Argentina commenced a high-profile trial on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, against seven members of Diego Maradona’s medical team, charged with culpable homicide in the soccer icon’s death. The proceedings, unfolding in San Isidro, a suburb of Buenos Aires, revisit the events leading to Maradona’s passing on November 25, 2020, at age 60, sparking national outrage and grief.

Maradona, celebrated for leading Argentina to the 1986 World Cup, died of a heart attack while recovering from brain surgery for a blood clot. Prosecutors allege the team—neurosurgeon Leopoldo Luque, psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov, psychologist Carlos Díaz, medical coordinator Nancy Forlini, nursing coordinator Mariano Perroni, doctor Pedro Di Spagna, and nurse Ricardo Almirón—provided “reckless” and “deficient” care.

A 2021 panel of 20 medical experts concluded Maradona endured a “prolonged, agonizing period” and could have survived with proper treatment in a medical facility, rather than the rented home in Tigre where he was discharged post-surgery.

The accused face 8 to 25 years in prison if convicted of “homicide with possible intent,” a charge claiming they acted despite knowing the risks. All deny wrongdoing, with Luque’s team arguing he wasn’t responsible for Maradona’s ongoing care, and Cosachov’s lawyer, Vadim Mischanchuk, optimistic about acquittal, citing her focus on mental health.

Maradona’s family, including son Dieguito’s lawyer Mario Baudry, claims leaked messages reveal a cover-up to shield the team’s financial interests.

The trial, expected to last until July with over 100 witnesses, including family and doctors, grips a nation where Maradona remains a cultural deity. As murals and tattoos immortalize “El Pibe de Oro,” Argentina seeks answers—and justice—for its fallen hero.