Fate finally smiles on Da Mbabi

Célia Okoyino da Mbabi, one of the best upcoming talents in German women's football, has certainly not had it easy. However, UEFA WOMEN'S EURO 2009™ may well provide the perfect setting for the explosive forward's career to finally take off.

Double setback
After claiming a winner's medal at the 2004 FIFA U-19 Women's World Cup, she was forced to sit out the senior European finals the following year with a skiing injury. Da Mbabi came back strongly and was again knocking on the national-team door until the SC 07 Bad Neuenahr player fractured a tibia in a Frauen-Bundesliga game at FC Bayern München in March 2007 and was sidelined for well over a year.

Brave battle
Her resilience shone through again as she overcame the second major injury of her career to be part of her country's bronze-medal winning side at the 2008 Olympics. But just as she seemed ready to consign her previous setbacks to history, a bout of glandular fever kept her out during the early part of this year.

Enduring 'passion'
Despite spending uncounted hours in rehabilitation, however, Da Mbabi never abandoned her dream of reaching the highest level. "I would be hanging around in treatment rooms from eight in the morning until eight in the evening, some of the patients even asked me for help as they thought I was an employee!" she said. "But I have a passion for football."

Sudden impact
Now, back in the fold for both club and country, a fully-fit Da Mbabi gave a glimpse of her burgeoning talents as a 65th-minute substitute in Germany's 4-0 win against Norway on Monday. Her direct, dynamic style stretched Norway's defence to breaking point at times. And, looking ahead to Germany's second Group B fixture against France, Da Mbabi is hoping coach Silvia Neid unleashes her again – in a match of extra-special significance.

French connection
"My mother is from France and I had a French passport when I was younger," explained Da Mbabi, who received German citizenship in 2004. "But France's football federation just didn't know about me, I guess, until I showed up at some youth tournaments. As I was born in Germany, it was a natural choice for me." And Da Mbabi knows she can count on some support from France even as she goes head-to-head with Les Bleues.

Striking ambition
"My grandmother, aunt, uncle and cousins all live in France, but I'm sure they will all be sitting in front of the television screen to support me," she said. "I am in contact with some of the France players regularly, but I am completely focused on this game and I would love to score, even if it's against France."