Ricky Rubio was just 14 when he made his ACB debut with Joventut. A child prodigy marked for stardom, he spent nearly two decades among basketball’s elite teams and twelve NBA seasons before stepping away to focus on his mental health. He shifted attention to the Spanish national team ahead of the World Cup, and this week the playmaker, now 33 and back on the European stage after leaving the United States, affirmed that he is nearing the final phase of his recovery and will begin training with Barça.
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Ricky Rubio will begin training with Barça after healing from mental health challenges
He will return to handling the ball, but for now the pace will be measured and free of competitive pressure. A sports psychologist explains that an athlete returning after mental health struggles should move slowly and with intention. Without acknowledging the commitment to competition, the process becomes easier to manage. The goal is to reconnect with the sport and rebuild confidence gradually, letting trust in one’s abilities grow over time.
“Just because someone can train does not mean they can compete,” says Xesco Espar, a former FC Barcelona handball coach and high performance expert. “Training must be gradual, with competition found in practice. When the person feels ready, they can compete.” The approach helps athletes face new challenges with confidence and safety, drawing on moments of past success to reinforce self-belief, according to sports psychologist María Cabrera.
Recovering athletic status
Ricky described a dark period when he left the NBA, sharing that his mind wandered to a difficult place. He emphasized that mental health issues require stepping back from competing, much like injuries are managed off the court. Returning to training is viewed as a crucial step in full recovery, and it carries a meaningful impact beyond physical readiness.
Clarity of motivation matters most in a comeback. The driving desire to feel good and a clear understanding of the reasons for returning shape the path ahead. The transition from training to competition holds deeper meaning because it involves adapting to practice and game situations under mental pressure. These factors influence how effectively an athlete can reengage with performance.
Former Barça player Álex Abrines noted that personal struggles can linger even when on the verge of a comeback. He spoke candidly about experiencing depression that forced him off the court in the NBA, a reminder that the sport can test mental resilience. Other athletes who have faced mental health challenges include gymnasts, tennis players, swimmers, and footballers who have spoken publicly about their journeys and the relief that comes with seeking help.
Simone Biles is among athletes who prioritized mental health while still achieving excellence, a reminder that peaks and personal well-being can coexist. The public discussion around mental health in sports continues to evolve toward honesty and support.
Simone Biles, EFE
There has long been a hesitation to address mental health in sports, but the stigma is shrinking. Greater openness has contributed to a cultural shift that allows athletes to acknowledge and manage mental health concerns without fear. Experts note that while nations differ in how they discuss these issues, the trend toward transparency is growing across disciplines and leagues.
In Spain, mental health awareness is improving. The World Health Organization notes that a significant portion of the population may experience mental health challenges at some point. Elite athletes face immense pressure, and the mental demands of top performance can become overwhelming, sometimes prompting a retreat from competition. It is important to recognize that athletes are human beings who deserve support when mental health concerns arise, rather than viewing them as invincible figures immune to stress.
One day, Rubio hopes to share his full experience to help others. The wound remains painful, yet it is beginning to heal, and the path forward includes continuing to dribble and train with purpose.