Former Manchester United star suffers Achilles tendon rupture, faces risk of missing entire season

Previously considered among the best midfielders in Europe and shortlisted for the 2019 Ballon d'Or, Donny van de Beek currently battles ongoing injury problems.

Joining Manchester United in summer 2020 for £40 million, Van de Beek was expected to become the new "playmaker" at Old Trafford. However, his four years in England ended disappointingly with just 62 appearances, 2 goals, and numerous stints sidelined by injury.

Loan spells at Everton and Eintracht Frankfurt failed to help him regain form. In summer 2024, he transferred to Girona for a mere £420,000 and had a fairly decent first season before sustaining an injury.

After months of recovery and surgery, Van de Beek was given his first start in La Liga in five months by coach Michel Sanchez, playing alongside Bryan Gil and Azzedine Ounahi to support striker Vladyslav Vanat. Unfortunately, his comeback plan collapsed when the 28-year-old clutched his heel in pain and had to be substituted in the 33rd minute for Cristian Portu.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Van de Beek has suffered a complete Achilles tendon rupture, one of the most severe injuries for a footballer. Coach Sanchez admitted: “We will wait for the test results, but this could be the worst news of the match.”

Only six years after shining as a promising Ajax star, Van de Beek is now struggling to save his career. On Instagram, he expressed: “Very sad and disappointed by this shock... after working so hard to come back. Thank you all for the love and support. I will fight to return stronger.”

This new injury threatens to sideline Van de Beek for a long period, potentially ruling him out for the entire 2025/26 season at Girona. The Dutchman continues to exemplify the harsh realities of top-level football, from a Ballon d'Or nominee and a high-profile signing at MU to a player plagued by persistent injuries.

Girona fans and those who once admired him still hope for a miracle to help Van de Beek overcome this injury storm and see him back on the pitch at his best once again.