Alexia Putellas is set to lead Spain at the upcoming Euro 2025 in Switzerland, a stark contrast to her experience at the last European Championship. Three years ago, just before the start of Euro 2022, she suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), sidelining her for nearly a year and significantly impacting Spain's chances in the tournament. Now, the two-time Ballon d'Or winner declares herself "better than ever" and ready to guide her team to their first-ever title in the competition.
"I'm not going to lie, it's a competition that I had in my sights after the injury I suffered just before the start of the last Euro," Putellas said. "I've been preparing for this moment for a long time and I want to enjoy it".
Despite the emergence of other Spanish stars like Aitana Bonmatí, also a two-time Ballon d'Or winner, Putellas believes she has grown since her injury. "Without a doubt I'm a better Alexia," she stated. "I know myself a lot better, I know my qualities, I know what I have been working on. In the end, all the suffering makes you evolve as a person and as an athlete. I've learned to manage the bad moments a lot better, as well as the good moments".
At 31 years old, Putellas is coming off another outstanding season, playing a key role in Barcelona's domestic treble and their journey to the Champions League final. Her performance has once again placed her among the favorites for the world player of the year award. However, she remains grounded, stating, "The individual award is not something too important for me," but acknowledging that it would reflect a successful season and highlight the effort she has put in since recovering from her injury.
Spain enters Euro 2025 as one of the favorites, having won the 2023 FIFA World Cup and the 2024 UEFA Women's Nations League. Putellas, however, cautions against complacency. "It's a mistake to assume we're already in the final," she said, emphasizing the strength of the other teams in the competition. She is particularly focused on the group stage, where Spain will face Portugal, Belgium, and Italy, recognizing the challenges each opponent presents.
Putellas also spoke about her role as a potential role model for her younger teammates. "It's not a responsibility," she said. "After all, I'm just another of the players, obviously, even though I've played I don't know how many games. That's sort of a separate thing. At the end of the day, I love my job, I love being here, I love playing matches. Obviously, I love playing in the EURO. So I just try to give everything I can to the team and help the team get closer to winning every match and, God willing, reach the final".
Looking ahead to Spain's opening match against Portugal, Putellas expressed her excitement and confidence. "Well, I hope it goes well and that it sets a positive trend, but even if it doesn't, there will still be two matches to go. So it's good to keep a cool head," she said. "The first match is always difficult for everyone, for all the teams. but I'm confident that we'll do well. I'm really looking forward to it; obviously there's not much time left before we start. I've been waiting for this moment for a long time; I'm really excited. I've worked really hard to be here again". With her injury behind her and a wealth of experience, Alexia Putellas is poised to make a significant impact at Euro 2025, leading Spain in their quest for their first European title.
