David Alaba’s recovery mirrors the journey many business leaders take.
Alaba’s triumphant return wasn’t just physical; it was mental, emotional, and deeply personal. His journey offers a roadmap for anyone navigating their own crossroads.
“After more than a year, I can finally do what I love most again,” Alaba shared.
His words echo the sentiments of anyone who has clawed their way back from a setback – whether on the field or in the boardroom.
After a gruelling year-long battle with injury, the 32-year-old footballer stormed back onto the field with the same grace and grit that made him a global star.
But Alaba’s story isn’t just about football. It’s a blueprint for how midlife leaders, entrepreneurs, and business owners – can overcome their own “injuries.” Because let’s face it, a business setback or burnout can feel just as crushing as a torn ligament for an athlete.

Injuries in Sport, Burnout in Business: Two Sides of the Same Coin
In the high-stakes world of professional football, injuries can be devastating. They don’t just sideline players physically – they challenge their identity, confidence, and purpose.
Similarly, in the corporate arena, burnout or failure can feel like a knockout punch, leaving leaders questioning their value and direction.
Research from the Harvard Business Review shows that 62% of senior executives experience burnout at some point in their careers. It’s not just about long hours; it’s about the emotional toll of carrying responsibility, making decisions, and staying ahead in a fiercely competitive world.
The Turning Point: Resilience as a Superpower
Alaba didn’t just endure his injury; he used it as a springboard. He embraced the discomfort, tackled the doubts, and turned every setback into a stepping stone.
This isn’t just anecdotal. Psychologists like Dr. Angela Duckworth, author of Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, emphasise that resilience – the ability to bounce back from adversity – is one of the strongest predictors of success. It’s not talent or luck that separates high achievers from the rest; it’s their ability to adapt and persevere.
Three Bold Questions for Self-Leadership
David Alaba’s comeback was no accident. It was the result of relentless self-leadership and a refusal to let circumstances dictate his story.
He asked himself three powerful questions that any entrepreneur or business leader can use:
1. What’s my “why”?
Alaba’s love for football and his desire to inspire others kept him going.
For leaders, reconnecting with your purpose – your raison d’être – is the first step in reigniting your fire. What drove you to build your business? What impact do you want to leave behind?
2. How can I transform setbacks into springboards?
Instead of seeing his injury as the end, Alaba reframed it as an opportunity to rebuild stronger.
Leaders can do the same by viewing failures as feedback. Remember Thomas Edison’s words: “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”
3. Who’s in my corner?
Alaba leaned heavily on his support system – family, friends, teammates, and fans.
As a leader, your “team” might include mentors, colleagues, or a coach. Surround yourself with people who challenge and uplift you.
The Inner Game: Mindset Matters
Alaba’s success wasn’t just about hard work; it was about inner work. He cultivated a positive mindset, stayed disciplined, and embraced the process.
Studies published in Psychology Today show that mental training techniques like visualisation, mindfulness, and gratitude can significantly improve performance and resilience. Alaba likely leaned on these tools to stay focused and motivated during his darkest days.
For business leaders, the same principles apply. Take time to visualise your goals, practice mindfulness to stay grounded, and focus on what’s going right – not just what’s going wrong.
The Comeback Formula: Building a Resilient You
David Alaba’s journey teaches us that comebacks aren’t accidental – they’re intentional.
Here’s how you can channel his approach:
• Master self-leadership. Take ownership of your actions, thoughts, and outcomes.
As leadership expert John Maxwell says, “Everything rises and falls on leadership – especially self-leadership.”
• Cultivate a growth mindset. See challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. Every setback is a setup for a comeback.
• Invest in inner work. Prioritise mental and emotional health. Practices like journaling, meditation, and coaching can help you stay aligned and resilient.
Write Your Comeback Story
As Alaba wrote in his post: “I’m looking forward to giving everything for my team again and creating unforgettable moments with our fans.”
His words are a rallying cry for anyone standing at the edge of a comeback. When you address the unconscious drivers of behaviour and harmonise your internal and external worlds, the result is transformational.
More than just resolving health issues, this approach equips you with Psychological Capital—a powerful foundation of inner strength that elevates your energy, decision-making, and leadership capacity.
You have the power to rewrite your story, to turn adversity into an advantage, and to lead yourself – and your business – to new heights. Like Alaba, you can rise stronger, bolder, and more unstoppable than ever.
The playground may be different, but the game is the same. Positive Mindset wins.
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