The psychiatrist revealed during the trial of the medical team accused of negligence in the death of Diego Maradona that the Argentine football legend was suffering from bipolar disorder and narcissistic personality disorder, in addition to addiction, describing these conditions as chronic and accompanying the patient for life. The testimony highlights the complexities of Maradona's psychological state before his death in 2020 as a result of heart failure and acute pulmonary edema, while seven medical workers face charges punishable by up to 25 years in prison.
Published on: 01/05/2026 - 04:01 Last updated: 01/05/2026 - 07:18
On Thursday, during a trial related to his death, the psychiatrist of Argentine football legend Diego Maradona accused the former Italian Napoli star of suffering from bipolar disorder and narcissistic personality disorder.
In his testimony before the court, accused psychologist Carlos Dias explained, during the trial sessions of Maradona’s medical team on charges of neglect in his final days in 2020 at the age of 60, that “there is a clear clinical picture here: addiction, bipolar disorder, and personality disorder. These are three chronic conditions that last a lifetime.”
According to Dias, those close to Maradona told him that “his substance abuse was closely linked to his sporting achievements, and when he faced some kind of frustration, he did not know how to deal with it.”
Although the Argentine star's addiction to drugs and alcohol was widely known, the diagnoses presented in court on Thursday were presented for the first time with such clarity in public.
Maradona is classified as one of the greatest football players in history, and he died in November 2020 while recovering at home after undergoing surgery to remove a blood clot in the brain.
His death occurred as a result of heart failure and acute pulmonary edema, a condition in which fluid accumulates inside the lungs, about two weeks after the surgery.
Seven members of the medical staff, including a neurosurgeon, a psychiatrist and a nurse, face charges that could lead to prison sentences ranging from eight to 25 years if they are convicted of premeditated murder.
On the other hand, the defendants refuse to bear responsibility for Maradona's death, and assert that the 1986 World Cup star died of natural causes.
Read also: Football - Judiciary: Argentina is still wondering what are the causes of the death of the legend Diego Maradona?
Dias indicated in his testimony that he met Maradona in October 2020.
The psychiatrist recalled his memories, saying, “I remember that Maradona was sitting in an armchair drinking wine... That reminded me of my father, who was also addicted to alcohol and died a few months ago.”
The psychologist also explained that he "felt that Maradona had a real desire for change, and was committed to doing so."
In terms of judicial procedures, the first trial in the player’s death case was canceled last year after it was revealed that one of the judges participated in a secret documentary about the file.
The second trial, which is being handled by a new team of judges, began earlier this month and its sessions are still ongoing.
France 24/AFP
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