Former Barcelona Star Carles Perez Hospitalised After Bizarre Dog Attack to Genitals

Former Barcelona prospect Carles Perez has been hospitalised in Greece after suffering severe injuries to his genitals during a dog attack on Tuesday, July 29, 2025. The 27-year-old midfielder, currently on loan at Greek club Aris Thessaloniki from Celta Vigo, was reportedly attempting to separate his own dog from another when the bizarre and unfortunate incident occurred.

Perez was walking his pet in Thermi, a suburb of Thessaloniki, when an altercation broke out between his dog and another. In his attempt to intervene and protect his animal, the Spanish international became the victim, sustaining a deep gash to his genital area. He was rushed to a private hospital in Panorama, where he received six stitches for the wound.

While initial reports had suggested a critical condition, doctors have since clarified that Perez’s injury is not life-threatening and immediate surgical intervention has been ruled out. He has since returned home and will remain under close medical observation.

The incident is a significant blow to Aris Thessaloniki, as Perez had only joined the club three weeks prior and was expected to be a key player. Aris FC confirmed the injury, describing it as a “soft tissue infection” resulting from the bite. Aris manager Marinos Ouzounidis confirmed that Perez was set to start their UEFA Europa Conference League qualifier against Araz-Naxçıvan PFK, which he will now miss.

“Carles would have been in the starting line-up. This incident happened but we can’t dwell on it any longer,” Ouzounidis stated, emphasizing the need for the team to find alternative solutions.

Perez, who spent eight years in Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy and made 13 first-team appearances between 2012 and 2020, has also played for top European clubs including AS Roma and Getafe. His return to the pitch remains uncertain as he focuses on recovery from this highly unusual injury. Aris Thessaloniki has reportedly indicated it will explore legal action against the owner of the dog involved in the attack.