Aitana Bonmati 'euphoric' as Spain midfielder returns from meningitis in time for Euro 2025 in Switzerland - 'She's so eager'
Updated 02/07/2025 at 21:03 GMT+1
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Aitana Bonmati is back in training and almost ready to go at the 2025 European Championships, according to Spain manager Montse Tome. The Barcelona midfielder has only just been discharged from hospital after a health scare with meningitis. But two days later, the 27-year-old was kicking a ball again ahead of her side's opening group game against Portugal on Thursday, July 3.
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Spain manager Montse Tome admits she has to hold back Aitana Bonmati in training after her health scare.
The midfielder has been discharged from hospital after contracting meningitis and has joined up with the rest of the squad ahead of UEFA Euro 2025.
She remains a major doubt for the opening group game against Portugal, which is on Thursday, July 3.
But Tome believes the 27-year-old still has a major part to play at the tournament.
"We have to slow her down," he said. "She's so eager - we have to hold her back a bit.
"Her health is the first and most important thing."
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Bonmati, a two-time Ballon d'Or winner, has accumulated 76 caps for Spain since making her debut back in 2017.
In the intervening eight years, the Barcelona star has helped her country lift the 2023 FIFA World Cup, whilst they also lifted the Women's UEFA Nations League title in 2023/24.
A European Championships winners' medal has so far eluded her, courtesy of defeat in the quarter-final to eventual champions England three years ago.
That means there is an extra incentive to try and win the crown in Switzerland this summer.
And so, just two days after being discharged from hospital, Bonmati was back on the field.
"According to the medical staff, her progress is positive," Tome continued.
"Health comes first, and she's been able to complete all the tasks required."
Spain are favourites to win Euro 2025, and have been placed in a group that includes Portugal, Italy and Belgium.
Bonmati's team-mate Patricia Guijarro added: "She's euphoric, happy, and of course we'll see her tomorrow and give her a big hug. Above all, she's happy to be here."
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