Salma Paralluelo: A Comeback Story Ahead of Euro 2025 Semifinals
As the anticipation builds for the Germany vs. Spain semifinal at the 2025 UEFA Women’s Euros, the focus shines brightly on one player whose resilience and determination have taken center stage: Salma Paralluelo. Her journey from injury to recovery not only exemplifies the challenges faced by elite athletes but also highlights the importance of prioritizing one’s health in the competitive world of sports.
The Decision to Prioritize Health
Upon returning from the Olympics last summer, Paralluelo recognized that something had to change. The 21-year-old winger had played consistently since she switched from a promising athletics career in 2022 to join FC Barcelona. However, her body was struggling to cope with the demands of high-level football.
“It’s hard to stop playing, but I had reached a point where I just had to accept it,” Paralluelo explained. “I saw that carrying on wasn’t going to do me any good. I wasn’t able to perform or enjoy myself on the pitch.”
This decision was not made lightly, given the emotional toll of watching her teammates compete without her. “It’s upsetting to see your teammates playing without you, but I knew it was what I had to do at that moment,” she added.
Taking a four-month hiatus from football allowed Paralluelo to recover fully, leading her to return to peak fitness just in time for Euro 2025—her second major tournament with the Spanish national team.
A Journey from Dual Sports to Football
The summer of 2022 marked a pivotal point in Paralluelo’s life when she was offered the chance to join Barcelona. Prior to this, she had been able to balance her commitments to both football and athletics while playing with Villarreal. However, the allure of Barcelona proved too strong.
Paralluelo’s early career had already garnered attention in Spanish women’s football, even before she played for a prestigious club like Barcelona. Her unique athletic physique, speed, and dribbling abilities set her apart as an exciting prospect, drawing interest from various teams.
Although she can play as a centre-forward or on the right wing, Paralluelo’s true prowess lies on the left flank. Her journey through the sport has already seen her collect accolades, such as being named the best young player at the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
Achievements and Setbacks
At the 2023 World Cup, the young star shone brightly. She scored a crucial goal in the quarter-finals against the Netherlands and contributed to Spain’s historic victory over England in the final, securing their first Women’s World Cup title. However, the following year brought disappointment. The team headed to the Olympic Games with high expectations but returned empty-handed after defeats against Brazil and Germany.
On a more personal level, Paralluelo faced physical challenges stemming from her past. While playing for Villarreal, she suffered a serious ACL injury in 2021. Though she eventually returned, this injury was accompanied by discomfort that steadily worsened during her time at Barcelona. “I could feel slight discomfort in my patella, but I didn’t pay much attention at the time,” she recalled. “By the Olympics, I reached a critical point.”
The Weight of Pain and the Wisdom of Recovery
Paralluelo’s path to recovery emphasized the need for athletes to listen to their bodies. “Playing through the pain only made it worse,” she said, acknowledging that her performance was impeded. “I couldn’t give my all because of the pain.” This compelled her to stop playing—a decision validated by support from her club, which allowed her the time to recover without pressure.
“They helped me realize that I was doing the right thing, that I would recover and have a better future,” she explained, embracing the importance of long-term health. Paralluelo learned that prioritizing herself was essential for sustained success in her sport.
Returning to training in mid-December marked a significant turning point; the pain she had endured for so long was no longer a factor. “I was training in so much pain before that I avoided certain movements. Now, I’m in much less pain and can focus on playing football,” she noted.
Adapting to Football’s Demands
Adjusting her training from athletics to full-time football was a gradual but necessary process. “I had to change my mindset,” she reflected. “I was coming from training football two days a week and bouncing between athletics, to training every day with a demanding team like Barcelona.”
Despite her young age, Paralluelo’s achievements are impressive. She has won every World Cup she has participated in and has collected multiple titles with Barcelona, including two Champions League trophies. Now, she aims to add the senior European Championship title to her accolades.
The Road Ahead: Euro 2025 Semifinals
As she prepares for the semifinal match against Germany, Paralluelo’s focus remains firmly on the present. “The job of all players is to be ready whenever it’s time to go into battle,” she stated, underlining her commitment to team success over individual aspirations. While she has only started once in the tournament so far, her speed and ability to penetrate defenses make her a valuable asset for Spain’s head coach, Montse Tome.
When asked about the potential of reaching the finals, she responded, “Not yet. First, Germany.” This level-headed approach reflects both her maturity and competitive spirit, qualities that have defined her journey thus far.
As the women’s football world keenly watches the upcoming match, Salma Paralluelo stands as a testament to the resilience of athletes, proving that the road to recovery can empower individuals to rise stronger, ready to achieve new heights in their sporting careers.
(Photo: Gerrit van Keulen/Getty Images)