In a touching display of team unity during the 2026 Spanish Super Cup final against Real Madrid, Raphinha’s family erupted in cheers as Ronald Araujo made his long-awaited return to the pitch. The Barcelona defender stepped onto the field in the 93rd minute, marking his first appearance since receiving a red card in the Champions League clash against Chelsea back in November.
Araujo, one of Barcelona’s key center-backs and a club vice-captain, had been granted time away by the club to focus on his mental health. Reports from late 2025 highlighted how the sending-off against Chelsea, combined with ongoing performance pressures, had impacted him psychologically. Barcelona supported his request fully, allowing him to step back from football duties, including a personal spiritual journey to Israel for reflection and recovery. He returned to training in early January 2026, and the Super Cup final provided the perfect stage for his comeback.
The match itself was a thrilling El Clásico in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with Barcelona securing a 3-2 victory to lift the trophy. Raphinha starred with a brace, scoring in the 36th and 73rd minutes to help his side edge out Real Madrid in a high-intensity encounter. In the closing stages, with Barcelona down to 10 men after Frenkie de Jong’s red card, manager Hansi Flick brought on Araujo to shore up the defense, replacing Lamine Yamal.
As Araujo entered the field, the camera captured a heartfelt moment: Raphinha’s family in the stands—widely known for their close bond with the Barcelona squad—burst into joyful cheers. The Brazilian winger’s relatives were seen celebrating enthusiastically, clapping and shouting in support of their teammate’s return. This emotional scene, shared widely on social media including Instagram posts from ESPN FC, underscored the strong sense of family within Barcelona’s camp.
Araujo’s substitution helped Barcelona hold firm in stoppage time, and he was later honored by lifting the Super Cup trophy alongside his teammates—a symbolic moment for his reintegration.
This heartfelt gesture from Raphinha’s family highlights the support network surrounding Barcelona players. In a sport often focused on results, moments like these remind fans of the human side of football, where mental well-being and team camaraderie take center stage.