Jana Fernández, when a simple warm-up causes a lump in the throat

BarcelonaCrying is human. It is a gesture inherent to one’s own will, repressed many times by a desire to overcome, to finish what has been started. More than a year ago, Jana Fernández (Martorell, 2002) tore the cruciate ligament in her right knee during training, a common injury in women’s soccer. Ahead, a recovery with emotional ups and downs that finally ended this Sunday: in the victory against Villarreal (5-0), Jana played again. “I was holding back tears, just going out to warm up was a lot for me,” he said after the game. In the 79th minute, he felt like a footballer again in front of 5,026 spectators who hailed his return. “Thanks to the fans and my teammates, the process has been much easier.” After the final whistle, she was supported by her teammates. He was there, he was back. Resilience gave way to emotion. There was no need to hold back the tears.

Injuries never come at a good time. At the age of 20, Jana confirmed herself as one of the promising young women. Last season he had the opportunity to start, forming a good pair of centrals with Mapi León thanks to the injury of Irene Paredes. She had played 12 games (out of 22) as a starter, scoring two goals, when she was thwarted by women’s football’s nemesis. The injuries to the knee ligaments, which entail a one-year recovery for the player who suffers them, were already known in the dressing room. “The fact that Bruna, Cata and Alexia have suffered the same injury and followed the same process has helped them a lot. Bruna was the first to get injured last season. She was able to adapt to the recovery with more knowledge”, they point out from their environment.

Not being alone in the process was key, especially thanks to the company of Cata Coll. “Cata and I have helped each other a lot. When one had a bad day, the other helped her get up and vice versa,” explains Jana. For her, the most important thing about a long-term injury is not to let it take your smile. “That’s the advice I give to people who suffer these types of injuries. Take it as best you can. If not, it’s going to be really hard on them,” he says.

To recover everything adds up. Apart from good company, being aware of the discipline to have in cases like these is important to ensure a good recovery. Those around him note that he has had a very committed attitude, with special emphasis on nutritional work, apart from all the training done in the sessions at the club. Thanks to all this, and the good play shown before the injury, Jana has earned the renewal until 2025. “I am at the best club for something like this to happen to me. We are all a big family and we help each other to overcome situations adverse. Now it’s time to continue enjoying together,” he said after his return. Coach Jonathan Giráldez emphasized the importance of the group in these cases: “It is important that they feel this union. In Jana’s case, the joy she brings to the dressing room helps and facilitates her reintegration.”

His expected return with Barça

For Jana Fernández, the excitement started already in the warm-up, while almost the whole stadium cheered her on. At the moment of jumping onto the pitch in place of Mapi León, the young defender could do nothing but think about everything she has had to go through. “It’s very complicated for a footballer to be told from one day to the next to stop playing, to give up football. All of this is compensated by returning to your teammates, enjoying the love they all have for you” , she remembered, excited.

His was not the only return that was experienced on Sunday at the Johan Cruyff. Ingrid Engen and Caroline Graham Hansen were also returning from injury, the latter with one hat trick in just 25 minutes. “I thank you for having the group we have, players who are having a hard time and who enjoy playing again like Caro or Engen, and others who will come very soon like Cata, Alexia or Mariona,” said Jana . As they did in their time with Bruna Vilamala, the players offered their recognition to the player from Martorell after the final whistle. It was like a family hug. It was normal for him to get emotional: crying is human and, more so, after more than a year of not being able to do what he likes most.