Ronald Araujo takes indefinite leave to address mental health challenges
Ronald Araujo has been granted an open-ended period away from football as he confronts mental health challenges that have contributed to a downturn in form and his recent dismissal in the Champions League, reports BritPanorama.
The 26-year-old Uruguay international, who has made 15 appearances for Barcelona this season, was sent off during the 3–0 defeat to Chelsea after receiving a second yellow card for a sliding challenge on Marc Cucurella shortly before half-time.
Although the club initially cited a stomach illness to explain Araujo’s absence from Barcelona’s weekend victory over Alavés, head coach Hansi Flick has since confirmed that the defender is dealing with private matters unrelated to injury. Speaking ahead of Tuesday night’s league fixture against Atlético Madrid, Flick stated: “Ronald is not ready at the moment. It’s a private situation. I don’t want to say more. Please also respect it. This is what I can say and what I want to say.”
Spanish media reports claim that Araujo has felt he is “not at his best mentally and psychologically” since the red card at Stamford Bridge, with some suggestions that the difficulties predate that match. The decision to allow him indefinite leave is believed to have been made to give him the time and space required to regain stability away from the demands of elite competition.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta publicly expressed support for Araujo, signalling an institutional effort to assist him during what he described as a challenging spell. “He has been heavily criticised, and I don’t think that’s fair,” Laporta said at an event in Andorra. “He gives his all on the pitch, he’s our captain, and now he needs to get through this difficult period because he’s a very emotional person with strong feelings. He’s had a tough time, and I want to tell him that we’re behind him.”
Araujo, who joined Barça in 2018 from Boston River in Uruguay, has accumulated 190 first-team appearances and is widely regarded as one of the club’s most committed defenders. His absence comes at a pivotal moment for Barcelona, who currently hold a slender one-point lead over Real Madrid in LaLiga and are set to face Atlético Madrid, three points behind them.
The timing and open-ended nature of Araujo’s leave underscore the seriousness with which Barcelona’s hierarchy is treating his situation. While neither the club nor the player has shared further details, the expectation is that he will return only when he feels mentally able to resume his central role.
Meanwhile, Barcelona boss Flick has called on his team to rise to the occasion against Atlético as two of LaLiga’s biggest forces prepare to meet. “It would be a good time to win our first game against one of the top teams,” he noted, urging his players to perform at their best. “We have the quality to control the game better, and we have to raise our level.”
Atletico boss Diego Simeone expressed hope for continued winning form, noting his team has secured victories in all of their last six matches. “We continue to work on improving as a team. The margin for improvement is much more than what we have already shown,” he stated.
Araujo’s situation is a reminder of the human side of professional sports, where even the most dedicated players can face significant challenges. Balancing personal well-being and the high stakes of competition is a delicate act — one that calls for both patience and understanding from fans and clubs alike.
