One Match Too Many
Ronald Araujo, the captain of FC Barcelona, has publicly detailed a challenging 18-month struggle with anxiety and depression, revealing how a Champions League match against Chelsea in November 2025 served as a critical turning point. The defender’s openness marks a significant moment for mental health awareness within elite-level sports.
Araujo, who recently returned to the pitch after a period of leave, described the aftermath of the November 25th match against Chelsea as a moment of overwhelming emotional release. Against Chelsea, I left the pitch full of adrenaline. Then came the sadness and the feeling of guilt. When the match ended, everything came to the surface,
he recounted in a recent interview with Mundo Deportivo. The red card he received during that game wasn’t the sole cause of his distress, but rather the catalyst for recognizing a deeper, ongoing issue.
The Uruguayan international explained that his mental health had been deteriorating for over a year and a half. I already felt that I wasn’t doing very well. Out of habit, I continued but in reality, I needed help. I had been suffering from anxiety for a year and a half which turned into depression. However, I continued as if nothing had happened. But that day, I realized that it was too much, that I had to speak with professionals and with the club, so they can help me,
Araujo stated. This admission underscores the pressure faced by professional athletes to maintain a facade of strength and resilience, even when struggling internally.
Following his decision to seek help, Araujo received what he described as an overwhelmingly positive response from the club. He credited sporting director Deco with initiating a conversation with coach Hansi Flick and club president Joan Laporta, resulting in a supportive environment. Flick wrote me a message to tell me that I had to take the necessary time. It gave me the peace of mind I needed to come back. It was essential, because there were days when I didn’t want to get out of bed,
Araujo shared, highlighting the crucial role of leadership in supporting player well-being.
The support extended beyond the Barcelona organization. Araujo revealed he received messages of encouragement from players at rival clubs, demonstrating a sense of solidarity within the football community. However, the defender also experienced the darker side of social media, receiving hateful and even threatening messages directed at him and his family. He recounted a particularly disturbing incident where his wife discovered messages wishing harm upon their daughters.
It’s in these moments that you understand that some people are crazy. They don’t just affect you, but also your wife and your whole family. Unfortunately, this is the world we live in today,
Araujo said, illustrating the pervasive impact of online abuse and the importance of protecting athletes and their families from such attacks. This incident underscores the need for greater accountability and moderation on social media platforms.
Araujo’s journey to recovery included working with mental health professionals and a deeply personal religious pilgrimage to Jerusalem, which he described as the key
to his healing. He emphasized the transformative effect of taking time away from the game to focus on his mental and spiritual well-being. Things have changed quite a bit because I’ve learned so much during this time. I think it was the right thing to do after the decision I made. I feel different and I’m happy about it, because I’m more at ease, happier. I can enjoy what I love to do, which is playing football, and that helps a lot,
he explained.
His return to the field in January 2026, following a month and a half absence, was marked by a positive performance in an away match against Albacete. Araujo expressed feeling physically strong and comfortable, even contributing a goal. Honestly, very well. I felt very comfortable. I think I played a good game. I was also able to help with a goal and that felt great. Physically I felt strong too,
he said. This successful return signals a positive step forward in his recovery and a renewed commitment to his role as captain of FC Barcelona.
Araujo’s willingness to share his story is a significant step towards destigmatizing mental health issues in professional sports. His experience serves as a powerful reminder that even elite athletes are vulnerable to mental health challenges and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. The support he received from his club, teammates, and even rivals highlights the importance of fostering a compassionate and understanding environment within the football community. His openness may encourage other athletes to prioritize their mental well-being and seek the support they need, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more sustainable sporting culture.
