‘God Made Possible what I Often Saw as Impossible’: Panamanian Footballer Adalberto Coco Carrasquilla
After overcoming a race against time due to a muscle injury, the midfielder will be in the opening match against Ghana, starting from the substitutes’ bench.
On a historic day for Panamanian sports, the star midfielder of the national team, Adalberto Coco Carrasquilla, used his official social media accounts to share an emotional message of gratitude and resilience with the entire country. His words come just before Panama’s highly anticipated debut at the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Ghana. The 27-year-old midfielder, who plays for Pumas UNAM in Liga MX, expressed the profound emotional burden and physical effort it took to reach this tournament. “On this very special day for Panama, I just want to thank God. He made possible what I often saw as impossible and tested me until the very end,” the player stated through his official account, unleashing a wave of support from fans on digital platforms.
A Miraculous Medical Recovery
Carrasquilla’s message has a backdrop of critical physical overcoming. On May 24, the footballer suffered a worrying strain in his left adductor muscle during the Mexican soccer final. This ailment raised alarms among the Panamanian coaching staff and seriously jeopardized his participation in the World Cup. Despite the initial adverse forecast, Panama’s technical director, Thomas Christiansen, decided to include him in the final list of 26 players called up. The coach opted for an intensive rehabilitation program supervised by the medical staff of the Panamanian Football Federation (FEPAFUT). Just days before the debut, at the team’s base camp in Ontario, Canada, “Coco” significantly accelerated his recovery. He managed to complete demanding field drills with the ball in the rain and practice sessions at varying paces to regain his competitive edge.
Ready for the World Cup debut
The uncertainty surrounding his availability for the match has finally been officially resolved. Coach Thomas Christiansen confirmed in a pre-match press conference that, while Carrasquilla is not yet at 100% fitness, he will be included in the squad. The coaching staff’s strategy dictates that the talented midfielder will start the match on the substitutes’ bench. This protects his physical well-being, allowing him to be a valuable option depending on the needs of the game against the African team. The footballer closed his message by calling for unity among his teammates and all the fans in the isthmus. “Today I want to enjoy this moment and see my teammates and the entire country do the same, because behind this day there were many tears, sadness, and sacrifice. This belongs to everyone,” the Panamanian midfielder concluded. His words summarize the feelings of a delegation that is making its debut with the firm purpose of upholding the name of Panama on the most important football stage on the planet.
