Spain’s national football team faces uncertainty as midfielder Aitana Bonmati has been hospitalised with viral meningitis, just days before the Women’s European Championship commences. The 27-year-old, a two-time Ballon d’Or winner, started showing signs while in training on Friday, which led to immediate medical examination.
Bonmati was transported to a Madrid hospital for further evaluation. There, tests quickly verified that she had meningitis. Spain’s coach, Montse Tome, testified that Bonmati had given her permission to share this information.
“She has authorised me to say that she has viral meningitis,” – Montse Tome
For Spain, the first test will come when they hear their diagnosis. The USWNT are preparing for their first group stage game against Portugal this Thursday in Bern. Bonmati’s absence truly leaves the squad short. Now, teammates Alexia Putellas and Patricia Guijarro need to step up that much more with this new burden placed on them.
Spain coach Montse Tome addressed Bonmati’s health with concern but offered a glimmer of hope for her status going forward.
“The word is scary, but the doctor tells me that she is under control. She will remain in the hospital and we don’t know for how long.” – Montse Tome
Bonmati has been an incredible influence on the game for her club, Barcelona, and her country, Spain, at the highest level. Her outstanding understanding of the game, dribbling, passing and goal-scoring have made her indispensable to Barcelona. Thanks to her efforts, the squad have reached five straight Champions League finals and won three titles. Recently, she was instrumental in helping Spain’s national team win the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
As Spain looks to repeat their success in Euro 2025, the midfield maestro’s unique gifts will be missed, to say the least.
“Aitana is a very important player for us and we will wait for her,” – Montse Tome
How the team responds going forward after this early blow is the most pressing question facing this young team. They’re eager to quickly become competitive again in the global tournament. With Bonmati sidelined, the focus will shift to other key players to fill the void left by one of the sport’s brightest stars.
