Spanish football has been dealt a significant blow with the news that three-time Ballon d'Or winner Aitana Bonmati has suffered a serious leg fracture while on international duty.
Training Camp Injury Sidelines Superstar
The 27-year-old midfielder sustained the injury during a training session with the Spain national team at their Las Rozas base in Madrid on Sunday. Reports indicate she fell awkwardly during the practice, which was part of preparations for the UEFA Women's Nations League final second leg against Germany.
Her club, FC Barcelona, confirmed the severity on Monday, stating Bonmati had fractured her fibula and would undergo surgery on Tuesday at the Hospital de Barcelona. The expected recovery time is at least three months, meaning she will miss a substantial portion of the season.
Major Blow for Spain and Barcelona
The timing is particularly cruel for both her national team and her club. Bonmati had played 77 minutes in the first leg against Germany last Friday, a goalless draw in Kaiserslautern. Spain's new manager, Sonia Bermudez, said the squad wanted to dedicate Tuesday's potential Nations League victory to their injured teammate.
"Aitana wanted to stay for the final and be with us," Bermudez stated. "We told her she had to return to Barcelona to begin her recovery because, for us, the health of our players comes first."
Her absence is a profound loss. Spain captain Irene Paredes, a teammate at both international and club level, acknowledged the impact: "Absences like Aitana's can unsettle you... It is a significant loss for the national team and for Barca as well." Paredes added that she could see the pain in Bonmati's eyes immediately after the incident.
The injury could also rule her out of crucial fixtures, including Spain's World Cup qualifier against England next April.
Crushing End to a Stellar Year
This injury marks a disappointing conclusion to an otherwise phenomenal year for Bonmati. In 2024, she made history by becoming the first player to win the women's Ballon d'Or three times. She also achieved a domestic treble with Barcelona, reached the Champions League final with her club, and guided Spain to the final of Euro 2025, where they were defeated by England on penalties. For her Euro performances, she was named Player of the Tournament.
UEFA also named her the Champions League's player of the season. This setback follows another health scare earlier in the year, when she contracted viral meningitis on the eve of the European Championships but recovered in time to play.
For Barcelona, who currently lead Liga F by six points and top their Champions League group, her absence is a major challenge. This season, the academy graduate had contributed six goals and three assists in the league. Her leadership and world-class quality will be sorely missed on the pitch as she begins her road to recovery.
