Athlete Shared ACL Recovery Progress in the U.S.
Professional soccer player Xavi Simons recently demonstrated his ongoing rehabilitation following a knee injury.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Fitness
Professional athlete Xavi Simons has shared updates on his rehabilitation after sustaining a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee in late April 2026. The athlete documented his recovery progress while visiting training facilities across the United States.
Why it matters
Understanding the rigorous rehabilitation process for an ACL rupture highlights the sustained effort required for returning to professional sports after significant ligament damage. Recovery paths often involve multi-center clinical and athletic monitoring to ensure functional stability.
The update provided a visual account of recovery exercises, including six images of dynamic movements like medicine ball lunges. The full scope of his long-term clinical recovery remains an ongoing process following the April 2026 injury.
The players
Xavi Simons
A professional soccer player currently undergoing recovery from a right ACL rupture.
Riqui Puig
A professional soccer player who interacted with the public recovery update.
The details
Simons is currently undergoing physical therapy and strength training to recover from a complete ACL rupture. The rehabilitation process involves dynamic, load-bearing movements designed to rebuild the muscular strength and proprioception necessary to stabilize the knee joint. By utilizing high-performance training centers, he is focusing on controlled mechanical stress to support tissue healing and functional return.
Timeline
Late April 2026: Simons ruptured his right anterior cruciate ligament.
October 2, 2026: The article was published.
Health Landscape
The recovery path for ACL ruptures has evolved through specialized performance centers like the Under Armour Performance Centre. Modern protocols increasingly emphasize long-term, facility-based strengthening to mitigate the risk of re-injury.
Recovery from an ACL injury requires close collaboration with a physical therapist to ensure exercises are appropriate for your specific stage of healing. Always discuss your rehabilitation goals and any new exercise protocols with your physician or sports medicine specialist.
The takeaway
Rehabilitating a ligament rupture is a complex, long-term commitment that relies on consistent, monitored movement. Patients should consult their care team to develop a structured recovery plan that matches their physical capacity.
Further reading
Learn more about recovery protocols and injury prevention in our Fitness section.
