Riqui Puig Delivers Emotional Promise to LA Galaxy Faithful Following Crushing Injury Setback
LA Galaxy star Riqui Puig shared an emotional statement following news that he will be sidelined for the complete 2026 MLS campaign while recovering from his second ACL procedure, having already missed the entirety of 2025 due to his original injury.
The Galaxy confirmed that the ex-Barcelona midfielder underwent a successful procedure in Spain on Saturday and "is anticipated to make a complete recovery and be prepared to return to the squad for the beginning of the 2027 MLS campaign."
"This represents one of the most challenging and difficult periods I've ever faced in my life, both personally and professionally," Puig shared on Instagram. "However, today I can confirm that the procedure was successful and that provides me with hope and confidence moving forward.
"I wish to express my sincere gratitude to my family and friends for their constant support, but particularly to Galaxy for the way you have looked after, respected and backed me throughout. Also to all of you, for every message, every encouraging word and every gesture of support I have received recently. It truly means far more than you could possibly know."
The 26-year-old originally sustained the injury on Nov. 30, 2024, during the Western Conference Final of the 2024 MLS Cup playoffs versus the Seattle Sounders. The Galaxy advanced past the Sounders with Puig completing the match despite his injury, before the team secured a sixth MLS Cup seven days later against Red Bull New York, without their key midfielder.
He recorded 21 goals and 24 assists in 36 matches across all competitions with the Galaxy in 2024, establishing himself as one of the league's most impactful players and earning MLS All-Star honors in both 2023 and 2024.
In his absence during 2025, the Galaxy began the season winless through 16 matches and concluded the campaign in 14th place in the Western Conference, missing the MLS Cup playoffs by 11 points.
"Following an entire year of daily work with one objective in mind, yesterday during a medical examination, the doctor delivered news you never wish to receive: the procedure was unsuccessful and I needed to undergo surgery again," Puig continued.
"Now I have only one focus: begin working immediately, train with greater enthusiasm than ever and attempt to become the Riqui Puig you all recognize once more. More determination, more drive, and more resilience... I truly want to enjoy being on the field again and to help you enjoy it as I have always attempted to do."
What Will the Galaxy Do Without Puig?
With Puig unavailable, Galaxy general manager Will Kuntz will likely place the Designated Player on long-term injured reserve, creating a DP position for the 2026 season. Puig received $5.125 million in base salary during 2025 despite being unable to play and is projected to earn a comparable amount in 2026; nevertheless, the Galaxy will be able to construct their roster without him.
The organization has restructured its defense after conceding 66 goals in 2025, the most in the Western Conference, by acquiring two-time MLS Defender of the Year candidate Jakob Glesnes from the Philadelphia Union and multi-position defender Justin Haak from New York City FC.
Now, they will seek another impactful offensive contributor to complement Gabriel Pec, Joseph Paintsil and Christian Ramirez, either acquiring a more established striker or an attacking midfielder.
The Galaxy begin the 2026 MLS regular season on Feb. 22 against New York City FC following their season opener on Feb. 19 against Panama's Sporting San Miguelito in the opening round of the Concacaf Champions Cup.