Maradona Was ‘Very Difficult Patient’, Surgeon Tells Trial Over His Death

Diego Maradona was described as a “very difficult patient” who resisted treatment, a neurosurgeon told an Argentine court on Thursday during the ongoing trial of seven medical professionals accused of criminal negligence in connection with the football legend’s death.

Maradona passed away on 25 November 2020, aged 60, while recuperating at a private residence following surgery to remove a blood clot on his brain.

His medical team, consisting of seven individuals, is standing trial for alleged misconduct during the final days of his life — a period prosecutors have labelled a “horror theatre” of negligent care. The proceedings are taking place in San Isidro, near Buenos Aires, and could see the accused face prison sentences ranging from eight to 25 years if found guilty of “homicide with possible intent” — continuing with actions while aware they could result in death.

Maradona died of heart failure and acute pulmonary oedema, a condition where fluid builds up in the lungs, just two weeks after his operation.

A key question in the trial is whether the choice to allow him to recover at home, rather than in a medical facility, contributed to his death.

Neurosurgeon Rodolfo Benvenuti, who oversaw Maradona’s brain surgery, told the court that the former World Cup winner was resistant to medical procedures and care.

“He was a very difficult patient,” Benvenuti said, calling him “defiant” and explaining how he had to convince Maradona to undergo a pre-operative CT scan.

After the procedure, Maradona insisted on leaving hospital as soon as possible and refused to consider any option besides home-based care.

Benvenuti stated that in his professional view, Maradona’s condition required daily medical oversight, but evidence presented in court suggested only weekly visits had been scheduled by his care team. One of those appointments reportedly did not take place, as Maradona refused to be seen.

The football icon was ultimately found unresponsive in bed by a day nurse.

The trial has so far centred on the quality and appropriateness of the home care provided. Prosecutors have argued that the conditions amounted to gross negligence.

The trial, which began on March 11, is expected to run until July.