In a devastating blow for both club and country, Netherlands and Manchester United defender Matthijs de Ligt has been ruled out of the upcoming World Cup after undergoing surgery for a persistent back injury. The 26-year-old, who had been sidelined since late November, made the difficult decision after exhausting all other treatment options.
De Ligt's season took a sharp turn for the worse following what initially appeared to be a promising start. The commanding center-back had been a key figure in United's early campaign, but hasn't featured since the team's 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace on November 30. What began as a routine setback quickly spiraled into a six-month ordeal that ultimately required surgical intervention.
After weeks of rehabilitation work on the training ground, United confirmed on Friday that de Ligt underwent a "corrective procedure" that will not only end his season but also dash his hopes of representing the Netherlands on football's biggest stage. The club has indicated the defender is expected to return "in the early stages of the 2026-27 season," meaning fans will have to wait until next year to see him back in action.
Taking to social media, de Ligt shared a photo from his hospital bed with a thumbs-up, accompanied by a candid message: "After six months of treatment and working hard to get back, surgery was the only option left." The former Ajax and Juventus star expressed his disappointment at being unable to contribute during such a critical period, adding, "I'm disappointed I couldn't help the team the last six months and obviously missing out on the World Cup but I am looking forward to doing everything to get back in front of the fans and feeling better again."
For United, de Ligt's absence creates a significant gap in their defensive lineup as they push through the remainder of the season. For the Netherlands, it's a major setback as they prepare for World Cup competition without one of their most experienced and talented defenders. The road to recovery may be long, but de Ligt's determination to return stronger offers hope for both club and country.