Champion and relegated in one season: The strange fate of Marc-Andre ter Stegen
Although Marc-Andre ter Stegen played very few matches in the 2025/26 season, he achieved a rare feat in football history. The 34-year-old goalkeeper won the league title and suffered relegation in the same season. This is reported by Goal.com reports .
Ter Stegen is playing for Girona on loan from Barcelona until the end of June. While the "Blaugrana" secured the title in El Clasico against Real Madrid a few weeks ago, Girona's relegation to the Spanish second division was officially confirmed after a 1:1 draw with Elche on Saturday.
However, the German international does not bear much responsibility for Girona's failure. Since joining the team in the winter transfer window, he has appeared only twice: in a draw against Getafe and a defeat against Real Oviedo in late January. Due to a hamstring injury, he missed the rest of the season and will also miss the World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
Even before his loan, Ter Stegen had been sidelined for a long time due to knee and back problems. Consequently, his future remains in doubt. Although his contract with Barcelona runs until 2028, his stay at the Catalan club is unlikely, as he has already lost his status as the first-choice goalkeeper to Joan Garcia.
Mundo Deportivo even called him a "hot potato." Reportedly, selling the goalkeeper is a difficult task due to his salary, injury history, and age. Although Ter Stegen himself wants to stay at Barcelona, the club's management is not confident in finding a quick solution.
