Has Spain's Ballon d'Or Winner Aitana Bonmati Been Diagnosed with Meningitis?
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Synopsis
Aitana Bonmati’s health has cast a shadow over Spain’s Women’s European Championship plans. The two-time Ballon d'Or winner has been diagnosed with viral meningitis, raising concerns about her participation in the tournament. Will Spain adapt without their star midfielder in this crucial competition?
Key Takeaways
- Aitana Bonmati has been hospitalized due to viral meningitis.
- Her absence could impact Spain's performance in the Women's European Championships.
- The Spanish squad is set to travel to Switzerland soon.
- There are concerns about the potential spread of the illness among squad members.
- Aitana is a crucial player for the national team and Barcelona.
MADRID, June 28 (NationPress) - Spain's preparations for the upcoming Women's European Championships in Switzerland have encountered a significant obstacle with the revelation that midfielder Aitana Bonmati has been hospitalized due to viral meningitis.
The two-time Ballon d'Or recipient was absent from the squad that triumphed over Japan in their final warm-up match on Friday night. In the post-match press conference, coach Montse Tome confirmed Aitana's health condition.
"She was taken for tests this [Friday] morning, and the final results confirmed viral meningitis," Tome explained, adding that "the term [meningitis] sounds alarming, but it is, in principle, under control."
The Spanish national team is scheduled to depart for Switzerland on Sunday; however, Aitana's diagnosis raises concerns about her participation in the opening match against Portugal on July 3, and she could potentially miss the entire tournament, as reported by Xinhua.
"We do not have a timeline for her return," Tome stated.
There is also apprehension within the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) regarding the possibility that Aitana may have exposed other team members, considering they have spent a week training together at the RFEF facility near Madrid.
Goals from Claudia Pina, Vicky Lopez, and Athenea del Castillo secured a 3-1 victory for Spain against Japan at the sweltering Butarque Stadium in Leganes, showcasing Spain's resilience against a well-organized Japanese squad that had initially taken the lead.
The 27-year-old Bonmatí, who plays as a midfielder for Liga F club Barcelona and the national team, was instrumental in Spain's recent success at the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2023 held in Australia and New Zealand. She has also contributed to Spain's triumph in the UEFA Women's Nations League in 2024 and the UEFA Women's Under-19 Championship in 2017.
Point of View
I must emphasize that the health and safety of our athletes take precedence. Aitana Bonmati's diagnosis is concerning not only for her personal well-being but also for the Spanish national team's potential performance at the European Championships. The federation must take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of the entire squad.
NationPress
28/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What illness has Aitana Bonmati been diagnosed with?
Aitana Bonmati has been diagnosed with viral meningitis.
What impact does Aitana's illness have on the team?
Her illness raises concerns about her availability for the Women's European Championships, which could significantly affect the team's performance.
When is Spain's opening match in the tournament?
Spain's opening match in the Women's European Championships is on July 3 against Portugal.
What precautions are being taken by the Spanish Football Federation?
The RFEF is concerned about the possibility of Aitana having exposed other squad members and is monitoring the situation closely.
What are Aitana Bonmati's achievements in football?
Aitana Bonmati is a two-time Ballon d'Or winner and was part of the Spanish team that won the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2023, among other accolades.
