Uruguay national team sends touching support to Barcelona captain facing mental stress | OneFootball

Barcelona find themselves in a delicate and deeply human situation involving Ronald Araujo. 

The Uruguayan defender, usually one of the team’s most mentally resilient players, has been struggling since the heavy 0–3 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, a match in which his mistake directly contributed to the opening goal. 

As the emotional weight of that night lingered, Araujo reached a point where he felt unable to perform at his usual level and asked the club for permission to step away.

Stepping away from the limelight

The centre-back requested time to disconnect, reset emotionally and recover from what the club describes as a period of significant mental stress. 

Barcelona fully understood the seriousness of his request, and the decision was made to prioritise the player’s well-being above all competitive considerations.

It has now been two weeks and four matches since Araujo last appeared in the Blaugrana shirt. 

During this time, he has travelled to Israel to embark on a brief spiritual retreat, an opportunity for him to clear his mind, explore a different cultural and religious environment, and find the calm he currently needs. 

The trip is not intended as a long absence, but rather a short period of reflection, sightseeing and emotional recovery.

Message from Uruguay

Within the football world, there has been widespread empathy for his situation. 

Both Barcelona and the Uruguayan national team have publicly expressed solidarity, recognising that Araujo’s challenge goes beyond sport. 

In a heartfelt message shared on social media, Uruguay wrote, “We are with you, Ronald!” alongside a photo of the defender in national team attire.

Barcelona have made it clear that Araujo will not be rushed back. 

The club wants him to return only when he feels mentally ready, trusting that this pause will help him regain the composure, strength and serenity that have always defined his character.