Catarina Macario made everyone proud after USWNT‘s striking win against Colombia on Friday. ‘A weight off my shoulders,’ she said—and we can feel it. After all, it was the result of a three-year-long setback from her profession! And the goal? It wasn’t just for the score or the win, but for a spark in her unwavering belief during her recovery. Macario sustained a knee injury while she was playing for Lyon in a French league.

It was during the final day of the 2021-2022 season when the mishap occurred. She tore her ACL while planning for a shot, but couldn’t implement it. The injury sidelined her for 641 days, while Macario got concerned over her return to top-level football. “Sometimes I almost got too much in my own head to the point that I wouldn’t be able to perform, but I feel like now, since the injury, I’m just grateful to be on the pitch and just to have legs,” she said. So, scoring for her home team in the SheBelieves Cup was another moment that resonated her joy of simply being hale and healthy.

To reflect on the significance of the moment, Macario wrote a heartfelt note. As the United States Women’s National Team claimed its victory against Colombia with a score of 2-0, Macario couldn’t wait to express her emotions through an Instagram post. She posted two pictures of herself on the field—one that demonstrated her personal win and another where she hugged her teammates, implying how her performance led to USWNT’s overall win! Not only this, the most heartwarming part of the post lies in its caption. “Scoring for my country yesterday wasn’t just a goal; it was the culmination of every struggle, every sacrifice, and every ounce of determination. 

In an interview with the International Olympic Committee, Macario mentioned the unwavering support she received from Chelsea’s medical team. She said they reminded her every time about the comeback, when things felt odd. And when the comeback was real, it proved to be a testament of her belief and determination and gratification for all those who rooted for her. “This is for all the times I almost gave up. Nothing beats this feeling. God is good 🙏🏾” her caption described.

While fans were impressed to see the Chelsea star finally back to her best spirits, for Macario, this is as good as a do-over. She said, “Through the injuries, the heartbreak, and the countless setbacks, I’ve learned to rise again.” Amidst all the praises and glory, here’s what the head coach, Emma Hayes, has to say for her new rise

Catarina Macario’s return builds new bond! 

Hayes called Macario’s achievement the greatest pride for the USWNT as she celebrated the victory against Colombia. Throwing back to the time, Hayes and Macario had a close connection when they worked together at Chelsea. The head coach has seen her come out of the struggle she faced with her intense injury. “The first time in the half that we attacked the box quickly, she was in the right place at the right time,” Hayes said while talking about the goal she scored for the team after close to three years.

But, wait, Hayes had another big thing reveal after the match. Ally Sentnor scored the first goal for the US, and while both Sentnor and Macario did splendid work for the team, Hayes observed that the two forwards haven’t had much time together on the pitch. This could be crucial for the upcoming matches for USWNT, as they both would need to build a strong rapport and understand each other’s playing strengths.

After all, overcoming injury and being almost disconnected from the team for three years, it is important for Macario to be patient and to build trust for on-field camaraderie and team cohesion. Perhaps then it would make more sense to focus on what Macario said about rising up again from the ashes. We are certainly rooting for Macario, the taste of success after weathering trials and tribulations is a lot satisfying than the ones with no struggle.