A new trial on the circumstances surrounding the death of Argentine football legend Diego Maradona begins on Tuesday, one year after a scandal involving a judge led to the collapse of the original trial.

Maradona, considered one of the greatest players in the history of the game, died in November 2020 at the age of 60 while recovering from brain surgery at a private residence.

He died as a result of heart failure and acute pulmonary edema, a condition in which fluid accumulates in the lungs, two weeks after the surgery.

The prosecution charged a medical team of seven people who were overseeing his care during his recovery in the Tigre suburb north of Buenos Aires, on the basis of circumstances described as gross negligence.

However, the trial was halted two and a half months after it began, following hours of emotional testimony, some of it tearful, given by witnesses including Maradona’s children.

The trial was annulled in May 2025 after it emerged that one of the presiding judges had participated in a documentary film about the case, which was considered a potential breach of ethical rules.

The judge, Julieta Makintach, stepped down while also facing criminal proceedings over her conduct.

The new trial, which is expected to hear from around 120 witnesses, will once again seek to determine whether Maradona’s medical team was responsible for his death.

Diego Maradona. (AFP)

Seven healthcare workers, including doctors, psychologists, and nurses who were overseeing his treatment at the time, are accused of murder, with the possibility of being convicted of “possible intent murder,” meaning continuing a course of treatment while being aware that it could lead to death.

If found guilty, the defendants face prison sentences ranging from eight to 25 years.

On the other hand, the defense team maintains that Maradona, who lived a turbulent life and struggled with addiction and alcohol, died of natural causes.