NAIROBI, Kenya — A retrial into the death of Argentine football legend Diego Maradona, who died aged 60 following a heart failure begins on Tuesday, April 4.
The proceedings follow the collapse of the initial trial in May 2025, after one of the three presiding judges was accused of allowing unauthorised filming in court for a documentary, forcing the case to restart before a new bench.
At the center of the retrial are members of Maradona’s medical team, seven of whom stand accused of failing to provide adequate care in the final days of his life.
Prosecutors have charged them with homicide with possible intent, an allegation they strongly deny. If convicted, they face prison sentences ranging from eight to 25 years.
Maradona had been recuperating at his home in Tigre, Buenos Aires province, following what had been described as a successful surgery to remove a brain blood clot earlier that month.
However, investigators later classified the case as culpable homicide, akin to involuntary manslaughter, arguing that those responsible for his care were aware of the severity of his condition but failed to take necessary action.
A preliminary autopsy confirmed that heart failure triggered acute pulmonary oedema, a condition in which fluid accumulates in the lungs.
A panel of medical experts appointed by prosecutors concluded that the care provided at his residence was “deficient and reckless,” adding that the football icon “would have had a better chance of survival” had he received proper treatment in a medical facility.
Among those on trial are his personal physician Leopoldo Luque and psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov, while former nurse Dahiana Gisela Madrid will face a separate trial.
The retrial is expected to hear testimony from around 100 witnesses, including Maradona’s daughters, in proceedings scheduled to run until July at a court in San Isidro.
Widely regarded as one of football’s greatest talents, Maradona’s legacy remains deeply etched in the sport. Following his death on November 25, 2020, then Argentine President Alberto Fernandez declared three days of national mourning, stating: “Thank you for having existed, Diego. We’re going to miss you all our lives.”
Maradona rose to prominence with Argentinos Juniors before representing Argentina in four World Cups, scoring 34 goals, including the infamous “Hand of God” goal against England in 1986.
Despite his brilliance on the pitch, his later years were marked by struggles with cocaine addiction, including a 15-month ban in 1991 after testing positive.
He retired in 1997 at age 37 during his second spell with Boca Juniors, later transitioning into management.
He led Argentina’s national team from 2008 to 2010 and went on to coach clubs in the United Arab Emirates, Mexico, and Argentina, including Gimnasia y Esgrima, where he was in charge at the time of his death.
As the retrial begins, the case is once again set to examine not only the circumstances surrounding his final days but also the accountability of those entrusted with the care of one of football’s most iconic figures.
