Barcelona captain Ronald Araújo returned to the team at the end of January, making his first start since November 25th in a Copa del Rey match against Albacete, following an indefinite leave of absence granted by the club in early December.
Araújo initiated the leave after acknowledging a prolonged struggle with anxiety that had escalated into depression. The 26-year-old Uruguayan international explained he had been experiencing anxiety for a year and a half, but the issue intensified following a Champions League match against Chelsea, where he was sent off in the 44th minute. “When the match finished I felt like everything was falling into me,” Araújo told Spanish news outlet Mundo Deportivo. “I had been suffering (with) anxiety for a year and a half, and then it turned into depression. I was playing with that. It does not help, because when you’re on the pitch you don’t feel like yourself. I know my value and what I can add to the team, but I was not feeling well and knew something was going on.”
Prior to seeking help, Araújo admitted to a tendency to internalize his struggles, stating he would “keep everything to himself.” He ultimately decided to seek professional support, recognizing the need for intervention to address his deteriorating mental health. The defender spent seven matches away from the side before resuming training in late December.
Araújo, who currently captains Barcelona and also represents the Uruguay national team, joined Barcelona B in 2018 after playing for Rentistas and Boston River in Uruguay. He became a full member of the FC Barcelona first team in 2020, winning the Copa del Rey in his first season. He has since become a key figure in the Barça defense, playing over 3,000 minutes for the first team and demonstrating versatility by occasionally playing at right back, according to the official FC Barcelona website.
As of January 31, 2026, Araújo has made 131 appearances for Barcelona, scoring 10 goals. He has also earned 25 caps for the Uruguay national team, scoring one goal, as of November 19, 2025. His current market value is estimated at €25.00m, according to Transfermarkt.
