"I didn’t want to see the season end like this."

Jack Grealish’s 2025–26 season has been cut tragically short after a serious injury sustained in Everton’s 1–0 victory over his former club Aston Villa on 18 January. The 30-year-old English winger, on loan from Manchester City, required surgery for a stress fracture in his foot, bringing an abrupt and emotional pause to a season he had hoped would rejuvenate his career.

Sharing his thoughts on Instagram following the operation, Grealish wrote, “I never wanted the season to end like this, but that’s football. It’s extremely frustrating. The surgery has been completed, and now my full focus is on returning to full fitness as quickly as possible. I’m determined to come back fitter, stronger, and better than ever.”

The injury also extinguished any hopes of Grealish featuring for England in the upcoming World Cup. Discussions around his potential recall to the national squad had been growing, fuelled by his recent performances at Everton. Under England’s interim coach Lee Carsley, Grealish last appeared for the Three Lions in October 2024.

Grealish’s career trajectory has been a mix of triumph and recent challenges. After a record £100 million transfer from Aston Villa to Manchester City in 2021, he won three Premier League titles, a Champions League trophy, and an FA Cup. However, the 2024–25 season saw him marginalised under Pep Guardiola, starting just seven league matches and being excluded from City’s Club World Cup squad in the United States. This led to his temporary move to Everton, seeking more regular football.

At Everton, Grealish featured in 22 matches across all competitions, contributing two goals and six assists before the injury halted his progress.

Jack Grealish – 2025–26 Season Statistics (Everton)

Following surgery, Grealish expressed his gratitude for the support he has received at Everton: “The support I’ve had since joining this incredible club has meant the world to me. The coaching staff, my teammates, and especially the fans have been extraordinary. I’m proud to represent this club. I will do everything necessary to return to the pitch as soon as possible, and until then, I will always support the team. Thank you all again for the love—it truly means a lot.”

Grealish’s message reflects not only his disappointment but also his determination to bounce back, underlining a resilience that has characterised his career from Villa to City, and now Everton. Fans will hope for a swift recovery and a strong return, perhaps ready to reignite his international ambitions once again.