Barcelona defender Ronald Araújo has opened up about his struggles with anxiety and depression, which led to him taking a break from football last November.
Araújo, who reflects that he has transformed as a person after recognizing the need for help, approached the club for a mental health break following a red card he received during the Champions League match against Chelsea earlier this season.
According to the Uruguay international, that incident at Stamford Bridge was a pivotal moment in realizing he needed to seek professional help.
“It was a buildup of emotions,” Araújo shared with Mundo Deportivo. “I hadn’t been feeling well for quite some time. I struggled with anxiety for 18 months, which eventually manifested into depression.
“You try to maintain strength, perhaps due to your upbringing and background, but I realized I was not okay.
“It wasn’t solely related to football; it affected my family and personal life as well. I wasn’t being myself, and that moment [the red card at Chelsea] made me recognize that I needed to reach out for help.”
“I tend to keep my feelings to myself, but it’s important to understand that there are professionals who can assist you and provide tools to cope with certain situations. I needed to explain my struggles to pave the way for my recovery.”
During his hiatus, Araújo visited religious sites in Bethlehem and Jerusalem, and spent quality time with his family in Uruguay.
He returned to training with Barça in January, making four substitute appearances that month, and recently scored in his first start since his mental health break during the Copa del Rey quarterfinal against Albacete.
“I have learned so much during this time,” he stated. “I feel renewed and happier. I’m able to enjoy playing football again, which is a significant improvement.”
“I now see things from a different perspective. I believe that the worst has passed. During my time off, I worked closely with professionals, spent time with my family, and also traveled spiritually—exactly what I needed. I feel like a new person.”
Araújo expressed gratitude towards the club for their supportive response, revealing he received numerous messages from other players who have faced similar experiences.
“The club has been incredible,” he remarked. “I’m thankful to [sporting director] Deco, the president [Joan Laporta], and the manager [Hansi Flick].
“From the moment I spoke to them, they understood my situation and did everything possible to help me recover.
“My teammates were equally supportive, showering me with messages of encouragement. Even rivals surprised me with their support—players from teams in Italy and Germany reached out, praising my decision to take a break and expressing their wish that they had the same courage at some point in their lives.”
Araújo joined Barcelona in 2018, initially playing for the B team before being promoted to the first team.
To date, he has made 195 appearances for Barça across all competitions, scoring 14 goals, and has emerged as a leader alongside Frenkie de Jong, Raphinha, and Pedri.