Maradona - immortal legend

Argentine people demand justice for the late legend Maradona.

More than three decades after Diego Maradona marched alongside pensioners for their rights, his image is back on the streets of Argentina. This time, he is no longer physically present, but his legacy and spirit live on.

When seven of Maradona's doctors were put on trial for negligence leading to the football legend's death in 2020, the people of Argentina once again rose up, not only demanding justice for their idol but also fighting for their own lives.

Maradona - not just football, but also the voice of the people

On the morning of March 12, among thousands of protesters demanding the government raise pensions, Maradona’s image appeared on shirts, on banners, on placards across the streets of Buenos Aires. “Maradona is not just football – he is the voice of the people,” said Estefanía Zárate, 36. “We asked ourselves, if Diego were alive, what would he do? And the answer is clear: He would be here, standing with the weak, with the people demanding justice.”

She stood in front of a bus covered with Maradona's image, emblazoned with his immortal 1992 quote: "Only cowards do not stand up for pensioners."

For the Argentinians, Maradona was not only the greatest footballer of all time, but also a symbol of resistance. He was not afraid to speak out against injustice, to confront the authorities, and to stand up for the poor. So even after his death, they continue the fight in his stead.

On November 25, 2020, Diego Maradona died at home from a heart attack while recovering from surgery to remove a blood clot. The whole of Argentina was in grief, tens of thousands of people lined up to say their final goodbyes. But his death was not simply a loss, but also left a series of unanswered questions.

After years of controversy and delay, the trial of the seven medical staff who cared for Maradona officially began on March 12, 2025 in San Isidro. The defendants include his personal physician and neurosurgeon Leonardo Luque, a psychiatrist, a psychologist, two medical coordinators, a clinician and a nurse. They are charged with negligence leading to Maradona's death and face prison sentences ranging from eight to 25 years.

Diego Maradona is the football icon of Argentina.

The trial began with tension as prosecutor Patricio Ferrari held up a photo of Maradona's swollen body to the courtroom. The air was quiet, some people burst into tears. Ferrari said: "This is how Maradona died."

Prosecutors allege that the medical team committed serious violations of professional standards, leaving the football legend in a state of “negligent, irresponsible and unprecedented” treatment. They describe the place where Maradona was cared for as a “theatre of horror” where the incompetence of the medical system led to his death.

Outside the court, dozens of fans gathered holding up banners reading: “Justice for D10S” – a play on Maradona’s legendary shirt number (10) and the Spanish word Dios (God).

Sergio Gimenez, 46, a member of the “Church of Maradona” – a community of 100,000 people who worship him as a saint – said in a choked voice: “I light a candle for him every day. I cannot accept that Diego left because of negligence. I will stay here, fighting until the end.”

Maradona - from football genius to immortal legend

Despite the controversy surrounding Maradona's life - from his drug battles, his links to the mafia, to allegations of violence - Maradona remains a source of pride for Argentina. For them, he is not only the greatest footballer in history, but also the man who brought glory to his country, most notably winning the 1986 World Cup.

The quarter-final against England was not just a sporting clash, but also a moral revenge for the defeat in the Falklands War. Two legendary goals – the controversial “Hand of God” and a spectacular solo effort from the halfway line – made Maradona an immortal figure.

More than a player, more than a legend - Diego Maradona is still a flame that never goes out in the hearts of the Argentine people.

Andrea, a 50-year-old woman, carefully unrolled a banner bearing Maradona's image on the ground. "He's like family to me," she said, her voice trembling. "He's not dead. He was murdered. Write that down."

The grief for Maradona extended beyond the court case to the pension protests, with thousands of people gathering in front of parliament, chanting for justice.

However, the atmosphere quickly turned tense when riot police arrived. More than 1,000 police were deployed, using tear gas, water cannons and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd.

But despite the violence, Maradona's fans have not given up the fight. Andrea, a fan standing outside the court, affirmed with a determined look: "Maradona is still alive in our hearts, in the struggles, in the people. He will forever be a part of Argentina, a part of history. Because he is truly immortal."

More than a player, more than a legend - Diego Maradona is still a flame that never goes out in the hearts of the Argentine people.

Source: https://znews.vn/maradona-huyen-thoai-bat-tu-post1538665.html