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For James Maddison, the 2025/26 season was shaping up to be one of the most significant phases of his football career.

At 28, with Tottenham Hotspur returning to the UEFA Champions League and England preparing for a World Cup year, the former Leicester City midfielder had every reason to feel that major opportunities were ahead of him this summer.

However, football proved to be unforgiving once again. During a pre-season friendly against Newcastle United, Maddison sustained an ACL injury that effectively halted his progress before the campaign had even properly started.

Speaking about the incident, Maddison admitted to FourFourTwo that the experience was both physically and emotionally draining. “It was painful,” he said, acknowledging not only the injury itself but also the disappointment that came with it. “It was tough to come to terms with, especially with a big season ahead and it being a World Cup year.”

He continued, “But that’s life. You have to accept it, get on with the rehab, and face adversity with a smile. I’ve been putting in the work every single day, keeping my head down, staying focused, and pushing through.”

Maddison confessed that the road to recovery has been far from easy. “There have been some really hard days, some dark, lonely days. But I’ll get there. I’ll be back stronger and better, I’ve got no doubt about that.”

He was also quick to praise the support he’s received at Tottenham. “The medical staff at Spurs have been fantastic, and the manager and coaches have all been incredibly supportive. Like me, they can’t wait to see me back out on the pitch.”

Recovering from an ACL injury typically takes around nine months, but Maddison is cautious about committing to any specific return date. “I don’t know yet,” he admitted when asked about his comeback timeline. When questioned about the possibility of playing in the upcoming World Cup, he preferred not to speculate.

“That’s not my focus right now,” he explained. “I’m concentrating on the rehab process, taking it one day at a time. It’s about getting my knee right, building strength, and feeling good. Everything else will fall into place when the time is right.”

Reflecting on the mental side of recovery, Maddison noted that resilience is a crucial part of elite sport. “Yeah, you’ve got to bounce back,” he said. “I just can’t wait to get back out there for Tottenham, doing what I love, proving myself again, and reaching that top level.”

He added, “I’m entering my prime years now. I’m hungry, I’m working incredibly hard, and I still have so much more to give.”

Maddison shared these thoughts while attending the launch of PUMA’s new flagship store on Oxford Street, London — the brand’s first such store in Europe.

— Reported by Chris Flanagan, Senior Staff Writer