Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong sustained torn knee ligaments during the 2026 World Cup and will be sidelined for several weeks, the club and player confirmed on July 23 [1, 2, 3]. De Jong, 29, played through the tournament with a heavily bandaged knee after initially being told the injury was minor by the Dutch team medical staff [1, 2, 3].
The Netherlands were eliminated from the World Cup in the round-of-32, losing to Morocco on penalties. De Jong missed the final group match but returned to play 109 minutes in the knockout loss before being substituted due to the injury [3]. He explained that continuing to play was painful but necessary to support both his club and country: "During the World Cup, my knee was injured. The initial assessment by the Dutch team doctors said the damage was minor and continuing to play would not worsen it. The only challenge was playing through pain" [3].
Upon returning to Barcelona, further examination revealed a right knee medial collateral ligament tear more serious than originally diagnosed. De Jong confirmed on Instagram, "The injury was more serious than initially determined. Thankfully, at this stage there is no need for surgery, and I am now fully focused on my recovery" [1]. He added in Mandarin, "Further tests showed the injury was more severe than initially thought. Fortunately, surgery is not required now, and I am concentrating fully on rehabilitation to return to the field soon" [3].
Barcelona's medical staff will closely monitor De Jong's recovery with conservative treatment over the coming weeks [3]. The club is scheduled to start their LaLiga title defense with an away match against Elche on August 23, 2026, a date by which de Jong will likely still be sidelined [1, 2, 3].