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Sergio Canales, who now plays for Mexican club Monterrey, was one of the best players in La Liga between 2020 and 2023 at Real Betis. His path to becoming that player was not easy at all.
His career began with a surprising appearance at Racing de Santander, where he burst onto the scene at the age of 18, standing out for his technical ability and vision. Those first performances caught the attention of Real Madrid, who signed him in 2010 as one of Spain’s brightest young talents.
However, his time at Madrid was brief as he struggled for minutes in a star-studded team under Jose Mourinho. Canales eventually moved to Valencia, where he suffered his first ACL injury in 2011. Just as he was nearing his return, he tore the same ligament again in 2012, marking his second devastating setback.
Determined to rebuild, Canales signed for Real Sociedad in 2014, where he began to regain confidence. However, in 2015, disaster struck again with his third ACL injury, this time to the other knee. Despite these challenges, Canales persevered.
The note published today on Instagram marked 9 years since his third ACL injury, with a message that would inspire: “Today marks 9 years since my third ACL injury… I’m not going to lie to you, that day I felt defeated. It felt like everything was falling apart. But over time I understood that it was not an end, but a new beginning. I learned that it’s not just about what I do, but how I deal with what life throws at me. That injury taught me to value my body, my patience and my ability to rebuild myself, not only physically but also mentally. It showed me that even if plans change, there is always a way to keep moving forward. Today I don’t see those scars as a limit, but as a reminder that I am stronger than I thought.”
The turning point in his career came when he signed for Real Betis in 2018. Wearing the green and white shirt, Canales flourished and played the best football of his career between 2020 and 2023. His skill, creativity and leadership made him one of the most outstanding players in La Liga.
Now, with Real Madrid facing a series of ACL injuries, Canales’ story serves as a reminder that even the most difficult setbacks can be overcome with determination and hard work.
