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Diego Maradona's Final Days Described as Bloated

2026-09-04 · Diego Maradona · Player Focus

The final, tragic days of Diego Maradona have been laid bare in an Argentine courtroom. His personal masseur testified that the football legend was bedridden, bloated, and appeared to have given up on life before his death in November 2020. This testimony is central to the ongoing criminal trial of seven healthcare professionals accused of potential negligence.

What did Maradona's masseur say about his condition?

Nicolas Taffarel, Maradona's masseur, gave emotional testimony on Thursday, August 6, 2026. He described a man who had completely withdrawn. Maradona "wouldn't get out of bed, he didn't want to eat, he didn't want to wash, he didn't want to look after his personal hygiene," Taffarel told the court. He was visibly distressed, on the verge of tears as he spoke.

Taffarel recounted specific physical symptoms, stating "He was bloated, his legs were swollen." He claimed he repeatedly alerted the 1986 World Cup winner's medical team, urging them to visit "every day." In an audio message played for the court, he expressed his concerns but felt ignored. "I reported the issues I observed with him, but I saw no concrete action or swift resolution," Taffarel added. He said doctors told him to calm down and that the symptoms would pass, a reassurance that proved fatally wrong.

What is the status of the legal case over his death?

Key Points of the Testimony and Trial

The trial of the seven medical professionals began in mid-April 2026. They face charges related to potential negligence that may have contributed to Maradona's death. The proceedings are examining the standard of care provided to the icon in the private house where he was recovering from brain surgery. Taffarel's testimony is a key part of the prosecution's argument that warnings about Maradona's declining state were not acted upon. The trial continues as Argentina seeks answers years after the nation mourned its fallen hero.

  • The trial involves seven healthcare professionals charged with potential negligence in Maradona's 2020 death.
  • Masseur Nicolas Taffarel testified on August 6, 2026, that Maradona was bedridden, bloated, and neglected personal hygiene.
  • Taffarel claimed he warned doctors daily but saw no effective action taken to address the deteriorating condition.
  • Maradona died in November 2020, a day after the final observations described in the testimony.

Note on Source 1: The first provided story is about a different individual, Diego Montes, a former high school quarterback pursuing opportunities at UCLA. This story contains no substantive information about the football legend Diego Maradona and has therefore been excluded from this editorial round-up, which focuses solely on developments related to the Argentine icon.

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