Barcelona Match Postponed After Team Doctor’s Tragic Passing

Barcelona’s LaLiga Match Postponed Due to Tragic Loss of Team Doctor

In a deeply somber turn of events, Barcelona’s LaLiga fixture against Osasuna, scheduled for Saturday, was postponed just 20 minutes before kickoff. The sudden and unexpected passing of the first-team doctor, Carles Miñarro García, cast a shadow over the day, leaving the club and its supporters in mourning.

Carles Miñarro García, aged 53, had been a part of the Barcelona family since 2017. Initially working with the futsal team, he transitioned to the first team last summer, bringing his expertise and dedication to the forefront of the club’s medical staff. His untimely death was announced by the club in a heartfelt statement, expressing the profound sadness felt by everyone associated with the club.

“Barcelona are deeply saddened to announce the passing of first-team doctor Carles Miñarro García this evening,” the statement read. “For this reason, the match against Osasuna has been postponed and will be rearranged for a later date. The Barcelona board of directors and all staff extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.”

As the news broke, sources revealed that the Barça players were informed of Miñarro García’s passing upon their arrival at the Olympic Stadium. The team, in a unanimous decision, felt it was only right to request the postponement of the match, a request that LaLiga readily agreed to.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta, visibly shaken, addressed the situation in a video released by the club. “We are in a state of shock,” he said. “Carles was loved by everyone. As you can imagine, we are all extremely sad. He was someone who travelled with the team for every game to look after the players and the staff. He never said ‘No’ to anyone. He was a great professional and a great medic.”

Laporta continued, “We were quickly in touch with his family. We wanted them to know immediately. Carles leaves behind two kids, Gerard and Anna. His wife, as you can imagine, is deeply upset. We offer them our full support in this difficult moment, while asking for the understanding from our supporters and the world of football [for postponing the game].”

The decision to postpone the match was met with understanding and support from all parties involved. “Out of respect for Carles, his family, the players and the staff, we thought it was best to suspend the match and we took the necessary decision in the moment,” Laporta explained. “We were in contact with the president of LaLiga [Javier Tebas] and there was complete understanding. Osasuna also behaved extraordinarily; there was comprehension from their president, directors and coach.”

Most fans were already seated in the stadium when the announcement was made. Initially, there was confusion as the players did not come out for their warm-up. However, clarity was provided 20 minutes before the scheduled start time, with an announcement in both Spanish and English explaining the situation. A short statement was also displayed on the big screen, and fans respectfully exited the stadium.

The emotional impact of Miñarro García’s passing was evident in the reactions from the players. Midfielder Dani Olmo expressed his disbelief, saying, “It’s hard to believe and accept everything that has happened. Carles, thank you very much for everything you have helped me with, not only this year, but throughout my entire career. You will be greatly missed and you will always be remembered in our hearts, and in the hearts of my family. RIP Doc.”

• Midfielder Gavi shared his sentiments on Instagram, writing, “Always in our hearts, Doc. We will miss you a lot.”

• Teammate Pedri added, “I still can’t believe it. Sending a huge hug to all of Carles’ family and friends.”

• Defender Ronald Araújo took to X to express his condolences, stating, “It’s hard to believe. Rest in peace, Doc. Sending strength to Carles’ family and friends. May God strengthen your hearts in this difficult time.”

The match against Osasuna will be rescheduled, with a new date yet to be confirmed. Meanwhile, Barcelona continues to lead LaLiga, holding a one-point advantage over Atlético Madrid and a three-point lead over Real Madrid.