American goalkeeper Jonathan Klinsmann suffered a fractured neck during a Serie B match for Italian club Cesena on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
The 29-year-old was stretchered off the field after colliding with a Palermo player during the game, which Palermo won 2-0. Klinsmann was taken to a hospital in Palermo, where he remained overnight for observation.
On Sunday, Cesena confirmed through a club statement that tests revealed a fracture of the first cervical vertebra. The goalkeeper will undergo further tests and a neurosurgical consultation.
Klinsmann later posted on Instagram that he will miss the remainder of the season, writing: “During the match I suffered a fracture to my spine which will sideline me for a even as. I desire to thank everyone on the ground and at the hospital here in Palermo, the fans of both Cesena and Palermo for the warm wishes and of course my friends and family who have supported me over the last few days. Good luck to the boys in our playoff push and I will witness you all very soon.”
The injury adds to the challenges for Cesena, which currently sits eighth in Serie B — the final playoff spot for promotion to Italy’s top flight. Klinsmann has been the team’s starting goalkeeper since joining from LA Galaxy in 2024.
The son of former Germany international and former U.S. Men’s national team head coach Jürgen Klinsmann, Jonathan has been called up twice by the U.S. Men’s National Team, most recently in September 2025 for friendlies against South Korea and Japan, though he did not play in either match. He has yet to earn a senior cap for the United States.
The incident occurred during the Serie B clash between Palermo and Cesena at Stadio Renzo Barbera in Palermo, Italy.
