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9h ago

FC Cincinnati’s Nick Hagglund Wins 2025 MLS Comeback Player of the Year

The award reflects a season defined by recovery from complex ankle surgery, a midyear hospitalization, then a return to lead Cincinnati’s back line.

Oct 18, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; FC Cincinnati defender Nick Hagglund (4), left, defends against CF Montreal midfielder Ivan Jaime (11), right, during the second half of a match at TQL Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kareem Elgazzar-Imagn Images
May 25, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; FC Cincinnati defender Nick Hagglund (4) handles the ball against Atlanta United in the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • He won nearly 35% of the vote in balloting by MLS club technical staff, media and current players.
  • He missed more than 250 days after a June 2024 fractured fibula with torn ankle ligaments and tendons before returning on March 22.
  • A May 25 collision left him with two broken ribs and a collapsed lung; he returned on Aug. 16 and captained the team through the stretch run.
  • He made 17 MLS appearances in 2025 (16 starts) with one goal and one assist, and FC Cincinnati went 10-4-3 in matches he played.
  • He is the first FC Cincinnati player to earn the honor, finishing ahead of finalists Richie Laryea and Lawrence Ennali, and now has 231 career MLS matches.