Los Angeles Galaxy's midfield maestro, Riqui Puig, has been dealt a devastating blow, ruling him out of the 2026 Major League Soccer (MLS) season. The club confirmed the Spaniard requires a second reconstructive surgery on his left knee, extending his agonising spell on the sidelines.
A Cruel Setback After Long Recovery
The 26-year-old former Barcelona star has not played competitively since tearing his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the 2024 MLS Cup Western Conference final. That injury forced him to watch from the stands as his teammates clinched the MLS Cup title just a week later. Puig missed the entire 2025 MLS campaign during his initial recovery.
After returning to training last autumn, hopes were high for his comeback. However, a recent medical check-up revealed a major problem with the initial graft. "The graft wasn't right, and I had to go back to the operating room," Puig revealed in a heartfelt Instagram post. The Galaxy announced on Friday, January 3rd, 2026, that the player had undergone a successful second ACL reconstructive surgery.
Puig's Emotional Message and Future Focus
In his social media statement, the midfielder opened up about the mental toll of this prolonged ordeal. "It's not easy to find the words after everything I've been through," he wrote. "Without a doubt, it's one of the hardest and most complicated moments I've had to deal with in my life, both personally and professionally."
Despite the crushing news, Puig struck a determined tone, stating the operation went well. His focus is now squarely on rehabilitation. "Now I only have one thing on my mind: to start working right away, train with more enthusiasm than ever, and try to become the Riqui Puig you all know again," he declared, promising to return with "more desire, more hunger, and more strength."
Galaxy's Challenge and Puig's Legacy
The club's statement projects a full recovery in time for the start of the 2027 MLS season. This means the Galaxy will be without their creative engine for a second consecutive year. His absence was profoundly felt in 2025, with the team managing only seven wins throughout the season.
Since his high-profile move from Barcelona in 2022, Puig has been a standout performer in the league. In 82 appearances across all competitions, he has contributed 29 goals and 32 assists, underscoring his vital role. While the Galaxy must now plan for 2026 without their talisman, the story ends with a note of resilience, as both player and club look ahead to a triumphant return in 2027.
