The circumstances surrounding the death of football icon Diego Maradona are once again under legal scrutiny as a retrial begins Tuesday over allegations that his medical team failed to provide adequate care before his death in 2020.
The new proceedings follow the collapse of an earlier trial in May 2025 after one of the judges was accused of allowing unauthorised filming in court for a documentary.
Seven members of Maradona’s medical team are now facing homicide charges linked to his treatment during recovery from brain surgery at his home in Tigre, near Buenos Aires. Prosecutors argue that the group failed to respond appropriately to his worsening condition despite being aware of the seriousness of his health.
Among those standing trial are Maradona’s personal doctor, Leopoldo Luque, and psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov. A former nurse, Dahiana Gisela Madrid, will face separate proceedings.
Investigators concluded that Maradona died from heart failure that triggered acute pulmonary oedema, a condition in which fluid accumulates in the lungs. A panel of medical experts later described the care he received at home as “deficient and reckless,” arguing that he would have had a greater chance of survival if he had been treated in a proper medical facility.
The retrial is expected to feature testimony from around 100 witnesses, including Maradona’s daughters, and is likely to continue through July.
Beyond the legal proceedings, the case has revived debate in Argentina about medical accountability, celebrity care, and whether one of the country’s most celebrated figures received the level of treatment his condition required.
Maradona remains one of football’s most iconic figures. He led Argentina national football team to World Cup glory in 1986 and became famous for moments such as the “Hand of God” goal against England.
He also played for clubs including Boca Juniors and Argentinos Juniors, before later moving into coaching.
His death at age 60 prompted widespread mourning across Argentina, with then-President Alberto Fernandez declaring three days of national mourning.
