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Ronald Araujo’s return to action during Barcelona’s Spanish Super Cup victory over Real Madrid was about far more than football.
Although the captain only featured briefly, his presence carried huge emotional weight.
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For the Uruguayan defender, this was an important step forward after a long and difficult period marked by mental stress, making the moment deeply symbolic.
A dressing room speech
Araujo’s comeback was felt even before he stepped onto the pitch, as the centre-back addressed the team inside the dressing room before the final.
Despite having been away from the group while overcoming mental health issues, Araujo spoke with the authority and calm of a true leader.
Drawing inspiration from Barcelona’s recent past, Araujo referenced the previous Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu, where Real Madrid had beaten Barça 2-1.
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He used that painful memory to remind the squad how far they had come and what was at stake.
The talk ended with a line that stayed with the players as they walked out to fight for the trophy: “Let’s keep making history,” he said as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
Post-match celebration
After the final whistle, as Barcelona celebrated another title, Araujo was lifted by his teammates and placed right at the centre of the celebrations.
The following day, Araujo decided to speak directly to the fans and everyone who had supported him throughout his journey.
The captain reflected on what he had learned during his time away from football. He wrote,
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“I learned that stopping at the right time is self-love. Taking care of your mind and heart is not giving up, it is trusting that God works even in silence.
“Stopping renewed me and allowed me to come back stronger. The process was not easy, but coming back like this is a privilege.”
He then went on to thank those who stood by him during one of the toughest periods of his career, saying,
“Thanks to the club, my teammates, and the fans for their treatment, affection, and respect. Yesterday I returned with this title, and how beautiful it was.
“We continue together. ‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.’ Matthew 11:28″
Araujo closed his message with a powerful declaration of loyalty and identity – “BARÇA, ARA I SEMPRE!”
English (US) ·