FC Barcelona added another trophy to their cabinet, the first of the 2025-26 season, on Sunday, as they defeated Real Madrid in the final of the Spanish Super Cup.
While his time on the pitch was limited, defender Ronald Araujo was one of the players for whom this victory carried the deepest significance. The Uruguayan returned to the squad after taking time away to address mental health challenges and made an immediate impact in the dressing room.
As revealed by Pedri, Araujo, one of the team captains, delivered a heartfelt and motivational speech before the match. According to Mundo Deportivo, he referenced the previous El Clasico at Santiago Bernabeu, where Real Madrid had won 2-1, urging his teammates to reverse the result and assert Barcelona’s superiority.
The captain emphasized the opportunity presented by the Supercopa to claim a trophy over their arch-rivals, highlighting the strength and unity of the squad. His message concluded with the resonant phrase, “Let’s keep making history,” which left a lasting impression on the players.
On the pitch, Araujo played a crucial role in the closing minutes of the match, helping Barcelona defend their 3-2 lead despite being down to ten men. In a touching gesture, the locker room celebrated his return by inviting him to lift the trophy in front of the Jeddah crowd.
Araujo’s comeback marks a significant personal milestone. On Instagram, he reflected on his journey, writing, “I learned that stopping in time is self-love. Taking care of the mind and heart is not giving up; it’s trusting that God works even in silence. Stopping renewed me and allowed me to come back stronger.”
With this speech, Ronald Araujo once again showcased his leadership role in the dressing room. Hopefully, he will return to the pitch to help Barcelona soon as well, and help the team lift some more trophies.