Diakhaby returns to action 330 days later

Valencia CF defender Mouctar Diakhaby returned to competitive action on Saturday night, January 26, 2025, nearly 11 months after suffering a serious injury in March 2024.

Diakhaby has made remarkable progress throughout his recovery journey. By April, he had resumed working at the Ciutat Esportiva de Paterna, and by November, he was back on the pitch performing his first ball exercises. Just a month later, in December, he was training with the full squad, edging ever closer to his ultimate goal: playing in an official match once again.

That moment came against FC Barcelona at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, where the Guinean defender replaced Foulquier in the final stages of the game. His return was met with applause from the entire stadium, and he played seven crucial minutes to mark his long-awaited comeback.

Throughout this challenging period, Diakhaby’s progress was meticulously overseen by Pedro López, head of the Club's Medical Services, and Bertrand Sonnery, the orthopedic surgeon who performed his operation. The support from the Club, teammates, family, and fans played an integral role in his successful recovery.