Inspirational journeys: How players overcame challenges to reach the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup
From cancer treatments to car accidents and ACL injuries, here is a glimpse into some of the incredible stories behind the players participating at the upcoming Women's World Cup.
Football
We are just days away from football’s biggest stars representing their nations at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
While some have had relatively smooth journeys to reach this point, there are players who have overcome tremendous challenges to be able to represent their nation on the world stage.
Ahead of the tournament, we took a look at a handful of athlete stories that show real strength and determination to reach the World Cup.
Here are five players who, against the odds, will play for their nation’s squads at Australia & New Zealand 2023 in the coming weeks.
CALI, COLOMBIA - JUNE 21: Linda Caicedo of Colombia runs with ball during a friendly match between Colombia and Panama at Estadio Pascual Guerrero on June 21, 2023 in Cali, Colombia. (Photo by Gabriel Aponte/Getty Images)
Linda Caicedo, Colombia
Colombia starlet Linda Caicedo is no doubt one to watch coming into the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
After making her professional debut at 14, it was clear that Caicedo was destined to go to the very top. At 15, however, her promising world was turned upside down when she was diagnosed with cancer.
“At the time, I didn’t think I could play professionally again because of all the treatments and surgeries I had to go through,” she told FIFA.
Following her recovery, the youngster bounced back and was soon on the radar of plenty of Europe’s elite, before making a move to Real Madrid.
She goes into the World Cup as one of the youngest stars on show, having already represented her homeland at the U17 and U20 World Cup, before winning the Golden Ball at the Copa America.
FUERTH, GERMANY - JULY 07: Barbra Banda of Sambia looks on prior to the Women's international friendly between Germany and Zambia at Sportpark Ronhof Thomas Sommer on July 07, 2023 in Fuerth, Germany. (Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Getty Images)
Barbra Banda, Zambia
In the last few years, Barbra Banda has experienced the highest of highs and lowest of lows when it comes to football.
At Tokyo 2020, the prolific striker made history when she became the first woman to score back-to-back hat-tricks at an Olympic Games. But a year later, the Confederation of African Football ruled Banda and three of her Zambian teammates ineligible to compete at a World Cup qualifying tournament and the Africa Cup of Nations.
Banda eventually returned to national team action to lead Zambia to a victory in the 2022 COSAFA Women’s Cup, scoring 10 goals in the process, before being named to the squad for Australia & New Zealand 2023.
She was involved in the team's warm-up game against Germany, netting twice in a shock 3-2 win over the European finalists.
NAPIER, NEW ZEALAND - JULY 10: Rebekah Stott of the New Zealand Football Ferns in action during the International Friendly match between New Zealand Football Ferns and Vietnam at McLean Park on July 10, 2023 in Napier, New Zealand. (Photo by Kerry Marshall/Getty Images)
Rebekah Stott, New Zealand
In 2021, Kiwi defender Rebekah Stott was facing the unthinkable when she was diagnosed with cancer.
She returned to the sport she loves 135 days after hearing that she was in remission.
“Some of my toughest days came post-treatment but so did some of my best," Stott wrote on Instagram. "There were times that I thought I could never play 90 minutes of football again and the daily struggles with my body still continue, but I feel as though I’m back on track and returning to my old self.”
In early 2022, Stott earned a call-up to the New Zealand squad and will now represent her homeland at the World Cup. This milestone is made even more special by the fact that it will be played on home soil, where Stott's family and friends can watch her complete the comeback on the biggest stage of all.
TALLAGHT, IRELAND - JULY 6: Sinead Farrelly of Republic of Ireland and Selma Bacha of France battle for the ball during the international women's football friendly match between Republic of Ireland and France at Tallaght Stadium on July 6, 2023 in Tallaght, Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)
Sinead Farrelly, Republic of Ireland
In 2016, Sinead Farrelly retired from professional football after a car accident the year before left her unable to continue playing the sport.
In less than a week’s time, she is set to represent the Republic of Ireland at their maiden Women’s World Cup to mark one of the sport’s most incredible comebacks.
Earlier this year, after spending the majority of her career playing in the NWSL, she returned to America’s top division, signing a one-year deal with NJ/NY Gotham. A week after her return, Vera Pauw called Farrelly up to the national squad and she quickly became an integral part of the set-up, making her an irreplaceable figure for the upcoming World Cup.
It is one thing to return after eight years, but to return and then help your team make history is a whole other thing and Farrally’s story will no doubt inspire many into realising that it is never too late to pursue or, in this case, continue with your dreams.
AVILES, SPAIN - JUNE 29: Alexia Putellas of Spain looks on during the international friendly match between Spain Women and Panama Women at Estadio Roman Suarez Puerta on June 29, 2023 in Aviles, Spain. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
Alexia Putellas, Spain
Nowadays Alexia Putellas is a household name. The Spanish midfielder is often earmarked as the best player in the world – and the awards back that up, having won back-to-back Ballon d’Or titles following formidable seasons with FC Barcelona, the club she captains.
When Putellas tore her ACL** on the eve of the 2022 European Championship**, it rocked media and fans alike.
Recovering from this knee injury requires a lot of strength and determination, as well as time. Putellas returned to action at the back end of last season to help spur Barça on towards a league and UCL title, before being named to the Spainish squad set to travel to Australia & New Zealand 2023.
From heartbreak at one major tournament to a return in the next is not easy - Catarina Macario tore her ACL at the end of the 2021/2022 season, but did not feel ready to return and play for the United States in time for the World Cup. Putellas’ swift return to action is extraordinary.