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Marc-André ter Stegen experienced one of the most unusual seasons of his career in 2025/26, managing to both win a league championship and suffer relegation within the same campaign.

The 34-year-old German goalkeeper, currently on loan at Girona from FC Barcelona, achieved the rare distinction of being part of both a title-winning side and a relegated team in a single season.

Ter Stegen’s loan deal with Girona runs until the end of June. While FC Barcelona, known as the Blaugrana, secured the league title weeks earlier in the Clásico clash against Real Madrid, Girona’s fate was sealed when their 1–1 draw with Elche confirmed their drop to Spain’s second division.

However, the experienced international goalkeeper cannot be held largely accountable for Girona’s relegation. Since joining in the winter transfer window, he made just two appearances—the 1–1 draw against Getafe and the 0–1 loss to Real Oviedo at the end of January. A thigh injury ruled him out for the rest of the campaign and will also keep him from joining the German national team (DFB) for the upcoming World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.

Ter Stegen’s future remains unclear. Even before his loan spell, he endured a long spell on the sidelines between September 2024 and December 2025 due to a torn patellar tendon and recurring back problems. Although his contract with FC Barcelona extends until 2028, a return to the Catalan side seems improbable, as he has long since lost his number one spot to Joan Garcia.

Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo described the situation as a “hot potato,” suggesting that finding a new club could be complicated by his high wages, injury record, and age. Reports indicate that no immediate resolution is expected, as ter Stegen reportedly wishes to remain in Barcelona.

Marc-André ter Stegen’s career statistics at FC Barcelona illustrate an impressive record, but his current situation leaves his next move open to speculation.