Update May 24, 2021

The world grieved the sudden death of Argentine soccer legend Diego Maradona in November 2020. The 60-year-old died of a heart attack outside of Bueno Aires following brain surgery. Six months later, people are being charged in connection to his death.

Loading the player...

Seven medical professionals are being charged in Diego Maradona’s sudden death.

Maradona died of a heart attack at a residence outside of Buenos Aires two weeks after undergoing brain surgery. Seven medical professionals who were treating Maradona are being charged with involuntary manslaughter. Neurosurgeon Leopoldo Luque and psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov, the leaders of the medical team, along with five others have been charged by prosecutors in connection to his death.

A report by a medical board found that Maradon suffered from pain for 12 hours and was improperly cared for contributing to his death. The board’s report contends that if Maradona had received proper care and been in a hospital, he would likely still be alive today.

The report further argues that the treatment he received was not even the minimum required for his condition.

Original:

Legendary Argentine soccer player Diego Maradona is dead from a heart attack. He was 60 years old.

On Wednesday, the the Argentine Football Association announced through Twitter that it “expresses its deepest sorrow for the death of our legend, Diego Armando Maradona. You will always be in our hearts.”

Diego Maradona is considered by many to be the greatest soccer player of all time.

When he was just 18 years old, Maradona led Argentina to a youth World Cup Victory in 1986 and played in four more World Cups after that.

It was at the ’86 World Cup that he was catapulted into global stardom for scoring a goal that would be known afterwards as the “Hand of God”. Maradona led his team to victory over England by jumping over a goalkeeper and punching the ball into the net. Afterward, he described what drove the goal: “It was a little bit with the head and a bit with the hand of God.”

After, Maradona moved to Naples, which would become his adopted home town. He solidified his superstar status by helping the struggling Naples Club clinch its first Italian league title in 1987. A second followed in 1990.

But El Pibe de Oro was as famous for his excesses as he was for his talent. He publicly struggled with drug addiction and personal crises throughout his career and after it. Post-retirement, his health suffered.

Earlier this month, Maradona had underwent an operation to remove a blood clot from his brain. Shortly after, he was admitted to a rehab center to treat his alcohol addiction. On October 25th, he died of a heart attack in his home in Tigre, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

In the wake of Maradona’s death, there has been an outpouring of grief from fans, peers, and rivals alike.

Cristiano Ronaldo took to Twitter to express his feelings about the death of a global superstar.

“Today I say goodbye to a friend and the world says goodbye to an eternal genius,” wrote Ronaldo. “One of the best ever. An unparalleled magician. He leaves too soon, but leaves a limitless legacy and a void that will never be filled. Rest in peace, crack. You will never be forgotten.”

Famous Brazilian forward Pelé also wrote a touching tribute to him on Twitter.

“What sad news,” wrote Pelé. “I lost a great friend and the world lost a legend. There is still much to be said, but for now, may God give strength to his family. One day, I hope we can play ball together in heaven.”

Fellow Argentine superstar Leo Messi posted a touching tribute to Maradona on Instagram.

The two players have always drawn parallels because of their country of origin.

Maradona’s adopted stadium of San Paolo in Naples lit up in memoriam of their greatest player.

The entire sports world grieves at the passing of such a legend. Rest in peace, Diego.