At the premiere of the new documentary Volver, Marc Márquez offered a reassuring update following yet another surgery to repair a fracture in his right shoulder. “I am recovering well,” he confirmed to AS.
The documentary frames Márquez’s struggle in a heroic light, placing him alongside icons like Rafa Nadal, Fernando Alonso, and Andrés Iniesta. It chronicles the arduous paths these athletes took to overcome immense adversity.
For Márquez, Volver is the visual diary of his inspiring return to the pinnacle of motorcycling—a journey through injury, operation, and grueling rehab that culminated in him being crowned world champion for the ninth time.
However, the reality of that journey is ongoing. The nine-time champion remains pragmatic, acknowledging that while he has reached the top again, the maintenance required to stay there is relentless.
“If there are no setbacks—if I do things right and follow medical advice—there shouldn’t be any unforeseen issues,” Márquez explained regarding his current post-surgery status. “I have to forgo my vacation to prioritize my recovery, but I will keep working to be ready for the start of the season.”
The Shadow of Retirement
Despite the celebration of his ninth title, questions regarding the future are beginning to surface. The documentary highlights the physical toll of elite sport, prompting inevitable questions about how long the 32-year-old can continue to defy the odds.
“We’ll see what the future holds. There are many variables to manage, but I’m eager to continue,” Márquez admitted. “The reality is, I always have to listen to my body. Little issues keep coming up—some we know, others we don’t.”
He drew poignant parallels to the other legends featured in Volver and the wider world of Spanish sport. “After so many crashes, you push your body to the limit. Injuries often leave a mark that forces many to stop—not because of their mindset or a lack of hunger, but because the body simply says ‘enough.’ We’ve seen it with Rafa Nadal and Pau Gasol, for example, who eventually had to step away.”
Focus on 2026
Márquez has no immediate expiration date, but he is acutely aware that time waits for no one. Yet, having just secured his ninth world title, his focus remains singular. The feelings may be different after such a long journey, but the objective has not changed.
“This winter is about recovery, but this hunger hasn’t gone away—I want to regain the winning feeling,” the Spaniard affirmed, dismissing the idea of slowing down just yet. “I have to prepare well for the 2026 campaign to try and win again. We have to.”
With the drive intact and the machinery to back it up, Márquez is poised to defend his throne, proving once again that his comeback story isn’t quite finished.
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