Jonathan Klinsmann’s season in Italy is over after a frightening injury left him with a broken neck, USA Today reports. The 29-year-old American goalkeeper was stretchered off Saturday during Cesena’s Serie B match against Palermo following a collision with an opposing player; Palermo went on to win 2-0. Cesena said tests showed a fracture of the first cervical vertebra, and that Klinsmann will undergo additional exams and a consultation with neurosurgeons.
Klinsmann later confirmed on Instagram that he had fractured his spine and will be sidelined “for a while,” thanking medical staff, fans from both clubs, and his family. He confirmed he’ll be out for the remainder of the season, the Guardian reports. Cesena currently sits eighth in Serie B, occupying the final promotion playoff spot. Klinsmann, the son of former Germany star and US men’s national team coach Jürgen Klinsmann, has been Cesena’s starting keeper since arriving from LA Galaxy in 2024. He has been called into the US men’s national team camp twice but has yet to appear in a senior match. He previously represented the US at the youth level, ESPN reports.