his passing in 2020.

During the proceedings, Carlos Diaz, the last psychologist to treat Maradona, provided a detailed assessment of the athlete’s psychological state. Diaz described a combination of chronic conditions that shaped the star’s life and behavior.

“There is a clinical picture here: an addiction, a bipolar disorder and a personality disorder. These are three chronic, lifelong conditions,” Carlos Diaz, Psychologist

Diaz specifically identified that Maradona suffered from bipolar disorder and a narcissistic personality disorder. While the testimony highlighted these severe mental health challenges, Diaz also noted the efforts Maradona made to recover from his addictions, painting a picture of a man struggling with deep-seated psychological burdens while attempting to maintain his health.

The Legal Stakes in San Isidro

The trial is the result of a long and contentious legal journey. This current proceeding follows a previous attempt at a trial that collapsed nearly a year ago after a presiding judge stepped down following their appearance in a documentary about the case. The current trial resumed in mid-April 2026 to resolve the allegations of medical negligence.

The seven defendants include prominent medical figures such as neurosurgeon Leopoldo Luque and psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov. The prosecution alleges that the medical team’s negligence contributed to the death of the 60-year-old legend, who died of heart failure on November 25, 2020, while convalescing at his home.

The defense has consistently argued that Maradona died of natural causes, citing his precarious health history and the chronic nature of his conditions. If the court finds the medical professionals guilty of homicide by negligence, they could face sentences of up to 25 years in prison.

Contextualizing the Legend’s Final Years

For global fans, the revelation of Maradona’s bipolar disorder and narcissistic traits provides a medical lens into the volatility often associated with the “Golden Boy” of Argentine football. Throughout his career, Maradona was as much a symbol of divine talent as he was a cautionary tale of excess. His public struggles with cocaine and alcohol were widely reported for decades, but the internal psychological framework—the bipolarity and personality disorder—remained largely out of the public eye until these court testimonies.

Medical experts suggest that the intersection of bipolar disorder and substance abuse often creates a “dual diagnosis” that complicates treatment, as the symptoms of the mood disorder can drive the impulse for addiction, and the addiction can mask or exacerbate the mood swings.

The trial serves as a critical examination of the duty of care owed to high-profile patients who possess complex medical and psychological needs. The court is currently weighing whether the medical team’s approach to Maradona’s treatment was sufficient given his known vulnerabilities.

Key Case Details

• Defendant Count: Seven healthcare professionals.
• Primary Charges: Homicide by negligence.
• Potential Penalty: Up to 25 years in prison.
• Key Testimony: Carlos Diaz (Psychologist) confirmed bipolar and narcissistic disorders.
• Death Date: November 25, 2020 (aged 60).

As the trial continues in the Buenos Aires province, the focus remains on the timeline of care provided in the days leading up to Maradona’s heart failure. The testimony of Carlos Diaz adds a layer of psychological complexity to the case, suggesting that the patient the medical team was treating was not only physically frail but psychologically fragile.

The next scheduled phase of the trial will involve further witness testimonies and the presentation of medical records to determine if the standard of care met legal requirements. Updates on the verdict and further testimonies will be provided as the court releases official filings.

Do you believe the psychological profile of a patient should change the legal standard of “negligence” in medical trials? Share your thoughts in the comments below.