Aitana Bonmati Triumphs Over Adversity to Shine in Euro 2025

Aitana Bonmati, the Barcelona midfielder and two-time Ballon d’Or winner, has made a remarkable comeback after battling viral meningitis earlier this summer. From being bedridden, she’s now come back to be an instrumental piece for Spain. She was instrumental in leading her team past England and into the final of the Women’s Euro 2025 this…

Ryan Fraser Avatar

By

Aitana Bonmati Triumphs Over Adversity to Shine in Euro 2025

Aitana Bonmati, the Barcelona midfielder and two-time Ballon d’Or winner, has made a remarkable comeback after battling viral meningitis earlier this summer. From being bedridden, she’s now come back to be an instrumental piece for Spain. She was instrumental in leading her team past England and into the final of the Women’s Euro 2025 this Sunday.

Bonmati’s dark period came when she was hospitalized at the end of June after getting quite sick. Her teammates went on to play a valiant friendly against Japan with heavy hearts, while she watched from her hospital bed. Her fortitude and post traumatic growth effused from her. She worked her way back onto the pitch and quickly found herself back in the starting lineup.

In Spain’s final group stage game, Bonmati was instrumental in a dominant 3-1 win over Italy. She was a force on the field, that’s for sure. She excelled in the quarterfinals against the host nation, scoring the game-winning goal against Germany in the final minutes of extra time. This performance was a harbinger not only of her personal talent, but of her critical value to the success of the team at large.

You might have to write a book about that,” Bonmati said after the match, looking back on her crazy ride back into form.

The 25 year-old midfielder has been critical to the Ilsley’s run throughout the tournament. She had many key saves in the team’s games. Seven players from her Barcelona squad were in the line-up against Germany, doubling as Spain’s first final appearance. Her leadership and skill have been important as Spain hopes to make history.

Bonmati’s journey back was not without its trials. She paid tribute to the fight that she and teammate Leah Williamson showed in the group stage of the Euros while recovering from a reported illness. Neither of us had the start we wished for at this Euros, with illness, but we feel fortunate to be standing here today. It shows what can happen in life. Ultimately, we have been blessed by hearing good news,” she said.

Pressure was her superpower and she excelled in that environment. Her brilliant opening goal in the semifinal match against Germany sealed her story. “When the ball went in, I started running around like a crazy person. I didn’t know where to go,” Bonmati shared, capturing the exhilaration of that moment.

Bonmati obviously wants to extend her team’s historic run as far as possible. “It is so special to score in games like these, and if I can help the team to keep making history, that is very special indeed,” she said.

Bonmati’s recent feats are not just a testament to her ability but a product of her tireless work ethic. “I don’t believe in destiny, just in hard work and in my own mentality. I can only thank everyone who has supported me because it has not been easy,” she emphasized.

Ryan Fraser Avatar