Spain star's unorthodox rise to top - and struggle to stay there

Salma Paralluelo isn't your average footballing prodigy. While many dedicate their formative years solely to the beautiful game, the Spanish sensation carved a unique path, demonstrating elite potential across two distinct sporting arenas. Before becoming a pivotal figure for Spain's women's national team, Paralluelo was an accomplished track and field athlete, excelling in sprints and hurdles. This dual-sport background, blending the explosive power of athletics with the intricate skill of football, shaped a player with an unparalleled blend of speed, agility, and raw athleticism. Her rapid ascent through the youth ranks and into the senior setup, culminating in a spot in the national team, felt almost pre-ordained given her prodigious talent, marking her as one of the most exciting prospects in women's football.

However, the journey to the pinnacle of sport is rarely without its formidable hurdles. For Paralluelo, these challenges manifested not just in the form of fierce competition, but through a series of debilitating injuries that threatened to derail a blossoming career. Serious knee issues, in particular, cast a long shadow, demanding grueling rehabilitation and immense mental fortitude. Beyond the physical toll, the personal struggles of being sidelined, watching from afar as teammates competed, and the relentless pressure to return to peak performance, tested her resolve to its very limits. It was a period that demanded extraordinary resilience, forcing her to confront doubts and rebuild not just her body, but her confidence and belief in her own capabilities.