But making a comeback in time for her fifth Fifa Women’s World Cup, on home soil — after being sidelined for 12 months — is that little bit sweeter still.
The 161-cap Football Fern’s hopes of playing in the tournament looked to be in doubt when she tore her ACL against Australia last year.
It had been the biggest challenge in her flourishing career, but after working through her rehab, Percival returned to the field in April for her English club, Tottenham Hotspur.
The midfielder arrived back in New Zealand last week, and the excitement was brewing throughout her first few trainings back with the national squad.
"I think not being around the girls for a year, and being out for so long, it’s tough being away and not being able to obviously help and impact the team in the ways I usually do," Percival said.
"It’s been more of a step back for this year ... but to be back around the girls now — it’s just a great feeling."
She was "honoured" to be part of coach Jitka Klimkova’s squad and hoped to be named in the World Cup team when it was announced next week.
"Having [a World Cup] on home soil, I think it’s something that any player dreams of and can’t wait to experience.
"For us to get the chance to host it here, and Australia, I think we’re all really excited."
Women’s football has been on the rise in recent years, and Percival hoped hosting the World Cup could have a massive influence on people getting involved in the game.
"We’ve obviously seen what’s happened in women’s sport.
"It’s growing, but especially for football — in this country, I think it will be a great platform for these young boys and girls really, just to look up to all these amazing players.
"You’ve obviously got world-class players in teams coming here and playing this massive tournament.
"I’m hoping it’s going to have a really big impact on all the younger generation that they’ll hopefully look up to us, as well as other players, and want to obviously do the same and follow in their footsteps."
Fans will get to see the Football Ferns up close, playing Norway (July 20) in Auckland, Philippines (July 25) in Wellington and Switzerland (July 30) in Dunedin in Group A.
"It’s good for us to be able to play in all the different areas and really show the Kiwis and just be back around the home crowds and obviously get as much support as we can."
More overseas Football Ferns would start arriving home to join the team in the coming weeks, and while they were looking forward to creating history, they knew the World Cup was about more than just them, she said.
"We’re obviously focused on getting out of the groups and for us to make history on home soil.
"It’s going to be massive, not just for us as a team, but as a country, really."
