Aitana Bonmati Hospitalised Days Before Euro 2025

Spain’s star midfielder and two-time Ballon d’Or winner, Aitana Bonmati, has been hospitalised with viral meningitis just days before the Women’s Euro 2025 tournament begins.

Head coach Montse Tomé confirmed on Friday that Bonmati began feeling unwell during training and developed a fever. She was admitted to a hospital in Madrid, where tests confirmed viral meningitis.

“She’s stable and under medical care,” said Tomé. “The word ‘meningitis’ sounds scary, but the doctors assure us she’s under control. We don’t know how long she’ll remain in the hospital.”

Bonmati missed Spain’s 3-1 win over Japan in a friendly on Friday. The 27-year-old, who helped lead Spain to the 2023 Women’s World Cup title and Barcelona to three Champions League titles in five finals, is a key part of Spain’s squad.

Spain will travel to Switzerland on Sunday for Euro 2025. Their Group B opener is against Portugal on Thursday in Bern, followed by matches against Belgium and Italy.

Bonmati’s absence could put added pressure on teammates Alexia Putellas—also a two-time Ballon d’Or winner—and Patricia Guijarro to lead the midfield. In Friday’s friendly, 18-year-old Vicky Lopez started in Bonmati’s place.

Spain previously faced a similar setback in 2022 when Putellas tore her ACL days before the Euros, and Spain exited in the quarterfinals.

Despite Bonmati’s uncertain status, Spain remain favourites for their opening match, having recently beaten Portugal twice in the Nations League—including a dominant 7-1 win at home.