FC Barcelona triumphed over Real Madrid last Sunday and added another trophy to their cabinet, i.e., the Spanish Super Cup 2025-26. Raphinha was the Man of the Match for this game, as he scored a crucial brace to get his side the win. However, it must have been the defender Ronald Araujo for whom this win means the most.
The Uruguayan returned to the pitch in this game after returning from his leave of absence, which he had taken to recover from his mental woes, a few days ago.
In addition to getting on the pitch and helping his team, the fact that he won a trophy in this game and also got to lift the trophy as a captain was the best possible return for the defender.
JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA - JANUARY 11: FC Barcelona players throw Ronald Araujo of FC Barcelona in the air following their side's victory in the Spanish Super Cup Final between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid at King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium on January 11, 2026 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images
In fact, as Mundo Deportivo has reported, he took to social media to show how grateful he was for the manner in which his return panned out with the following message:
“I learned that stopping in time is self-love. Taking care of your mind and heart is not giving up; it is trusting that God works even in silence. Pausing renewed me and allowed me to come back stronger. The process was not easy, but coming back like this is a privilege.
Thanks to the club, my teammates, and the fans for their care, affection, and respect. Yesterday I returned lifting this title, and it was wonderful. We keep moving forward together. ‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.’ Matthew 11:28″
¡BARÇA, NOW AND ALWAYS!
The journey to this moment included a deeply personal pilgrimage to Jerusalem a few weeks ago. Araujo visited the most sacred sites of Christianity to seek inspiration and strength during his time away from football.
Just over 1,500 kilometers from Jerusalem, in Jeddah, he experienced one of the most memorable moments of his professional career.
With this milestone behind him, Ronald Araujo will hope to carry the momentum into the coming matches, starting with Barcelona’s clash against Racing. His return not only strengthens the team on the field but also serves as an inspiring story of resilience, self-care, and dedication.