Diego Maradona Death Trial Nears Verdict as Family Demands Harsher Sentences

The long running criminal trial over the death of football legend Diego Maradona is reaching its climax, with prosecutors and his family demanding severe prison sentences for members of his medical team. The court is set to deliberate on a verdict after final arguments concluded this month.

Prosecutors Patricio Ferrari and Cosme Iribarren initially requested a 12 year prison term for neurosurgeon Leopoldo Luque, considered the leader of Maradona's care team. That request was made in early October 2026. But in a dramatic development on October 13, a lawyer for Maradona's youngest son called for that sentence to be increased to 16 years with immediate arrest.

Maradona's family is united in seeking justice but divided on the details. Lawyer Fernando Burlando, representing daughters Dalma and Gianinna Maradona, accused the medical team of murder. He asked the San Isidro court for 15 years for Leopoldo Luque, 12 years for medical coordinator Nancy Forlini, and 10 years for psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov. He described the care setup as imprisonment disguised as medical attention.

Counsel for Maradona's three sisters sought slightly lower terms, requesting up to 10 years for five defendants. They surprised the court by asking for psychologist Carlos Díaz to be acquitted, a point of significant family disagreement.

Seven medical professionals have been on trial since April 2026. They are accused of simple homicide with eventual intent for the icon's death on November 25, 2020. Maradona died of cardiorespiratory arrest at age 60 while receiving home care after brain surgery.

Prosecutor Patricio Ferrari argued the team created an anarchic and disorganized structure. He stated that between November 11 and 20, 2020, they abandoned Maradona to his fate, breaking all agreed upon obligations. The charges allege grossly inadequate care in the days leading to his death. All defendants deny the accusations.

The prosecution's arguments concluded in the week of October 8, 2026. The defense will now present its final case. Judges are expected to retire to the council chamber to begin deliberations on October 22, 2026. This follows a previous trial that was annulled due to a scandal involving a clandestinely filmed documentary.

The requested sentences for the principal defendants vary. Here is a comparison based on the latest court filings.

• Key Takeaways: The trial centers on whether medical negligence amounted to homicide. The Maradona family is actively pushing for the maximum possible penalties. A verdict from the San Isidro Court is imminent after years of legal proceedings.

And so the world watches as Argentine justice prepares to rule on the final chapter of Diego Maradona's story. The outcome will decide the fates of seven individuals and deliver a long awaited answer for his family and fans.