Mayzee Davies has turned one of the most painful chapters of her career into fuel. The Manchester City and Wales defender, still only 20, spent 13 months on the sidelines after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury on international duty in May 2025 — ruling her out of Wales' historic first appearance at a major tournament at Euro 2025. Now, with a World Cup play-off semi-final against Albania on the horizon, she is absolutely clear about what drives her.

"It was so hard," Davies said. "I'd just broken through into the team and I was 18 going to my first major tournament. It was horrible, and I think everyone close to me felt it."

The injury forced her to watch from afar as Wales made history — a moment that should have been a defining experience for a teenager who had earned her place in the squad. Instead, she faced surgery, a sofa, and a long road back. "I was literally stuck on the sofa, I couldn't do anything on my own," she recalled. "I was like, how am I ever going to be a footballer again at this stage?"

That she is now fit and available for the Albania tie is a tribute to her resilience and the support network around her. She returned to action for Wales' final two group qualifiers in June against Montenegro and Czech Republic, and has every intention of being part of whatever comes next.

Albania first, Brazil the dream

Wales face Albania in Shkodër on Friday 10 October, with kick-off at 17:00 BST, in the first leg of their World Cup qualifying play-off semi-final. The second leg follows four days later in Llanelli. Head coach Rhian Wilkinson's side sit 37 places above Albania in the FIFA world rankings, and Davies is under no illusions — this is a must-win tie, not a formality.

"Obviously we always respect every opponent we come up against," Davies said, echoing her head coach's message. "But this is a must-win game and we can't dwell on who's not here. We have to work with who's here now and everyone has their role — we've just got to get the job done."

The injuries to experienced players including Ceri Holland and Hayley Ladd have given younger members of the squad a chance to step up. Davies herself is one of those players — and she appears ready to embrace the responsibility rather than shrink from it.

World Cup would be 'extra special'

A win across two legs would set up a play-off final against either Romania or Norway, with the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil the ultimate prize. For Davies, the prospect carries a very personal weight.

"I want to get to the World Cup because obviously I missed out last time, so I want to feel what it's like to go to a major tournament with Wales," she said. "To play in a World Cup for Wales — obviously in Brazil — it would be amazing. Not just for me and my family, coming off the back of the injury as well, I think it would make it extra special if we got there."

There is something genuinely compelling about Davies' story. She is young enough that missing Euro 2025 could have defined her early career in a negative way. Instead, she has chosen to let it define her in a different sense — as a player with something still to prove and everything still to play for. Wales will be hoping that mindset carries them through Shkodër and beyond.

Frequently asked

When do Wales Women play Albania in the World Cup play-offs?
The first leg is on Friday 10 October at 17:00 BST in Shkodër, Albania. The second leg takes place four days later in Llanelli, Wales.
What injury did Mayzee Davies have and how long was she out?
Davies suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) knee injury on international duty in May 2025. The injury kept her out for 13 months, causing her to miss Euro 2025.
Who would Wales face in the World Cup play-off final if they beat Albania?
Wales would face either Romania or Norway in the play-off final, with a place at the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil at stake.