Netherlands defender Matthijs de Ligt will miss this summer’s FIFA World Cup after undergoing back surgery, bringing an unfortunate end to months of rehabilitation and uncertainty over his fitness.
The Manchester United center back confirmed the news on Thursday, revealing that surgery became unavoidable after six months of unsuccessful treatment aimed at helping him return to action. “After 6 months of treatment and working hard to get back, surgery was the only option left,” announced the former Bayern Munich defender.
De Ligt also admitted that his hopes of representing the Netherlands at the FIFA World Cup have effectively ended after being sidelined for half a year with the injury. “I’m disappointed I couldn’t help the team in the last 6 months and obviously missing out on World Cup but I’m looking forward to doing everything to get back in front of the fans and feeling better again.”
The news was later confirmed by Manchester United in an official statement released on the club’s website, providing further details on the defender’s condition and the decision to proceed with surgery.
“Matthijs de Ligt has undergone successful surgery to address a back injury. Having diligently worked throughout his rehabilitation process, the decision was made that a corrective procedure was the best course of action.”
The injury represents a significant setback for both player and country, with De Ligt expected to play a key role for the Netherlands at the global tournament.
The 26-year-old had been one of the most experienced figures expected to be part of the Oranje team but will now face a lengthy recovery process instead.
De Ligt Ever Present For United
Before suffering the injury in late November, De Ligt had been enjoying an impressive campaign with Manchester United.
The Dutch defender played every minute of Premier League football for the Red Devils prior to the setback and was even voted the club’s Player of the Month during the same period.
His commanding displays quickly established him as a crucial member of the squad following his move from Bayern Munich in the summer of 2024. Strong in aerial duels, calm in possession and vocal at the back, De Ligt became one of the few consistent performers during a challenging campaign for United.
Missing the World Cup will come as a particularly painful blow for the defender, who had hoped to build on his experience from the previous edition of the tournament in Qatar in 2022.
De Ligt was part of the Netherlands squad that reached the quarter-finals at the tournament before being eliminated by eventual winners Argentina in a dramatic encounter. He made two appearances, one full appearance and a cameo during the competition and was expected to play a much bigger role this time around before injury struck.
Now, the center back may have to wait another four years for a chance to increase that tally on football’s biggest stage.
Despite the setback, De Ligt still has age on his side and remains one of the best defenders of his generation. At just 26, he has already represented some of Europe’s elite clubs and amassed vast experience at both domestic and international levels.
A product of the famed Ajax academy, De Ligt burst onto the scene as a teenager and captained the Dutch giants during their memorable run to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals in the 2018/19 season.
His performances earned him a move to Juventus in Italy, where he added domestic honours before later joining Bayern Munich in Germany.
During his time in the Bundesliga, he helped the Bavarian side secure multiple domestic titles before completing his transfer to Manchester United.
While the World Cup dream is now over for this summer, De Ligt’s focus will shift fully toward recovery and returning to peak condition. For both club and country, the hope will be that one of Europe’s finest defenders can once again rediscover his best form after a frustrating period on the sidelines.
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