A Buckled Knee Kept Umar Sadiq Out, A Buckled Mind Has Brought Him Back.
Umar Sadiq, the talented Nigerian and Real Sociedad striker, has endured a challenging season plagued by injury. However, his unwavering determination and positive mindset have propelled him toward a remarkable recovery.
As he prepares to return to the pitch, Sadiq shares his inspiring story of resilience and aspirations for the future with omasports in San Sebastian, Spain.
Sadiq, 26, joined Real Sociedad in the Spanish La Liga from Almeria for 20m Euros in September 2022. He instantly made his mark for the club with a goal in a 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid, only to sustain an anterior cruciate ligament injury in a La Liga game against Getafe that ended his season prematurely. Just less than two weeks after joining the new side. “It’s been a difficult season for me,” admits Sadiq, reflecting on his time away from the game. “But finally, I’m back training with the team, and even that feels like a reward. I may not play any games this season, but I’m thankful for this opportunity.”
Having been initially ruled out for the remainder of the season, Sadiq, who scored 18 goals in 36 games for Almeria last season, considers himself fortunate to be back on the training ground. “I’m lucky to be training with my teammates. It’s not easy to be out, but I appreciate my progress,” he says appreciatively. “No matter the situation, you have to be grateful and acknowledge the blessings in life.”
The road to recovery has been arduous for Sadiq, both physically and mentally. “They say that when you return from an injury, you understand things better and become mentally stronger,” he explains. “This experience has made me realize how fortunate I am to have a life beyond football.”
After recalling a previous injury at Bologna, Sadiq acknowledges that this setback is different. “I played through an ankle injury before, but this time, it’s a whole new challenge. I’m in the middle of my career and was in good form before the injury,” he reflects. “But I know my faith, and I will bounce back stronger.” The season-ending injury occurred during a match against Getafe when Sadiq attempted to change direction. “It was against Getafe,” he recalls. “At the 36th minute, they played a corner kick, and one of our defenders cleared the ball out. So, I went to press, and a defender tried to dribble me. So, I tried to change my direction and just had some sound.” It was later confirmed as an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury—a setback that would test his resilience.
Returning from injury requires not only physical readiness but also mental strength. Sadiq reveals the emotional journey he’s been through during the recovery process. “It has not been easy for me because I used to come to the training ground before everyone, and I have to leave before everyone. Because you know that’s my situation and at the beginning it was hard, and after some time, I got used to it even though sometimes I get bored of doing the same thing. “But that’s the process. If you’re hungry for more, you have to do the right thing to come back, and that’s what I’ve been doing even though it has not been easy, but with my teammates, with the coaches, the staff that we have here, they helped me a lot, and this is also another opportunity for me to say thanks to them.”
Amidst his recovery, Sadiq also found solace in the unwavering support of his family, particularly his young daughter. “You see my daughter; she doesn’t even see the injury? Once I’m home, all she wants is to play. Her enthusiasm motivates me to get better and spend more time with her,” he shares. “It highlights the importance of family, and their support has been invaluable throughout this journey.” Looking ahead, Sadiq sets his sights on playing in the Champions League next season as Real Sociedad secured a champions league berth by placing fourth on the La Liga table. “It’s a dream for every footballer,” he says excitedly. “I’ll use this time to train and prepare myself to be fully fit. I can’t wait for that opportunity.” As for his immediate target, Sadiq remains resolute. “I want to give my all. I want to continue where I left off and give my best to Real Sociedad,” he declares. “The club has been incredibly supportive, and I want to repay their faith. Our goal is to qualify for the Champions League again.”
Umar Sadiq’s journey from injury to redemption serves as an inspiration to athletes worldwide. With his tenacity and positive outlook, he demonstrates the power of resilience in overcoming obstacles. As he prepares to make his mark on the football world again, Sadiq’s story stands as a testament to the unwavering spirit of a true competitor.
