NAIROBI, Kenya— The trial over the death of football icon Diego Maradona has taken an emotional turn after his daughter delivered explosive testimony, accusing doctors of misleading the family in the final days before his death.
Appearing in court on Tuesday, Gianinna Maradona described what she termed as “total manipulation,” claiming medical professionals convinced the family to allow the football legend to recover at home rather than in a fully equipped medical facility.
Family Says Doctors Misled Them
Testifying in San Isidro, near Buenos Aires, Gianinna said the medical team assured the family that Maradona’s residence would be adequately prepared for his recovery after brain surgery.
Instead, she now believes that decision may have put his life at risk.
“I trusted these people,” she told the court, referring to neurosurgeon Leopoldo Luque, psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov, and nurse Carlos Diaz.
Her testimony painted a picture of a family relying heavily on medical advice—advice she now claims was flawed and deceptive.
Negligence or Natural Death?
At the heart of the trial is a critical question: did the decision to treat Maradona at home amount to medical negligence?
Prosecutors argue that the seven-member medical team failed in their duty of care, potentially contributing to his death.
The defense, however, insists that Maradona—who had a long history of health struggles—died of natural causes.
The football legend passed away in November 2020 at the age of 60 from heart failure and acute pulmonary edema, just weeks after undergoing surgery for a brain clot.
Emotional Testimony in Court
Gianinna fought back tears as she recounted rushing to her father’s home on the day he died, only to be told there was nothing more that could be done.
Her statement underscored the emotional weight of the trial, which continues to grip Argentina years after Maradona’s passing.
If convicted, the accused face prison sentences ranging from 8 to 25 years for homicide with possible intent—meaning they may have knowingly taken actions that risked his life.
A Nation Still Seeking Closure
Maradona’s death in 2020 plunged Argentina into mourning, with thousands defying COVID-19 restrictions to pay their respects as he lay in state.
The ongoing trial is seen as a quest for accountability—not just for the family, but for millions of fans who viewed him as a national hero.
A previous trial was annulled last year due to procedural issues, but the new proceedings are expected to run for several months as the court works through complex medical and legal questions.
