Liverpool defender Ronald Araújo has courageously opened up about his private battle with severe mental health struggles during his time at Barcelona, revealing he fought through anxiety and depression while playing at the highest level.
The Uruguayan defender disclosed that he endured an 18-month spiral where his mental health steadily declined. The situation reached a breaking point following a red card against Chelsea in 2025, which triggered a wave of horrific online abuse and death threats directed at his family.
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Speaking directly to The Times, the current Liverpool loan star explained that the aftermath of that match made him realize he could no longer carry the weight by himself.
“It was a very difficult time,” Araújo shared. “I felt that what I needed to do was take a step back. I hadn’t felt right for a long time, and I wasn’t enjoying the thing I love most, which is football.”
Recognizing he needed support, Araújo took the crucial step of reaching out to mental health specialists and leaning on those around him.
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“I realised I had to put my hand up, ask for help and talk not just to the people closest to me, but to professionals as well,” he said.
“Sometimes you bottle things up and try to be the strong man, but in life you have to talk about things and open up about what you’re going through.”
