Marc Andre ter Stegen (foto: Instagram)
Marc-André ter Stegen has confirmed a season-ending injury that requires surgery, dealing a crushing blow to his hopes of finally playing at the World Cup.
Several well-known footballers, including Jan Oblak, have expressed their support for Marc-André ter Stegen after the German goalkeeper publicly confirmed that his season is over.
Ter Stegen left Barcelona to join Girona in search of regular playing time, hoping consistent minutes would finally secure him a place at the 2026 World Cup. Instead, another serious injury has cruelly derailed those plans.
During a recent Girona match, the goalkeeper suffered an injury that has been deemed serious enough to require surgery. As a result, he now faces months on the sidelines, effectively ending both his season and his chances of featuring at the World Cup.
Following his announcement on Instagram, messages of support poured in from across La Liga, including from Frenkie de Jong, Dani Olmo, Fermín López, Eric García and Oblak.
“This is the hardest moment”
In an emotional statement, Ter Stegen explained the situation in his own words.
“Most of you don’t know me personally, so I’d like to share something important with you,” he wrote.
“I am a positive person. I’ve always had this mindset and it has helped me through every challenge, but this one is especially difficult.”
He went on to describe the moment the injury occurred.
“Last weekend, the worst happened: I got injured during the match. I had just arrived in Girona, where I was welcomed with incredible warmth from the first minute. I was really looking forward to becoming part of the team and helping us achieve our shared goals.”
Surgery and a long absence
Ter Stegen confirmed that his role has changed dramatically and that a lengthy recovery now lies ahead.
“My role has now completely changed, but my support for the team remains the same. I don’t see just a great group of players and staff — I feel like part of a family, and I’ve felt their support from day one.”
He added: “As athletes, what matters most to us is competing — training and playing. I now have to put all of that aside for several months, as I’ve decided to undergo surgery.”
Despite the blow, he ended on a determined note: “I will be back.”
A career shaped by bad luck
Ter Stegen’s latest injury underlines a pattern of cruel timing. A previous long absence had already cost him his starting place at Barcelona, where he had been a key figure and club captain. Now, just as he sought a fresh start to fulfil his international ambition, fate has intervened once again.