Spain's Bonmati Hospitalized Before Women's Euro 2025

Aitana Bonmati, Spain's star midfielder and winner of both the Ballon d'Or and FIFA Women's Player of the Year awards, has been hospitalized with viral meningitis less than a week before the team's Women's Euro 2025 opener. She was initially admitted due to a persistent fever, and subsequent tests confirmed the diagnosis, which generally resolves on its own within a week to ten days. Bonmati missed Spain's recent 3-1 friendly victory against Japan and has provided updates from her hospital bed. Coach Montse Tome and the Spanish Football Federation have stated her condition is controlled but have not set a return date. Her absence is a significant blow as Spain faces Portugal, Belgium, and Italy in the group stage. The team remains hopeful for her quick recovery and is prepared to wait as long as possible for her return.