Courtesy: Google
Spanish women's footballer Aitana Bonmati is hospitalized due to a diagnosis of viral meningitis. The Spanish football federation (RFEF) confirmed the health status of the 27-year-old two-time Ballon d'Or winner. It is considered a huge setback for Spain just before the start of the Women's European Championship.
According to the reports, Spain coach Montse Tome said late on Friday her star player had felt ill and was taken to a hospital in Madrid where she tested positive for meningitis. Due to this she also missed the 3-1 friendly win of her team over Japan in Leganes, Spain, on Friday. The Spanish midfielder shared a picture of her watching that game from the hospital.
We'll wait for her as long as we can: Spain's coach Montse Tome on Aitana Bonmati
Coach Tome also said that talking about meningitis can be scary but the doctors say that she is under control. He added, “She is a very important player for us. We’ll wait for her as long as we can.”
Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. Viral meningitis is considered as less serious than the rarer bacterial variant, which is considered as fatal if not treated quickly. According to the NHS, it tends to get better on its own within seven to 10 days and can also be treated at home.
UEFA Women's Euro 2025 to kick off on July 2
The Women's European Championship aka UEFA Women's Euro starts this Wednesday July 2, 2025, in Switzerland, with its final on July 27, 2025. Spain’s team is set to travel to Switzerland on Sunday for the tournament. Its inaugural game is against Portugal on Thursday in Bern. It will also face Belgium and Italy in their group stage clashes.
Bonmati has scored 30 goals in 78 games for Spain and was a key member of the squad which won the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 and the UEFA Nations League last year.
