Spain midfielder Aitana Bonmati has returned to the national team camp in Switzerland ahead of UEFA Women’s Euro 2025, following her recovery from viral meningitis.
The 27-year-old Ballon d’Or winner missed Spain’s 3-1 friendly victory over Japan in Leganés last week after being hospitalized in Madrid due to illness. She was later diagnosed with viral meningitis, a condition that, while less severe than its bacterial counterpart, still requires careful treatment.
Bonmati was discharged from hospital on Sunday and has since rejoined her teammates at their pre-tournament base. However, she remains unlikely to feature in Spain’s opening group-stage match against Portugal in Bern on Thursday.
Spain head coach Montse Tomé emphasized Bonmati’s importance to the squad, saying:
“Aitana is so important for us, and we will wait for her, whatever happens, until the end.”
The reigning world champions enter the European Championship as clear favourites, with Bonmati widely regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world. A key figure in Spain’s 2023 World Cup triumph and their 2024 Nations League title, she has scored 30 goals in 78 appearances for her country.
Despite the health setback, optimism remains high around Bonmati’s potential involvement later in the tournament. Viral meningitis, while serious, is typically less dangerous than bacterial meningitis and often resolves within one to two weeks with rest and supportive care.
As Spain prepare to open their Euro 2025 campaign, the return of Bonmati, even if only in spirit for now, adds further motivation to a squad already brimming with talent and ambition.
