Maradona Doctor Was Made ‘Scapegoat’ For His Death, Court Told

Maradona Doctor Was Made ‘Scapegoat’ for His Death, Court Told

A lawyer representing Leopoldo Luque, the neurosurgeon charged in connection with the 2020 death of Argentine football legend Diego Maradona, has told a court that his client was innocent and had been made a “scapegoat” in the case. Roberto Rallin made the declaration during closing arguments on Wednesday, rejecting the prosecution’s position that Maradona’s death was foreseeable and could have been prevented through appropriate medical care. Another defence lawyer, Francisco Oneto, argued that the football icon died from an “acute and unpredictable” heart attack, insisting that there had been no way to anticipate the fatal outcome. “There was absolutely no possibility of predicting this fatal outcome,” Oneto told the court. Prosecutors have requested a 12-year prison sentence for Luque, who was regarded as a key decision-maker in Maradona’s medical care during the final weeks of his life. “We are here to proclaim Luque’s innocence, not with television slogans, but with the evidence that supports it,” Rallin said, describing his client as the scapegoat for the footballer’s death. Maradona died aged 60 on November 25, 2020, from a cardiorespiratory crisis accompanied by pulmonary oedema. He was found dead at a rented residence in Tigre, north of Buenos Aires, where he was recovering after undergoing surgery for a subdural haematoma. The trial, which began in April 2026, involves seven healthcare professionals accused of potential negligence in the care provided to Maradona during his two-week recovery at home. Prosecutors have argued that the medical team failed to respond adequately to warning signs of his deteriorating condition. They accused Luque of inaction, maintaining that he failed to take appropriate steps despite indications that Maradona’s health was worsening. The prosecution has sought prison terms ranging from four to 12 years for six of the seven defendants. Luque’s defence team challenged the conclusions of an interdisciplinary medical commission established in 2021 to investigate the circumstances surrounding Maradona’s death. The commission concluded that Maradona had a history of heart problems that should have been considered in managing his recovery. However, the defence argued that medical tests conducted before his brain surgery had not revealed any heart-related problems at the time. Oneto maintained that the available clinical evidence did not support the claim that Maradona’s death was predictable. Luque, who has repeatedly defended his role in the footballer’s treatment, told the court that he had cared deeply for Maradona, describing him as his idol and friend. The defence proceedings were expected to continue until Thursday, after which the court will consider the arguments and evidence presented by both sides.