Maradona – The case that shook the world. “Maradona died like this,” these words echoed in the courtroom during the trial investigating the death of Diego Armando Maradona.
Hearing these words from prosecutor Patricio Ferrari, I felt a tightness in my chest.
The statement was accompanied by the release of a striking photograph of the Argentine star minutes after his death, capturing a moment of vulnerability that should never have been publicly exposed.
But this image isn't just a reminder of human fragility; it's also a key piece in a case that continues to generate controversy and shock worldwide. Maradona – The case that shook the world!
The context of Maradona's death
Diego Armando Maradona died on November 25, 2020, at the age of 60, while recovering from surgery to treat a subdural hematoma.
He had been released from the hospital two weeks earlier and transferred to a rented house in an exclusive neighborhood of Buenos Aires, where he hoped to receive home medical care.
However, the official report from the Argentine courts reveals a harsh reality: Maradona was "abandoned to his fate" by a negligent and disorganized medical team.
According to investigations, the former player endured a 12-hour period of agony without adequate assistance before suffering a fatal cardiac arrest.
Toxicology tests conducted after his death showed no evidence of alcohol or illegal drugs, but leaked audio suggests that nurses regularly provided him with alcohol and marijuana to cope with his difficult behavior, something now under scrutiny in court.
The trial that divided opinions
The trial officially began on March 11, 2025, with seven health professionals charged with simple homicide with eventual intent.
Among them are Leopoldo Luque, Maradona's personal neurosurgeon, as well as general physicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, and health coordinators.
An eighth defendant, a nurse, has requested a jury trial and will be tried separately beginning in July.
More than 120 witnesses, including family members, friends, journalists, and medical experts, are expected to testify during the hearings at the San Isidro Court, about 30 kilometers from Buenos Aires.
Among the most memorable moments of the first day of the trial was the emotional presence of Verónica Ojeda, Maradona's ex-girlfriend, who wept at the courthouse door.
Dalma and Jana Maradona, daughters of the former player, were also present, reinforcing the pain of a family seeking justice.
The evidence against the medical staff
Prosecutors presented overwhelming evidence against the defendants. Text and audio recordings reveal alarming exchanges between health professionals, including:
- "He will die."
- “This ends badly.”
- “Let’s manipulate the medical record to cover ourselves.”
These statements suggest that those involved knew Maradona was in imminent danger, but chose to prioritize financial interests and evade responsibility.
Furthermore, there is evidence that medical documents were falsified to cover up serious failures in care.
The defendants' defense team attempts to minimize their responsibilities. For example, Vadim Mischanchuk, psychiatrist Cosachov's lawyer, maintains that his client was only responsible for Maradona's mental health, not his physical health.
However, the Prosecutor's Office maintains that all professionals had a duty to ensure adequate care for the idol, especially considering his multiple health problems, such as kidney, liver, heart, and neurological issues.
Maradona's last photo: a controversial chapter
Even before his death, Maradona was already the subject of controversy. In November 2020, a photograph shared on social media by doctor Leopoldo Luque sparked widespread criticism.
The image showed Maradona lying in a hospital bed, with a bandage on his head, visibly fragile.
The former player's family had explicitly requested that such images not be shared, but Luque stated that his intention was to show the star's recovery, not to portray him in a negative light.
This controversy reflects a worrying pattern in the treatment of Maradona in the final months of his life.
Whether due to negligence, lack of organization, or financial interests, it was clear that the "king of football" was not receiving the attention he deserved.
Maradona's legacy and the search for justice
Maradona was always a complex figure: a genius on the pitch, but also someone who struggled with addiction and health issues throughout his life.
His death left millions of fans devastated, but also raised important questions about medical ethics, professional responsibility, and the right to dignity at the end of life.
For many, this trial isn't just about punishing the guilty; it's about honoring the memory of a man who gave everything for football and his country.
As fanatics wave banners with slogans like "Justice for God," it's clear that public pressure will play a crucial role in the outcome of the case.
After the trial, Maradona's body will be moved to the "M10 Memorial," a mausoleum designed to receive up to one million visitors a year.
It is a tribute to his greatness, but also a constant reminder that the death of an icon should never be trivialized or forgotten.
Maradona – The case that shook the world!
The hope for collective healing
As I follow this case, I reflect on the importance of learning from past mistakes.
Maradona may be gone, but his story lives on, not only as a reminder of his extraordinary achievements, but also as a warning to other icons not to suffer the same fate.
We hope this trial will not only provide answers, but also lead to significant change in the healthcare system and the way we care for our heroes.
After all, no one deserves to die abandoned, especially someone who has done so much for the world.
Sources:
- g1 – “Maradona died like this”: Prosecutor shows photo of the former player minutes after his death during the trial
- El Sur – “Maradona died like this”: Prosecutor shows photo of the former player minutes after his death
- Correio da Manhã – The last photo of Maradona released before his death causes controversy
