Overcoming Adversity

Esther Morgan's story is one of resilience and determination. The 22-year-old defender, who has been plagued by injuries over the past three years, recently made a triumphant return to the field for Wales at Euro 2025. Despite suffering a severe quad injury in March 2022 and later rupturing three ankle ligaments, Morgan has fought her way back to international football.

A Journey of Recovery

Morgan's journey has been anything but easy. After her initial injury, she underwent surgery and spent nearly a year on the sidelines. Just as she was making her comeback, she suffered another devastating injury, requiring two more surgeries and another year of recovery. Reflecting on her struggles, Morgan admitted to considering retirement.

"Six months ago, if you'd asked me if I was going to be here, I'd probably say no," she told BBC Sport Wales. "I'd probably say at the end of the season, I'm going to just probably give it up."

Euro 2025: A Dream Come True

Despite the odds, Morgan not only returned to the pitch but also started both of Wales' group D matches against the Netherlands and France. Her presence at Euro 2025 is a testament to her hard work and the support of her teammates and coaches.

"Being here has been amazing, to be fair," she said. "I think I'm really grateful to have even made it on the plane. There was a long time that it was just something that I was trying to focus on in my rehab."

Inspiration from Teammates

Morgan credits her teammates, including Sophie Ingle and Jess Fishlock, for inspiring her during her recovery. Their own experiences with serious injuries provided her with the motivation to keep pushing forward.

"It's just framed the whole thing for me that I'm so lucky to have the job that I do and I'm so grateful to be able to run, kick a ball and be with this amazing group of people," she said.

A Full Circle Moment

For Morgan, starting in both matches at Euro 2025 was a surreal experience. She described it as a "full circle moment," especially with her family in attendance to witness her triumph.

"My parents came to the France game and my mum and dad were saying that they were crying the whole time," she added. "They went out for a meal and they were both just sat there in floods of tears."

Looking Ahead

Morgan's journey is far from over. With her resilience and determination, she continues to inspire both her teammates and fans alike. Her story is a powerful reminder of the strength and perseverance required to succeed in professional sports.