There are few things in sport as cruel as watching your country make history from a sofa, unable to contribute a single minute. That is the reality Mayzee Davies lived through when Wales reached their first-ever major tournament at Euro 2025 — and she intends to make sure it never happens again.

The Manchester City defender, just 20 years old, suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury on international duty in May 2025. The recovery stretched across 13 months, swallowing the entirety of Wales' landmark European Championship campaign and forcing her to watch teammates fulfil a dream she had been on the verge of sharing.

"It was so hard," Davies said. "It was just so sad for everyone, even in my street, it affected us. I'd just broken through and I was 18 going to my first major tournament. It was horrible, and I think everyone close to me felt it."

From the sofa to Shkodër

The lowest moments came immediately after surgery, when even the most basic movement felt impossibly distant. "I was literally stuck on the sofa, I couldn't do anything on my own," she admitted. "I was like, how am I ever going to be a footballer again at this stage?" The answer came gradually — good medical support, family, teammates — until one day simple things like walking felt possible again.

Davies returned to the Wales set-up for their final two World Cup qualifying group matches in June, against Montenegro and the Czech Republic, and now she stands on the verge of a play-off semi-final. Wales face Albania in Shkodër on Friday, 9 October (kick-off 17:00 BST) at the Loro Borici Stadium, with the return leg in Llanelli four days later.

Albania sit 37 places below Wales in the FIFA world rankings, but Davies is not taking anything for granted — particularly with a significant number of injury withdrawals hitting the squad. Experienced figures including Ceri Holland and Hayley Ladd are among those unavailable, leaving head coach Rhian Wilkinson to call on a younger, less seasoned group.

'We can't dwell on who's not here'

Davies is clear-eyed about what that means. "Obviously this camp we've had a lot of injuries to more experienced players, the usual faces," she said. "But everyone in this group now, you have to make sure all the new people feel a part of the team and feel valued. This is a must-win game and we can't dwell on who's not here. We have to work with who's here and get the job done."

Win the semi-final and Wales would face either Romania or Norway in the play-off final, with a place at the 2027 World Cup in Brazil the prize. The prospect clearly fires something in Davies that the Euros experience has only intensified.

"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. "I love playing for Wales and I think we're quite a passionate country anyway. 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."

For a player who had to watch Euro 2025 unfold without her, that motivation feels entirely earned. Albania are the first obstacle. They will not find Davies anything less than fully committed to removing it.

Frequently asked

When do Wales women play Albania in the World Cup play-offs?
The first leg is on Friday, 9 October at 17:00 BST at the Loro Borici Stadium in Shkodër, Albania. The return leg takes place in Llanelli four days later.
What injury did Mayzee Davies have and how long was she out?
Davies suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) knee injury on Wales international duty in May 2025. Her recovery lasted 13 months, causing her to miss Euro 2025 entirely.
Which club does Mayzee Davies play for?
Mayzee Davies is a defender at Manchester City.