Former AS Roma Player Carles Pérez Hospitalized After Dog Bite Incident

Thessaloniki, Greece – July 30, 2025

Carles Pérez, the 27-year-old Spanish footballer currently on loan at Aris Thessaloniki from Celta de Vigo, was hospitalized on Wednesday following a shocking incident in which a dog bit him in the genital area. The attack, which occurred in Thermi, Thessaloniki, has left Pérez in a serious but stable condition, raising concerns about a potentially lengthy recovery that could sideline him from the pitch.

The Incident

According to reports from Greek outlet Gazzetta Gr, Pérez was walking his dog in Thermi, where he resides, when another dog attacked his pet. In an attempt to separate the animals, Pérez was bitten, sustaining a deep wound to his genitals that required immediate medical attention. He was rushed to a local hospital, where he received six stitches and remains under observation. While some sources, including Marca and AS, report that Pérez has returned home and may not require surgery, others, such as eKathimerini and Ouest-France, describe his condition as serious, with potential surgery still under consideration.

Impact on Career

Pérez, a former FC Barcelona youth product who also played for AS Roma and Getafe, joined Aris Thessaloniki on loan in July 2025, aiming to revive his career in the Greek Super League. The timing of the injury is particularly unfortunate, as Pérez will miss Aris’ crucial UEFA Europa Conference League second qualifying round match against Araz Naxcivan on July 31, 2025, after playing the full 90 minutes in the first leg.

Medical experts have indicated that the injury could require a prolonged recovery period, potentially involving reconstructive surgery, which may delay his return to competitive football. Posts on X reflect the gravity of the situation, with users like @HellasFooty and @BarcaWorldwide noting Pérez’s “serious condition” and expressing hopes for a swift recovery.

Club and Community Response

Aris Thessaloniki confirmed the incident to multiple outlets, including Marca, and expressed full support for Pérez, with the club reportedly considering legal action against the owner of the attacking dog. The football community has rallied around Pérez, with posts on X, such as one from @Barca_Buzz, wishing him strength and a full recovery.

A Career at a Crossroads

Pérez’s move to Aris was seen as an opportunity to regain consistency after a challenging stint at Getafe, where he scored three goals in 27 matches last season. His career, which includes 13 appearances for Barcelona’s first team and a Europa Conference League title with Roma, has been marked by flashes of brilliance but also inconsistency. This incident, described by some as a potential “before and after” moment, could pose a significant setback.

As Pérez recovers, the football world awaits updates on his condition and the potential impact on his season with Aris. For now, the focus remains on his health, with fans and teammates hoping for a positive outcome in what has been a distressing and unexpected ordeal.

Note: Information is based on reports available as of July 30, 2025. Pérez’s condition and recovery timeline may evolve as new details emerge.