Uruguay icon praises Araujo for speaking openly about mental health: ‘A leading figure in world football…’ | OneFootball

Former Uruguay international Diego Forlan has praised Ronald Araujo for publicly addressing his mental health struggles, describing the FC Barcelona defender’s honesty as an important example for footballers and young people alike.

The former Uruguay striker, who won the Golden Ball at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, believes Araujo’s decision to speak openly about such a personal subject carries enormous significance, particularly given his status as one of the country’s biggest sporting figures.

Araujo deserves praise

Araujo is currently with Uruguay at the 2026 World Cup but has yet to feature after suffering a calf injury earlier this month that ruled him out of matches against Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde.

The Barcelona defender has endured an unusual season, one that included stepping away from football for several weeks to focus on his mental health before returning to action.

Speaking to AS (h/t Mundo Deportivo), Forlan praised the courage it took for Araujo to share his experience.

“Given that Araujo is a leading figure in world football and plays for a great team like Barcelona, the fact that he has said he wants to look after his mental health is very valuable,” said the former Manchester United and Atletico Madrid striker.

Araujo struggled with mental health issues last season. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

Forlan believes that seeing an elite athlete openly acknowledge these challenges helps normalise conversations that have often been avoided in professional sport.

An example on and off the pitch

The former Manchester United, Villarreal and Atletico Madrid striker stressed that Araujo’s words extend far beyond football.

“Araujo spoke his mind, and being able to express himself like that is very important,” Forlan noted.

Forlan explained that he now uses Araújo’s example both in his family life and in his work as a football club owner.

“In my case, it’s something that’s brilliant for teaching my children, and also – as co-owner with my brother of a Uruguayan team – for giving talks to the players,” he said.

Araujo deserves praise for opening up on a sensitive issue. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Since becoming co-owner of Durazno Futbol Club in 2022, Forlan has placed increasing importance on discussing the psychological challenges footballers face alongside their physical development.

Footballers are human too

Forlan also reflected on his own career, explaining that supporters often only remember the highlights while overlooking the sacrifices and setbacks behind every success.

“I often tell them: ‘You see that Diego Forlan who was scoring goals in 2010; you have that image because that’s the one people remember, but let’s not forget that I’m a flesh-and-blood person just like you, a human being who has also made mistakes.’”

The former striker believes this perspective is essential for helping young players understand that every successful career includes difficult moments.

“When we see the end result – with Araujo playing for Barcelona – we don’t know everything he goes through or everything he experiences,” he concluded.

Forlan’s comments highlight the growing acceptance of mental health discussions within elite football. As one of Uruguay’s greatest players, his public support adds further weight to Araujo’s decision to speak openly about his experiences.