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Diego Maradona's final days detailed in court as negligence

2026-09-03 · Diego Maradona · Player Focus

New testimony has painted a grim picture of Diego Maradona's final days, revealing the football legend was bedridden and resigned before his death in 2020. The details emerged from the ongoing trial in Argentina where seven healthcare professionals face charges of potential negligence.

Nicolas Taffarel, Maradona's masseur, testified that the 1986 World Cup winner was in a dire state. Taffarel said 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". He described a man who appeared to have given up.

"He was bloated, his legs were swollen," Taffarel recounted in court, visibly emotional. He claimed he repeatedly alerted Maradona's medical team about these alarming symptoms but saw no meaningful action. The doctors, he said, told him to calm down and that the symptoms would pass. They did not.

Seven healthcare professionals have been on trial. They are being examined for their roles and any potential negligence that may have contributed to Maradona's death on November 25, 2020. The trial represents a long-delayed effort to establish accountability for the care, or lack thereof, provided to one of football's most iconic figures.

Taffarel's testimony is a key part of this process. In an audio message played for the court, he is heard saying he told the medical team they should visit "every day". He expressed frustration, stating, "I reported the issues I observed with him, but I saw no concrete action or swift resolution." The case continues as the court hears from other witnesses and examines medical records.

While the football world continues to move forward with transfers and new seasons, the shadow of Maradona's tragic end remains. His legacy is a complex mix of unparalleled genius on the pitch and profound personal struggles off it. The trial serves as a stark reminder of the latter, ensuring his story is not solely defined by his athletic achievements.

The contrast between today's organized sports medicine and the alleged failures in Maradona's case is significant.

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