Peter Gulacsi ruled out of Villarreal vs Napoli after armed robbery at his home
Villarreal goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi will not play tonight against Napoli at La Ceramica. The Hungarian was the victim of an armed robbery at his home while he was with his family, and the emotional impact rules him out of the Champions League match. No family member was injured.

Peter Gulacsi will not be on the pitch at La Ceramica tonight. The Villarreal goalkeeper has been ruled out of the Champions League clash against Napoli after suffering an armed robbery at his home in the early hours of the morning, with him and his family inside the house. The emotional impact of the incident leaves the Hungarian shot-stopper out of a top-level European fixture.
- Peter Gulacsi was the victim of an armed robbery at his home in the early hours.
- The goalkeeper was inside with his wife and two young children.
- No member of the family was injured during the break-in.
- Villarreal confirmed the emotional impact rules him out of the match against Napoli.
- Similar incidents have affected other footballers living in the area in recent years.
Armed robbery at home leaves Gulacsi out of the Champions League
Villarreal confirmed that the goalkeeper was assaulted in his house while he was with his family. The episode took place in the early hours and, according to the club, nobody inside the property suffered physical harm. Even so, the shock has had a direct impact on the player's availability for the European match.
Gulacsi joined Villarreal this summer and lives with his wife and two young children. That context helps explain the emotional toll the family is going through and why the club decided not to push for his involvement in a demanding night against the Italian side.
What Villarreal are playing for against Napoli at La Ceramica
Tonight's fixture is a high-stakes European tie for the Castellon-based club. Hosting Napoli at La Ceramica is a major test of their chances to progress in the Champions League, a competition in which home performances can make all the difference ahead of the return leg in Italy.
Gulacsi's absence forces the coaching staff to adjust their plan in goal. With the Hungarian unavailable for emotional reasons, Villarreal will field a different option between the posts in a match that demands maximum defensive focus against one of the most dynamic attacks in Italian football.
A history of robberies targeting footballers in the Valencian Community
Gulacsi's case is not an isolated one in the region. In previous seasons, other Villarreal players went through similar situations. Toko Ekambi and Zambo Anguissa were victims of comparable episodes while wearing the yellow shirt, putting the spotlight back on the safety of footballers living in the province of Castellon.
Valencia have also experienced a series of incidents of this kind in recent years. Garay, Gabriel Paulista and Kondogbia all reported robberies at their homes during their time at Mestalla. The repeated nature of these cases highlights a worrying pattern that disrupts both the professional and personal lives of the players involved.
How Gulacsi's absence affects the Villarreal lineup
Gulacsi arrived this summer to strengthen a goalkeeping position with elite demands in La Liga and Europe. His absence forces a reshuffle in a sensitive part of the team, especially in a fixture where defensive solidity is a priority against Napoli's quick transitions. The manager will have to decide who takes over in goal and how to adjust the build-up play without the Hungarian.
The club's immediate priority, however, has not been sporting. Villarreal have focused on supporting the goalkeeper and his family after an ordeal that goes far beyond football. Gulacsi's return to training will depend on his emotional recovery and the peace of mind he can regain alongside his loved ones.
Footballer safety remains an open debate at the top level
Robberies at the homes of professional footballers are no longer an exception in Spanish football. Their visible wealth, predictable match schedules and media exposure make players attractive targets for criminals. Gulacsi's case reopens a conversation that involves clubs, police forces and player representatives alike.
Meanwhile, Villarreal must block out the noise and focus on a demanding European night. The squad will have to cope with the natural concern for what their teammate went through and channel that energy into a competitive response worthy of the occasion at La Ceramica.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Peter Gulacsi not playing in Villarreal vs Napoli?
The Hungarian goalkeeper has been ruled out due to the emotional impact of an armed robbery at his home in the early hours of the morning. He was in the house with his family when the incident took place, and although nobody was injured, he is not in the right condition to play the match.
Who was with Peter Gulacsi during the robbery?
The goalkeeper was at home with his wife and two young children. The club confirmed that, fortunately, no member of the family suffered physical injuries during the break-in.
Which other footballers have suffered robberies in the Valencian Community?
At Villarreal, players such as Toko Ekambi and Zambo Anguissa experienced similar incidents in previous seasons. At Valencia, footballers including Garay, Gabriel Paulista and Kondogbia also reported robberies at their homes during their time at Mestalla.