Justice For Maradona: Trial Begins Over Football Legend’s Death

Soccer songs echoed through the courthouse as Argentine fans gathered, wearing national team jerseys with the iconic number 10 on their backs. The chants of "Maradona" filled the air — but this time, the tears weren’t of joy, but of sorrow.

More than four years after Diego Armando Maradona’s tragic passing, the long-awaited trial to determine whether his medical team is responsible for his death finally began on Tuesday, following two delays.

The Case Behind the Trial

Maradona died on November 25, 2020, from cardiac arrest while under home care in the private neighborhood of San Andrés, Tigre — just 14 days after undergoing surgery for a subdural hematoma. Now, seven medical professionals stand accused of malpractice and negligence, facing charges of simple homicide with eventual intent, which carries a penalty of 8 to 25 years in prison.

Among the defendants are Maradona’s personal doctor, neurosurgeon Leopoldo Luque, and his psychiatrist, Agustina Cosachov, both of whom have pleaded not guilty. Also on trial are clinical physician Pedro Di Spagna, psychoanalyst Carlos Díaz, nurse Ricardo Almirón, medical coordinator Nancy Forlini, and Mariano Perroni, another coordinator. A separate trial for an eighth defendant will follow.

Emotional Scenes at the Courthouse

Supporters of the 1986 World Cup hero gathered outside the courthouse, waving flags that read "Justice for D10S" and singing the Argentine anthem as the trial began. Some fans shouted "murderer" as the defendants arrived under tight security.

“I hope the judges are tough on this because they let him die,” said Sergio, a fan clutching a replica World Cup trophy. "I have to be here — it's his birthday."

Maradona’s five children — Dalma, Giannina, Jana, Diego, and Diego Fernando — are plaintiffs in the case. Their attorney, Fernando Burlando, stated, "There’s more than enough evidence to prove Diego wasn’t treated properly."

Verónica Ojeda, the mother of Diego Fernando and Maradona’s former partner, visibly emotional, thanked the fans outside. When Cosachov arrived, Ojeda’s anger boiled over, and insults were hurled at the accused psychiatrist.

Prosecutors Lay Out the Case

"The home hospitalization was calamitous," prosecutor Ferrari declared in his opening statement. He showed a photo of Maradona’s lifeless body to the court, stating, "This is how Maradona died; the state was eloquent."

Over 100 witnesses are expected to testify in a trial that could stretch until July. Ferrari argued that the medical team’s actions were not only negligent but reckless — effectively condemning Maradona to his fate.

As the trial unfolds, the world watches closely, hoping for answers and justice for one of football's greatest icons.