Barcelona and Spain have been dealt a major blow after superstar midfielder Aitana Bonmati fractured her left fibula during national team training, sidelining the three-time Ballon d’Or winner for at least two months, and potentially longer if surgery is required.
Bonmati, 27, was injured on Sunday after “a bad landing” during an accidental fall, the Spanish football federation said. She completed training but finished the session in significant pain before scans confirmed the fracture.
She will miss Tuesday’s Nations League final second leg against Germany, the upcoming Champions League fixtures with Benfica and Paris FC, January’s Spanish Super Cup, and multiple Liga F matches. Barca currently sit six points clear atop the league and joint-top of the Champions League phase with Lyon.
The injury ends a phenomenal year that saw Bonmati become the first three-time Women’s Ballon d’Or winner, lead Barcelona to a domestic treble, and guide Spain to the Euro 2025 final.
Spain coach Sonia Bermudez called the news a “huge loss” as the national team prepares for one of its biggest matches of the season.
“Yesterday the mood was a bit down because it’s hard when a teammate is injured,” she said. “We hope she recovers as soon as possible.”
Captain Irene Paredes echoed the sentiment:
“Absences like Aitana’s throw you off because nobody likes to see a teammate suffering. But we’re going to move forward… everyone is capable of contributing.”
The latest news in your social feeds
Subscribe to our social media platforms to stay tuned