Aspire in the World Fellows Book - 2025

102 103 11TH ASPIRE ACADEMY GLOBAL SUMMIT ASPIRE IN THE WORLD FELLOWS ROUNDTABLETOPIC2: FROM INJURYTOPEAKPERFORMANCE (08) [ 08.2 ] MariaAlejandraGonzález Medical Coordinator MexicanFootball Federation In the national team environment, my priority is always the player’s wellbeing. We operate under unique constraints with short camps and often limited contact time so making sure the player is ready within the biological process is key, rather than just pushing to be back on the pitch as soon as possible. At the same time, football’s competitive demands sometimes require us to make nuanced decisions for tournaments or finals. That’s why I insist on transparency: first with the player, then with the club. We run a program called 365, which integrates medicine, nutrition, performance, and psychology and maintains constant dialogue with clubs. After every match, we check in to understand player status and ensure we receive athletes in the best possible condition. This bidirectional communication—player ↔ federation ↔ club—prevents surprises and aligns expectations on diagnostics, timelines, and treatment. For me, being ‘fit’ and being at ‘peak performance’ are different. Medical clearance confirms healing and availability; performance clearance confirms the player can deliver their usual role-specific metrics and tactical demands. We must constantly remember injuries don’t just have protocols; they have patients. Every case is individualized: prior history, risk tolerance, psychological readiness, and the player’s lived sensations matter enormously. Confidence begins with clarity. We discuss the diagnosis, propose the plan, define risks, and keep internal medical communication tight so we present a unified recommendation to the athlete and the club. Where clubs and federations once disagreed on readiness, sustained weekly communication has largely eliminated conflicts. Ideally, players should get minutes with their club before joining us; international windows are high- intensity and not ideal for gradual reintegration. As for gender differences, the process is the same for men and women. Injury incidence may differ, but management principles remain consistent. Players— regardless of gender—are human beings with fears and questions. My job is to stay close, explain everything, ask daily ‘Howdo you feel?’, and ensure they feel safe and confident throughout the journey. Medical science sets the floor; confidence and context determine when a player truly reaches peak performance. One of the most challenging aspects is building trust quickly. Players spend most of the year with their clubs, so when they come to us, we need to establish credibility immediately. Transparency is key: we explain the diagnosis, share the treatment plan, and involve the club in every decision. This approach has helped us avoid conflicts and create a sense of shared responsibility. Ultimately, my philosophy is simple: respect biology, communicate relentlessly, and never compromise the player’s long-term health for short- term gains. I also believe in using every interaction to educate players about their bodies and recovery process, because informed athletes make better decisions. Finally, I seemy roleasabridgebetween science and human emotion. Injuries are stressful, and players often feel pressure from coaches, fans, and even themselves. By creating a safe space for honest conversations and aligning everyone – player, club, federation – we turn a potentially adversarial process into a collaborative one. That’s how we protect careers and prepare athletes not just to return, but to thrive at the highest level. ROUND TABLE