Araújo Sets His Sights on a Full Comeback at Barcelona

Following a challenging campaign, Ronald Araújo enters the 2025–26 season with renewed determination to reclaim his place in FC Barcelona’s starting lineup. The Uruguayan defender missed the beginning of the 2024–25 season due to a major muscle injury suffered while on duty with Uruguay at the Copa América. In his absence, Iñigo Martínez and youngster Pau Cubarsí earned starting roles, pushing Araújo down the pecking order.

This sidelining led Araújo to question his future at Barcelona, sparking weeks of speculation about a potential departure. However, the center-back ultimately decided to stay, signing a new deal that keeps him at the club until 2031.

“You Know What You’re Going to See This Year? My Prime”

During Barcelona’s return to preseason training, Araújo made a bold statement while undergoing medical evaluations. Holding a bottle of “Prime” — one of the club’s sponsors — he looked into the camera and declared, “You know what you’re going to see this year? My prime,” pointing directly at the bottle.

The message was clear: Ronald Araújo is not only back, but he’s also more determined than ever to return to top form. His goal is to reclaim his status as a key player in Hansi Flick’s squad and reestablish himself as one of Europe’s top defenders.

At 26 years old, the Uruguayan international enters his seventh season with the senior team. Known for his strength, leadership, and fierce competitiveness, Araújo is aiming to make 2025–26 his best season yet — not only for Barcelona but on the European stage as well.

With his message now public, all eyes will be on the Camp Nou to see if Ronald Araújo can truly deliver on his promise and show the football world what his “prime” really looks like.