The Barcelona Football Club’s first-team doctor, Carles Miñarro Garcia, passed away suddenly on Saturday, March 8, 2025. This tragic event occurred at the team hotel, just hours before a scheduled La Liga match against CA Osasuna. As a result, the game, set to take place at the LluÃs Companys Olympic Stadium, was postponed approximately 20 minutes before its 9 p.m. local time kickoff, with the decision announced after fans had already begun filling the stadium.
Carles Miñarro Garcia, aged 40, had been with FC Barcelona since 2017. He initially worked with the club’s futsal team before transitioning to the men’s first football team in the summer of 2024. Prior to joining Barcelona, he served as an assistant doctor at the Centre d’Alt Rendiment de Sant Cugat and as the head of medical services at Centre d’Esports Sabadell. His sudden death deeply affected the Barcelona squad, staff, and the broader football community.
Barcelona club president Joan Laporta informed the players and staff of Miñarro Garcia’s passing after they had arrived at the stadium. Laporta later shared an emotional tribute, describing Miñarro Garcia as a beloved figure who was always supportive and dedicated, never saying no to anyone, and being a great professional and doctor. The club issued a statement expressing their deep sadness and extending heartfelt condolences to his family and friends, though no specific cause of death was disclosed.
The postponement of the match was a joint decision supported by La Liga and Osasuna, with both clubs and the football community, including rivals like Real Madrid, offering messages of condolence and solidarity. Barcelona players, including Pedri, Gavi, and Ronald Araújo, also paid tribute to Miñarro Garcia, reflecting the significant impact he had on the team. The following day, on March 9, 2025, the team held a minute of silence in his memory before training. The rescheduling of the postponed match has yet to be announced.
