He rose from the darkness of the slums to the spotlight and led Napoli to success in Italy and Argentina to World Cup gold in 1986.
The trip meant that Maradona was - and still is - canonized in his homeland.
Five years later, Maradona's reverse journey began: doping, being sent home from the 1994 World Cup and substance abuse. However, he remained in the limelight after his playing career as he chose a life as a coach and politician.
Because of the trial, Maradona remains relevant both nationally and internationally.
Protracted death struggle
It was around noon on November 25, 2020, that Diego Maradona was found unconscious in his home. Two hours later, the former soccer star had died.
At that point, a process began that lasted for several years.
Family members questioned the circumstances surrounding his death and the care he received before it. A medical report also found that the treatment was inappropriate, inadequate and negligent, and that there were signs of prolonged agony.
Those who were supposed to protect and help the icon instead let him die through deliberate neglect, according to the family.
Risked many years in prison
The case went to trial, where eight people in the medical team were charged with manslaughter with possible intent and faced 8-25 years in prison.
The trial began in March 2025 but lasted only a few months. It was then suspended and declared null and void after one of the judges appeared in a documentary - which called into question the court’s neutrality. The judge was subsequently banned for life.
Almost a year later, it is time for a new trial - now with new judges.
Diego Maradona's daughters, Dalma and Gianinna, have been leading the case. Alongside the trial, a court has approved the transfer of Maradona's body to a mausoleum in Buenos Aires. At the "M10 Memorial", fans will be able to visit the former star player's grave.
