A neurosurgeon testifying in the trial of seven medical professionals accused of criminal negligence in Diego Maradona’s death described the football legend as a “very difficult patient” who resisted treatment.
Maradona, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, died on November 25, 2020, at the age of 60, from heart failure and acute pulmonary edema—just two weeks after undergoing brain surgery to remove a blood clot.
He passed away while recovering at a private residence in Tigre, a suburb of Buenos Aires.
Prosecutors have called the circumstances of Maradona’s care a “horror theater,” alleging severe negligence in the days leading up to his death.
Central to the case is the decision to allow him to recover in a private home instead of a medical facility—raising questions about whether that choice ultimately endangered his life.
Neurosurgeon Rodolfo Benvenuti, who oversaw the surgery, told the court he faced challenges even before the operation, saying Maradona resisted undergoing a necessary CT scan.
“He was a very difficult patient,” Benvenuti said, characterizing the football icon as “defiant.”
After surgery, Maradona insisted on being discharged as quickly as possible and refused any form of care other than at home. According to Benvenuti, the athlete’s condition required daily medical oversight—but evidence presented in court showed that only weekly doctor visits had been arranged. One of those visits reportedly never happened due to Maradona’s refusal to be seen.
He was later found unresponsive in bed by a day nurse.
The trial, which began on March 11 in San Isidro, is expected to run until July.
The defendants—who include doctors, nurses, and a psychologist—face charges of “homicide with possible intent,” which implies they allegedly continued with a course of action despite knowing it could result in death. If convicted, they could face prison terms ranging from eight to 25 years.
