Dr. Carles Miñarro García: The Visionary Who Transformed Sports Medicine at FC Barcelona

Dr. Carles Miñarro García: The Visionary Who Transformed Sports Medicine at FC Barcelona

Some individuals leave a legacy that extends far beyond their profession. Dr. Carles Miñarro García was one of them.

His sudden passing on March 8, 2025, just hours before FC Barcelona’s scheduled La Liga match against Osasuna, sent shockwaves through the football world. The game was postponed, and an entire club was left mourning a man who had quietly revolutionized the way players prepared, recovered, and performed.

But Miñarro wasn’t just Barcelona’s first-team doctor—he was a pioneer in sports medicine, seamlessly integrating technology, research, and holistic care to redefine athlete health and injury prevention. While his time with the first team was brief, his contributions were groundbreaking.

This is his story.

A Proactive Approach to Injury Prevention

At a club like FC Barcelona, where injuries have often disrupted seasons, Miñarro’s approach was transformational. He didn’t just treat injuries—he focused on preventing them before they happened.

• He played a crucial role in specialized pre-season training programs, designed to prepare players for the long, grueling season ahead.

• He implemented advanced recovery protocols, incorporating cutting-edge therapies to minimize fatigue and overuse injuries.

This data-driven, preventive strategy meant fewer injuries, better player availability, and optimized performance—critical factors for a club competing at the highest level.

Pioneering the Use of AI & Predictive Medicine

Miñarro wasn’t just a medical expert—he was an innovator who embraced sports science and technology.

• He collaborated with data scientists and AI specialists to develop predictive models for injuries, using machine learning to analyze patterns and anticipate risks before they became major issues.

• He played a key role in external and internal workload monitoring, ensuring players weren’t overtrained while maintaining peak fitness.

His integration of AI and injury prevention represented a paradigm shift in sports medicine—one that will likely shape the field for years to come.

A Holistic Approach to Athlete Well-Being

Miñarro understood that football isn’t just about the body—it’s about the mind, nutrition, and overall health.

• He integrated physiotherapy, nutrition, and supplementation into Barcelona’s medical framework, ensuring players had personalized recovery plans.

• He emphasized mental health and psychology, recognizing that stress and fatigue weren’t just physical but also psychological.

• His multi-disciplinary approach combined traditional medical practices with modern sports science, creating a comprehensive system that optimized player health and longevity.

By focusing on long-term player well-being, Miñarro helped Barcelona’s athletes perform at their highest level, season after season.

Advancing Research & Knowledge Sharing

Beyond his work with the first team, Miñarro was deeply involved in sports medicine research and education.

• He contributed to 29 ongoing research projects at FC Barcelona, focusing on muscle injuries, tendon health, imaging, nutrition, and performance monitoring.

• He played an essential role in the Barça Innovation Hub, helping to share knowledge globally through master’s programs and international medical publications.

His contributions weren’t just for Barcelona—they were for the future of sports medicine worldwide.

Personalized Player Treatment: A Game-Changer

One of Miñarro’s most forward-thinking innovations was his shift toward personalized treatment plans.

• He contributed to the development of custom hydration and recovery protocols, based on each player’s metabolic profile and sweat rate—a major leap forward in performance optimization.

• He moved Barcelona’s medical approach away from generic treatments, instead prioritizing individualized care tailored to each athlete’s unique physiology.

This level of precision medicine is the future of sports health management, ensuring that players receive the exact support their bodies need to recover, perform, and excel.

A Lasting Legacy

Miñarro’s tragic passing left a deep void at FC Barcelona, but his influence won’t be forgotten.

• His contributions transformed how injuries are prevented, treated, and managed.

• He pioneered AI-driven sports medicine, ensuring Barcelona was at the cutting edge of player care.

• He left behind a culture of innovation, research, and holistic medical care that will benefit athletes for years to come.

The outpouring of tributes from players, coaches, and even rival clubs reflected the depth of his impact. Barcelona, a club that has honored figures like Tito Vilanova, will undoubtedly find a way to commemorate Miñarro’s contributions.

Dr. Carles Miñarro García wasn’t just a doctor—he was a visionary.

His work changed the game. And that’s a legacy that will live on forever.

Rest in peace, Doc.