Ter Stegen Shares Emotional Message After Injury Forces Surgery Decision

Marc-André ter Stegen has shared a heartfelt message after suffering a serious injury shortly following his move away from FC Barcelona, a setback that has now forced the German goalkeeper to undergo surgery.

One of the most eye-catching developments of the recently concluded winter transfer window was Ter Stegen’s departure from Barcelona, as he joined Girona in pursuit of regular first-team football. The move was seen as a strategic step aimed at boosting his chances of earning a place in Germany’s squad for the 2026 World Cup.

However, the transfer quickly took an unfortunate turn. Ter Stegen sustained a significant injury in only his second appearance for Míchel’s side, an issue that medical assessments have since confirmed will require surgery and several months of recovery.

Following confirmation of the severity of the injury, Mundo Deportivo reports that the goalkeeper chose to address the situation publicly, posting an emotional and candid message on social media in which he reflected on the disappointment and uncertainty surrounding the moment.

Ter Stegen Opens Up on Setback

In his message, Ter Stegen spoke openly about the mental challenge of the injury while reaffirming his determination to return:

“Most of you don’t know me personally, so I want to share something with you. I am a positive person. I have always carried this mindset with me through every challenge, but this one is especially difficult.

“Last weekend, the worst happened — I suffered an injury during the match. I had just arrived in Girona, where I was welcomed with great warmth from the very first moment. I was truly looking forward to being part of the team and helping us achieve our shared objectives.

“My role has now changed completely, but my support for the team will not. This is not only a fantastic group of players and coaches — it feels like a family, and I have felt their closeness and support from the start.

“As athletes, our greatest joy is to compete, to train and to play. I now have to put all of that on hold for several months, as I have decided to undergo surgery.

“I will be back.”

World Cup Ambitions at Risk

The message underlines the emotional weight of an injury that has once again disrupted Ter Stegen’s momentum, particularly after an encouraging start at Montilivi, where he had already begun to earn the trust of both team-mates and supporters.

The timing of the setback is especially cruel for the German international, as the lengthy recovery period could significantly hinder his hopes of being selected for Germany’s 2026 World Cup squad. Despite the uncertainty, Ter Stegen’s words reflect resilience, gratitude and an unwavering belief in his ability to return when given the chance.

His focus now shifts to rehabilitation, with the goalkeeper determined to overcome yet another obstacle in a career defined by perseverance.