The world paused when Alexia Putellas tore the anterior cruciate ligament in her knee on July 5 last year. It felt like a collective ache that touched everyone who loves the sport. More than anything, it hit him hard. The moment he learned the severity of the injury, his first reaction was simple and honest: he had never gone more than five days without touching a ball, training, or competing. That daily rhythm had defined him for years, and the news carved out a sudden, painful void. What followed was a long and arduous road to recovery that is still being traveled today.
Relating to
- permission to dream
- Spain in the semi-finals of the World Cup
- The third extension was the charm
Remember when he said he would find peace only if he did not return? Not a chance. A trusted physiotherapist, Adrian Martinez, captured the moment in the documentary Alexia: Labor Omnia Vincit. He has come back with a fierce resolve: abolish the League, the Champions League, and strive for the World Cup. But the journey requires time.
a long process
He returned earlier than many of his teammates, signaling both his strength and the careful pace of his comeback. Bruna Vilamala, Jana Fernández, and Cata Coll had faced the same challenge months before him. He was ready to play, to feel the rush again, but the path demanded a careful rebuild of emotions, confidence, and identity as a footballer.
No one recovers from such an injury with instant dominance or complete swagger. The story echoes with Ada Hegerberg, Megan Rapinoe, and others who have walked the same road. When at his best, he stood at the peak of his career; when sidelined, everything paused. He had to relearn fundamental motions—walking, running, shooting—and the team gradually moved through seven months without touching the ball and eight months without full training. Throughout, though the spotlight had always found him, the media, sponsors, and the club pressed for news about a double Ballon d’Or winner who could not stay away from the field for long.
out of the spotlight
This World Cup serves as a case in point. Footage might flash across screens, yet he has kept silent on the record and avoided speaking at press conferences or after matches. The choice speaks to a growing awareness of the moment and a preference for a subtler public presence after thirteen months since the injury. He embraces the new role, respects the balance of the team, and lends his support where it is needed.
Within the locker room, he remains a leader, even if his public demeanor is more restrained. Teammates describe him as adored and admired, always offering kind words and guidance when needed. He has endured a costly injury, yet his talent remains as potent as ever. A close colleague notes that the Ballon d’Or level is not lost; patience is the path back. Irene Paredes adds that the return is not about rushing to a peak but allowing the body and confidence to align again.
GRADUALLY
Time becomes the ally. The focus shifts to rebuilding automatisms, syncing with friends on the field, and discovering ways to contribute without forcing the high gear that has not yet returned. The goal is to gain strength and familiarity in all the movements that define his game, to feel secure in every touch and decision, and to keep a steady pace toward full readiness.
Along the way, he learns to play a more complementary role to the one he cultivated before the injury, balancing leadership with humility. He is fortunate to count on teammates who understand both the club and the national team, and there is no pressure to do everything alone. The support system is a steady force as he rebuilds his rhythm and trust in his own abilities.
AND I WANT MORE
Step by step, the aim is to reclaim a space on the field and in the decisive moments. He has grown accustomed to stepping into crucial moments and guiding the team through tense stretches. It feels like a turning point is approaching, with signs that the body and mind are aligned for a strong return. He feels well, healed, and ready to contribute at a high level.
Evidence came in the last match against the Netherlands. His presence alone steadied the group, restoring order after a tense period. The captain’s influence was evident in the calm they showed, the strategic passes that opened lines, and the sense that the team could rely on him to navigate pressure. He offered guidance and confidence with discreet, precise decisions that only he could make. That sense of certainty felt like the missing piece finally finding its place.