Araujo was welcomed by fans at the airport
Barcelona defender, Ronald Araújo was greeted with an outpouring of warmth and admiration upon his arrival in Israel, where he has traveled for a faith-based retreat following a leave of absence from the club.
The Uruguay international, who recently faced a difficult period marked by high-profile mistakes and mounting pressure, was welcomed by fans at Ben Gurion Airport, many of whom posed for selfies and cheered as he made his way through the crowd.
Araújo, 26, was granted an open-ended leave by Barcelona after struggles with depression and anxiety became apparent.
His decision to journey to Israel reflects a desire to reconnect with his faith and find the emotional stability he seeks, stepping away from the relentless scrutiny of the footballing world.
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According to reports, he will spend time visiting holy sites, sightseeing, and engaging in spiritual reflection, hoping to regain a sense of calm amid personal and professional challenges.
The defender’s struggles have been linked to recent on-field incidents, including a red card against Chelsea in the Champions League that contributed to Barcelona’s 3-0 defeat.
Catalan media suggest the psychological toll has been significant, highlighting the often-overlooked mental health challenges professional footballers face.
Barcelona’s management and teammates have publicly supported Araújo’s decision, emphasizing the importance of his well-being over immediate sporting commitments.
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