As Spain’s win against Sweden secures their place in the FIFA Women’s World Cup final, La Roja’s darling Alexia continues her brave struggle to be fighting fit. Here she speaks exclusively to GMT GCC about injury, healing and what keeps her going.
As the reigning women’s Ballon d’Or winner – twice in a row – Alexia Putellas is undoubtedly one of the very best female football players in the world, and perhaps the best of all time. And as part of the mighty La Roja, now officially in the world’s top two after reaching the FIFA Women’s World Cup final, she’s helped to form part of an almost unstoppable force combining experienced veterans with sparky up-and-comers.
But the road hasn’t been smooth for Alexia or for the Spanish team in general – just last year 15 players staged a revolt against head coach Jorge Vilda, while Alexia suffered a devastating ACL injury in July 2022 that put her out of action for the better part of a year. Having started the past two Spain matches on the bench, questions have arisen about whether the team’s golden girl is really fully match fit.
“We are very happy with the level Alexia has reached,” Vilda commented to reporters last Monday. “Since the first day of training we have noticed this. It is true that she is in the process of a recovery of nine or 10 months. We’ve adapted… And Alexia is ready for everything.”
Over the course of her career Alexia, FC Barcelona captain in her club career and a glamorous Hublot brand ambassador off the pitch, has cut an awe-inspiring figure for many young players both male and female. So while she may not yet have achieved a full comeback from her injury, her presence and skill will surely serve as a talisman while Spain’s dreams of their first World Cup win are still within reach.
GMT GCC: The excitement is building – how are you feeling? Excited? Nervous? Or a bit of both?
Alexia: I am very excited to be able to play in the World Cup. After this last year, which has been complicated because of the injury, to play in the World Cup again has made me very excited. Playing with the national team in such an important competition is so special, especially when you have been waiting for four years.
Your journey to this World Cup has been long, with injury taking you out of the 2022 Euro. How are you feeling about your fitness and condition right now?
I feel very well. It has been a very long injury, but luckily I have been in the hands of professionals who have been able to treat the injury and rehabilitation very well and have made it so that today I am physically very well again. Now the goal is to continue training to be physically better than before the injury.
You’ll be providing inspiration for plenty of young footballers by representing your country at the highest level – what do you have to say to the young players, both in Spain and the world over, who are watching you?
As I said before, it is an honour to represent your country in such important competitions. To the young girls I would say what I always say: enjoy soccer. Whether you’re playing or watching it, the important thing is to enjoy it and practice it. With hard work, effort and passion, you can go far.
It’s important that women’s football is taken seriously, both for current players and future generations, and FIFA says it is making women’s football a priority. How does it feel to have this level of support from the world’s biggest football organisation? Or do you think there’s still more to be done?
Yes, women’s soccer is experiencing a very good moment of growth. In recent years, women’s soccer has had much more visibility. For example, last year’s European Championship achieved a record audience of almost 400 million viewers, and almost 50 million for the final alone. We are in a good moment, but it is true that there is still a long way to go.
Hublot have been with you every step of the way since you first partnered with the brand as an ambassador in 2021. What timepieces will you be bringing along with you to the World Cup?
Hublot has been with me for almost two years and goes with me everywhere. The watch I will wear for this World Cup is the one that always accompanies me, the Hublot Big Bang One Click King Gold Diamonds.
The final will take place in Sydney. Have you visited Australia and New Zealand before? Are you managing to experience the destinations, or has your focus been strictly on the matches?
I have never been to Australia or New Zealand before, and I’m eager to get to know these destinations. But at the moment we only have one goal, in which we are all super conscious and prepared, which is to train, play the game and give our best. On another occasion, whenever I can, I will visit again to get to know these two countries in depth.
