Children of Football Legend Diego Maradona Unveil Memorial Site Plans

The children of iconic footballer Diego Maradona have announced the establishment of a foundation dedicated to honoring their father's legacy, which will feature a memorial site located in the bustling heart of Buenos Aires.

The forthcoming "M10 Memorial" is set to open in 2025 in the popular tourist district of Puerto Madero. According to the foundation's official website, it is anticipated to attract up to one million visitors annually. "We want our father to be close to the love of the people and to grant the wish of all those who want to bring him a flower," stated Dalma Maradona, one of Diego's daughters, during a presentation streamed on YouTube on Thursday.

The memorial will span 1,000 square meters and provide free access for Argentine visitors. Those who choose to make a donation to the Maradona Foundation will have the opportunity to display their photo on a "heritage wall" within the memorial, further personalizing the experience for fans.

Dalma highlighted that the foundation, which she chairs alongside four of Maradona's other children from different relationships, was created to "pay tribute to him and preserve his legacy." In a significant step toward realizing this vision, a court recently approved the transfer of Maradona's remains from a cemetery to a mausoleum designated for the memorial, allowing both locals and tourists to pay their respects to "Argentina's great idol."

Maradona passed away in November 2020 at the age of 60 after undergoing brain surgery for a blood clot. His death followed decades of struggle with addictions to cocaine and alcohol. He was discovered lifeless in bed two weeks post-surgery in a rented home in an upscale Buenos Aires neighborhood, where he had been recovering after being discharged from the hospital. The cause of death was determined to be a heart attack.

However, a court is also probing the circumstances surrounding Maradona's death, specifically examining whether there may have been negligence involved on the part of his medical team. The memorial and foundation aim not only to honor Maradona's remarkable contributions to football but also to provide a lasting tribute to the man behind the legend, ensuring that his legacy lives on for future generations.