🤕 Huge blow for Riqui Puig: won’t return until 2027

The ordeal of Riqui Puig has added a devastating chapter at the start of this 2026. After spending the entire year of 2025 on the sidelines, it has been confirmed that the LA Galaxy midfielder has had to undergo a second reconstructive surgery on the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee. This procedure, performed in Barcelona by the renowned Dr. Ramón Cugat, will force the Catalan footballer to miss the entire 2026 MLS season, postponing his return to the field until at least 2027.

📸 Harry How - 2025 Getty Images

The origin of this nightmare dates back to December 2024, during the Western Conference Final against the Seattle Sounders. In that match, Puig performed a heroic—albeit costly—feat by continuing to play for half an hour with the ligament already torn, even providing the decisive assist that led the Los Angeles team to win their sixth MLS Cup. What was initially seen as an act of supreme sacrifice has turned into a long-lasting ordeal, as the first operation and the subsequent year of rehabilitation did not yield the expected results.

During the past 2025 season, LA Galaxy deeply felt the absence of their "10" and franchise player, dropping to the fourteenth position in their conference. Although the signs of his recovery seemed positive and there was even talk of a full return for this year's preseason, a routine medical check-up revealed that the graft (the ligament transplant) was not in optimal condition. This news came as a cold shower for both the club and the player, who expressed on his social media that he is going through one of the toughest moments of his professional career.

Riqui Puig's Statement

📸 Ronald Martinez - 2024 Getty Images

"After an entire year working every day with a single goal in mind, yesterday, during a medical check-up, the doctor gave me news you never want to hear: the graft was not right, and I had to go back to surgery.

It's not easy to find the words after everything I've been through. Without a doubt, it's one of the hardest and most complicated moments I've had to manage in my life, both personally and professionally. But today I can say that the operation went well, and that gives me strength and peace to look forward.

Now I only have one thing in mind: to start working right away, to train with more enthusiasm than ever, and to try to be the Riqui Puig you all know again. With more desire, more hunger, and more strength.

I want to thank my family and friends from the bottom of my heart for always being there, but especially the Galaxy, for how they have cared for, respected, and supported me at all times. Also to all of you, for every message, every word of encouragement, and every show of affection I've received these days. Truly, it means much more than you can imagine.

I hope to return soon, better than ever, and that you wait for me. I am eager to enjoy the field again and to make you enjoy it as I have always tried to do.

I love you all very much."

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.

📸 Luke Hales - 2025 Getty Images