Footballer Aitana Bonmati hospitalized with meningitis week before European Championship 2025

Spain midfielder Aitana Bonmati, a two‑time Ballon d’Or winner, was admitted to hospital with viral meningitis just days before Spain’s Women’s European Championship begins in Switzerland. The news came after Bonmatí fell ill with a fever during training. She missed Spain’s friendly match against Japan on June 27, which they won 3–1.

Spain coach Montse Tomé confirmed on Friday that Aitana Bonmati tested positive for viral meningitis and was being treated in a hospital in Madrid. The coach said the illness is under control but that there is no clear timeline for her recovery. Spain’s first match in the Euro 2025 tournament is against Portugal on July 3 in Bern. They will also play Belgium and Italy in Group B.

Aitana Bonmati's Illness and Hospital Stay

Aitana Bonmati began feeling unwell early on Friday at training. She had a high fever, and doctors carried out tests in Madrid. By later that day, tests showed she had viral meningitis. As per ABC News, Montse Tomé said:

“The word is scary, but the doctor tells me that she is under control. She will remain in the hospital and we don’t know for how long.”

Bonmati shared a photo on Instagram story showing her in a hospital bed with an IV drip in her arm, watching Spain’s friendly against Japan on a screen. At 27, Bonmatí is a key player for both Spain and Barcelona. She earned her second Ballon d’Or this year and was a standout in Barcelona’s season.

Impact on the Team and Next Steps

Aitana Bonmati plays a central role in Spain’s midfield. She scored 30 goals in 78 appearances for the national team and helped Spain win the 2023 Women’s World Cup and the Nations League. Her absence adds pressure on other players, like Alexia Putellas and Patri Guijarro. In the friendly against Japan, Spain started 18‑year‑old Vicky López in place of Bonmati.

Coach Tomé said Bonmatí is “a very important player for us and we will wait for her.” Spain begins their group stage with a strong chance to beat Portugal. The team already won 7–1 earlier this year during the Nations League.

This is the first Euro title Spain has never won, although they reached the semi‑finals in 1997. With Bonmati's illness and past injuries (Putellas tore her ACL in 2022), the team’s depth will be tested. Spain’s first Euro game is July 3 in Bern. If Bonmatí recovers within a week, she could return during the tournament.

England coach Sarina Wiegman and defender Jess Carter both sent well wishes to Bonmatí, saying they hope she recovers in time. They called her one of "the best players in Europe," and expressed hope she returns soon:

“You want the best players from Europe being involved in tournaments, because that’s exciting, that’s what people come to watch - the best players from Europe. So I hope she will be involved and that she will get better soon,” Wiegman said, as per The Guardian.

Montse Tomé has made clear there is no firm date for Aitana Bonmati's return. She said:

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“Aitana will be admitted and there are no deadlines yet to know for how long (she will be absent).”

If she does not return in time, Spain will rely on their strong squad depth to try to win England’s crown. For now, they must focus on health, team strategy, and keeping morale high.

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