Spain’s Aitana Bonmati Faces Uncertainty for Euro 2025 After Hospitalization with Viral Meningitis

Midfielder Aitana Bonmati, aged 27, who recently secured her second consecutive Ballon d’Or, has been hospitalized in Madrid due to viral meningitis, just days before the start of Euro 2025.

Bonmati did not participate in training on Thursday because of a fever and was subsequently ruled out of a warm-up match against Japan. The following day, she shared a photo from her hospital bed, watching Spain’s 3-1 victory, with a cannula in her arm and a flexing arm emoji.

Team manager Montse Tomé confirmed that Bonmati has viral meningitis, but did not specify when she might return to play, emphasizing that her condition is under control. She acknowledged the seriousness of meningitis but reassured that her case is manageable.

According to reports, Bonmati initially experienced a persistent fever, prompting medical tests that diagnosed her with meningitis. Typically, viral meningitis resolves within one to two weeks without severe complications.

Bonmati, a key player for Barcelona and Spain, has scored 30 goals in 78 appearances for her country. She played a crucial role in Spain’s victories at the 2023 World Cup and last year’s Nations League. Despite her absence, her team will look to continue their strong performance in Group B, facing Portugal, Belgium, and Italy in the coming days.