Mayzee Davies admits that watching Wales make history at Euro 2025 from the sofa, unable to lace her boots, was among the most painful experiences of her young life. Now fully recovered, the Manchester City defender is channelling every ounce of that frustration as Wales prepare to face Albania in a two-legged World Cup qualifying play-off semi-final.

A cruel blow at the worst possible moment

Davies suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury on international duty in May 2025, aged just 18, ruling her out for 13 months. The timing could hardly have been harsher. Wales were on the verge of their first ever appearance at a major tournament, and Davies had only recently established herself in the squad.

"It was so hard," she 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."

The defender, now 20, has spoken candidly about how daunting the recovery felt in its early stages. "Once I had the surgery I was literally stuck on the sofa, I couldn't do anything on my own. I was like, how am I ever going to be a footballer again at this stage?" Support from team-mates and family, she says, made the difference: "One day you just wake up and you're like, 'oh, I can start to walk again now.'"

Eyes firmly on Brazil

Davies returned to international action during Wales's final two group qualifiers in June, against Montenegro and the Czech Republic, and she has no intention of sitting out another major tournament. The 2027 Women's World Cup, to be held in Brazil, is squarely in her sights.

"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. "It does give me that extra motivation. I love playing for Wales and I think we're quite a passionate country anyway. So to play in a World Cup in Brazil — not just for me and my family, but coming off the back of the injury as well — it would make it extra special if we got there."

Wales can't dwell on absentees

Head coach Rhian Wilkinson's side travel to the Loro Borici Stadium in Shkoder for the first leg on Friday, 9 October (17:00 BST), before hosting the return fixture in Llanelli four days later. Victory across the two legs would set up a play-off final against either Romania or Norway.

Wales head into the tie carrying a number of injury concerns, with experienced names including Ceri Holland and Hayley Ladd missing from the squad. Albania sit 37 places below Wales in the FIFA world rankings, but Davies is wary of any complacency taking hold.

"Obviously this camp we've had a lot of injuries to more experienced players, the usual faces," she acknowledged. "But everyone in this group has 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 now and get the job done."

For Davies personally, the stakes could not feel higher. Missing the Euros was heartbreaking; missing a World Cup too would be unthinkable.

Frequently asked

When do Wales Women play Albania in the World Cup play-offs?
The first leg takes place on Friday, 9 October at 17:00 BST at the Loro Borici Stadium in Shkoder, Albania. The return leg is in Llanelli four days later. Both matches are available to watch on BBC iPlayer and BBC Two Wales.
What injury did Mayzee Davies have?
Davies suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) knee injury while on international duty with Wales in May 2025. The injury kept her sidelined for 13 months, causing her to miss Euro 2025.
Which club does Mayzee Davies play for?
Mayzee Davies is a defender at Manchester City.