Aitana Bonmatí will lead Spain into the Women’s Euro finals on Sunday, completing a remarkable comeback from illness that had threatened her tournament.
Aitana Bonmatí was hospitalised with viral meningitis, and her participation in Euro 2025 looked uncertain. Now, the Barcelona star has become Spain’s hero, scoring the dramatic extra-time winner in their 1-0 semifinal victory over Germany in Zurich to book a rematch against England in the final — a repeat of the 2023 World Cup showdown.
“You could write a book about this,” Aitana Bonmatí said following her match-winning performance at the Letzigrund Stadium. She collected the Player of the Match award after an emotional display, filled with grit and resilience.
Aitana Bonmatí’s Health Scare and Road to Recovery
At the end of June, Bonmatí, widely regarded as the world’s best women’s footballer, was diagnosed with viral meningitis after experiencing sudden illness. The condition forced her to miss Spain’s final preparations and cast serious doubt over her inclusion in Spain’s Eurocopa campaign.
“I can only thank everyone who supported me. It hasn’t been easy,” Bonmatí said. “I don’t believe in destiny — just hard work and mindset.”
Despite the setback, the 27-year-old midfielder made a brief substitute appearance in Spain’s opening 5-0 victory over Portugal in Bern on July 3. She returned to the starting lineup for their 3-1 win against Italy and remained ever-present in their quarterfinal win against Switzerland.
Head coach Montse Tomé praised her determination: “She didn’t have an easy start to the Euros, but she overcame her health problems and worked incredibly hard to get fit again.”
Historic Final in Sight
Spain is now in their first-ever senior Women’s Euro finals, two years after capturing the World Cup. Bonmatí, a key figure in both tournaments, is once again at the heart of Spain’s golden generation.
England will face Switzerland in a fiery final this Sunday in Basel. Spain and England are developing a fierce modern rivalry, having met in last year’s World Cup final — won by Spain — and more recently in the men’s final Eurocup, where Spain also emerged victorious.
Aitana Bonmatí believes this final is another chapter in that ongoing saga: “It’s special to be part of a team making history. Every game like this feels like a reward.”
Shared Struggles and Triumphs
Aitana Bonmatí wasn’t the only Spanish player to face health setbacks during the tournament. Goalkeeper Cata Coll, who made several crucial saves against Germany, also missed the group stage due to tonsillitis.
“Neither of us had the start we wanted,” said Bonmatí. “But we’re lucky to be here. Life can change so quickly. In the end, we’ve had good news.”
Seven Barcelona players from the Women’s Champions League final in May — including Bonmatí — were also in the starting XI against Germany. That same Barcelona team had lost to Arsenal, which included many of England’s current internationals.
