A psychologist standing trial for his role in the death of Diego Maradona has told a Buenos Aires court that the Argentine football legend suffered from bipolar disorder and narcissistic personality traits, offering explosive testimony as proceedings in the high-profile case continue.
Carlos Diaz, one of seven medical professionals facing charges of criminal negligence in connection with Maradona’s death, made the claims while accounting for his involvement in the former World Cup winner’s treatment. “There was bipolar disorder and narcissism,” Diaz reportedly told the court, before adding: “He could bring a country to its knees, but one glass of alcohol could bring him to his knees.”
Diaz stated that his first encounter with Maradona took place on October 26, 2020 — fewer than 30 days before the icon’s death on November 25, 2020. He said he found Maradona drinking wine at home despite existing concerns about his health. Diaz further testified that he had recommended a strict zero-alcohol treatment plan and noted that toxicology reports indicated Maradona had gone 23 days without drug use prior to his death.
Diaz faces a charge of manslaughter with reckless intent, with prosecutors alleging he prescribed incorrect medication during the treatment period. His testimony forms part of a broader investigation into whether the medical and care team responsible for Maradona’s welfare acted negligently in the lead-up to his death. Maradona was 60 years old at the time of his passing.
Also testifying in the same proceedings was neurosurgeon Leopoldo Luque, another of the seven defendants. Luque insisted that the home hospitalisation arrangement in place for Maradona was suitable for his needs and was never designed to function as an intensive-care unit.
Maradona died on November 25, 2020, weeks after undergoing brain surgery to treat a subdural haematoma. The circumstances surrounding his post-operative care have been at the centre of legal scrutiny ever since, with Argentine authorities pursuing criminal accountability for what prosecutors describe as a failure of duty by those entrusted with his medical supervision.
The trial has drawn sustained national attention in Argentina, where Maradona remains a figure of deep cultural and sporting significance. He led Argentina to the 1986 FIFA World Cup title and is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers in the history of the sport. His death prompted an outpouring of grief across the country and around the world.
The case is ongoing, and further testimony from the remaining defendants and witnesses is expected as the court works to establish the degree of individual responsibility held by each member of Maradona’s medical team.
