On March 8, 2025, the match between FC Barcelona and CA Osasuna, scheduled for 21:00 at the Olympic Stadium of Montjuic, was abruptly postponed due to the tragic death of Carles Minarro Garcia, the club's first team doctor. This shocking event occurred less than one hour before kickoff, prompting urgent measures from both the club and the league.
Carles Minarro Garcia, who was just 40 years old, passed away during the afternoon after having shared lunch with the team's players and staff at the FC Barcelona hotel. Reports indicate the doctor had died during a nap, leaving his colleagues and the players shocked by the devastating news. Joan Laporta, president of FC Barcelona, personally broke the news to the team members in the locker room, which caused overwhelming grief among the players.
"The match today will not take place due to force majeure, namely, the death of a member of the medical team of FC Barcelona," announced broadcaster DAZN before the originally scheduled game. It was clear the atmosphere was heavy, filled with sorrow over the loss of someone who had become integral to the team. The announcement of Minarro's death was made shortly before the game was set to begin, sparking immediate discussions among league officials, who decided to postpone the match.
Minarro joined FC Barcelona's medical team back in 2017, initially serving the futsal team before being promoted to the first team this season. His contribution to the club extended beyond the technical; he had developed close relationships with the players, establishing trust and rapport, which made the loss even more impactful.
FC Barcelona's official statement expressed deep sorrow: "The FC Barcelona is deeply saddened to announce the death of first-team doctor Carles Minarro Garcia on the evening of March 8. For this reason, the match between Barça and Osasuna has been postponed to a later date. The club's board and all staff wish to express their warmest condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time." This heartfelt message was accompanied by another display to be shown on the stadium screens, confirming the sad news and the match's postponed status.
Luis Sabalza, president of Osasuna, expressed his respect for the decision to postpone the match. He remarked, "We understand life is the most important thing and you cannot play a match with the thought of someone who has shared so much with you no longer being there." This sentiment echoed among everyone associated with the sport, as the loss cut deep within the community.
Pedri, one of Barcelona's midfielders, reflected the team's sorrow by stating, "I can't still believe it; I send my best to Carles' family and friends." His emotional tribute on social media was shared by teammates who also paid homage to the deceased doctor, indicating how deeply he was cherished within the squad. Gavi added, “You will always be in our hearts,” showcasing the affection players held for Minarro.
The impact of such incidents can often raise conversations around the principles of empathy and the humane aspect of sports. The entire football community—including rivals like Real Madrid—extended their condolences. They communicated their deep regrets and expressed support for the Barcelona family, emphasizing solidarity during tragic times.
Following the announcement, La Liga released its own statement reinforcing the sympathies expressed by FC Barcelona and urging for the scheduling of the match to be adjusted. The league confirmed: "A new date and time for the match will be announced soon." This cooperation among teams highlights not just the competitive spirit of the sport but the inherent camaraderie when mourning collaborators within the sports fraternity.
Moving forward, it remains to be seen how both FC Barcelona and the league will adjust their schedules around this unfortunate event. The focus, though, has shifted to honoring the legacy of Carles Minarro Garcia, whose contributions to the club will be remembered beyond the gridiron. He was loved not just for his role as a physician but as someone who consistently engaged with the team, contributing to their well-being and morale.
This poignant episode is another stark reminder of the fragility of life and how sporting events, often seen as mere entertainment, can grapple with personal tragedies affecting individuals and communities connected by the beautiful game.