JAKARTA - Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo said a mental health break had made him stronger after returning to play in the Spanish Super Cup (Supercopa de Espana) victory against Real Madrid on Monday, January 12, 2026, early morning WIB.
The 26-year-old defender was given leave by Barcelona after being sent off in the Champions League defeat against Chelsea in November 2025.
He used the time to visit religious sites in Jerusalem and Bethlehem before returning to his native Uruguay during the Christmas period.
After returning to training in late December 2025, he made his first appearance against Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup, coming on as a substitute in the second half in Saudi Arabia and lifting the trophy after a thrilling 3-2 win.
"I learned that quitting at the right time is a form of loving yourself. Taking care of the mind and heart is not giving up, but believing that God works even in silence."
"Taking a step back has refreshed me and allowed me to come back stronger. The process was not easy, but to come back like this is an honor."
"Thank you to the club, my teammates, and the fans for their treatment, affection, and respect. It's beautiful to be able to lift this trophy again. We will continue together," Araujo wrote on social media on Monday, January 12, 2026.
Meanwhile, Blaugrana striker Raphinha, who scored two goals in the victory against Los Blancos which led to Xabi Alonso losing his job, said that Araujo lifting the trophy was a sign of the appreciation his teammates had for him.
"Ronald is a very important player for the team. We will always be there for him and support him. He has been through a difficult time."
"However, it is normal considering (the job) we have, wearing this uniform, who we are. It could have happened to others as well."
"I also had difficult times, for example my first two seasons here, but Ronald lifting this trophy is a testament to our affection for him. We count on him," said Raphinha.
Araujo has been at Barcelona since 2018, initially joining the B team before being promoted to the first team.
He then recorded almost 200 appearances for Barcelona in all competitions, scoring 12 goals, and is now part of a leadership group with Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Frenkie de Jong, Raphinha, and Pedri.
After playing against Real Madrid, he can now be considered by coach Hansi Flick to be a starter in the Copa del Rey match against Segunda Division leaders Racing Santander on Friday, January 16, 2026, early morning WIB.
The English, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and French versions are automatically generated by the AI. So there may still be inaccuracies in translating, please always see Indonesian as our main language. (system supported by DigitalSiber.id)
