Psychologist testifies of Maradona's bipolar disorder and narcissistic traits in Buenos Aires retrial

A psychologist testified at the Buenos Aires trial regarding the death of football legend Diego Maradona, stating the 60-year-old suffered from bipolar disorder, narcissistic personality traits, and addiction issues. The testimony, given by defendant Carlos Diaz, supports the medical team's defence that Maradona died of natural causes rather than medical negligence. This second trial follows the annulment of the first proceedings due to judicial misconduct.

Diaz, a defendant in the trial, revealed that Maradona's close associates described his substance use as being closely tied to his sporting achievements and his inability to cope with frustration. The psychologist noted that Maradona displayed a genuine desire to change and was committed to it during their meetings in October 2020. These diagnoses were presented as part of the defence team's argument that Maradona died of natural causes rather than medical negligence.

Although the star's addictions to substances like cocaine and alcohol were well known prior to this trial, Thursday's specific clinical diagnoses of bipolar disorder and narcissistic personality disorder have been publicly disclosed for the first time during this trial testimony. Diaz compared Maradona's drinking habits to his own father, an alcoholic who had died a few months prior, noting that he sensed the football legend had a genuine desire to change.

Diego Maradona died in November 2020 at the age of 60 while recovering at home from brain clot surgery. The official cause of death was recorded as heart failure and acute pulmonary edema. Seven medical workers, including a neurosurgeon, a psychiatrist, and a nurse, are currently facing prison terms of between eight and 25 years if convicted of homicide with possible intent.

The prosecution alleges medical negligence regarding the conditions of Maradona's care in his final days. The accused deny responsibility for Maradona's death, saying the star of the 1986 World Cup succumbed to natural causes. The first trial over the footballer's death was annulled last year following revelations that one of the judges took part in a clandestine documentary about the case.

This second trial, conducted by a new panel of judges, began this month. Diaz stated that Maradona suffered from bipolar disorder, narcissistic personality traits, and chronic addiction issues. These factors are central to the defence's contention that the medical team could not prevent the outcome given the patient's lifelong conditions.