When seeking hope and inspiration, Moise Bombito can find it in his teammate on Canada’s men’s soccer team, Tajon Buchanan. Bombito, set to start in the upcoming friendly against Australia and the next World Cup, recently suffered a fractured tibia while playing for Nice. This injury will keep him out of action for four to five months.
Comparably, Buchanan faced a similar setback during training with Canada at Copa America in July 2024. It took him until November that year to return to the national team and even longer to regain his form.
Despite the challenges, the 26-year-old winger, who impressed at the 2022 World Cup, has made a remarkable comeback. In August, playing for Villarreal, he scored his first professional hat trick, attributing his success to his injury as a catalyst for improvement rather than a setback.
In an exclusive interview with CBC Sports during the national team’s trip to Romania, Buchanan reflected on his journey, stating, “That moment propelled me to where I am today. I became stronger, focused, and reached my peak performance.”
For most soccer players, a leg fracture is a dreaded scenario filled with pain and uncertainty about the future. Buchanan recalled the initial shock of his injury, pondering how he would recover from such a setback.
Following his injury and surgery in Texas, Buchanan faced a period of doubt and fear, especially after leaving Club Brugge for Inter Milan. Struggling to secure a spot in the team, he was eventually loaned to Villarreal in February 2025, a move that turned out to be a blessing in disguise.
Shifting to a more suitable playing style in La Liga, Buchanan thrived at Villarreal, culminating in a crucial goal against Barcelona that solidified his place in the team and convinced the club to make his transfer permanent.
Reflecting on his journey, Buchanan acknowledged the significance of his recovery, stating, “That goal marked the completion of my long road back. It showed that I could overcome adversity and return to my best form.”
With newfound confidence and self-assurance, Buchanan’s recent achievements, including the hat trick in August, have reinforced his belief in overcoming challenges and silencing doubters.
As Bombito faces his own recovery journey, he can draw strength from Buchanan’s triumph over adversity and unwavering self-belief. The support and example set by Buchanan serve as a beacon of hope for Bombito’s comeback.