Tottenham Hotspur midfielder James Maddison says he is heartbroken over the diagnosis of his anterior cruciate injury (ACL), which is likely to sideline him for most of the 2025-26 season, Afrosport reports.
The 28-year-old suffered the injury during a 1-1 pre-season friendly draw against Premier League rivals Newcastle in South Korea.
His absence is a blow for Spurs, owing to his creativity, which has seen him score 16 goals and provide 21 assists in 75 competitive games. It will also hinder his chances of playing for the England national team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
“Lowest low I’ve ever had. Heartbroken at the fact this injury has occurred at this time in my career,” Maddison wrote in a post on X.
“With the Super Cup tomorrow, the Premier League season on the horizon, the exciting Champions League campaign & it being a World Cup year for England, it all feels very, very cruel, but nevertheless, the ACL reconstruction surgery was successful.
“To all my close friends and family, your support and love means absolutely everything to me. To those of you who have gone out of your way to message on social media platforms in support of me and my recovery, even when we don’t know each other personally.
“I appreciate you all more than you’ll ever know, so thank you. And lastly to those of you who doubt, hate and mock. You truly motivate me to levels I didn’t know I had inside of me, so again, thank you. See you all on the other side.”
Lowest low I’ve ever had. Heartbroken at the fact this injury has occurred at this time in my career. With the Super Cup tomorrow, the premier league season on the horizon, the exciting champions league campaign & it being a World Cup year for England it all feels very very cruel… pic.twitter.com/m0TgKlo8Sk
— James Maddison (@Madders10) August 12, 2025
Tottenham will face Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday, followed by Burnley in their Premier League opener on Saturday.
