Cincinnati D Nick Hagglund wins Comeback Player of Year

FC Cincinnati defender Nick Hagglund was named the 2025 MLS Comeback Player of the Year on Wednesday.

Hagglund, 33, sustained a fractured fibula, torn ligaments and tendons, and significant cartilage damage in his ankle in a June 2024 match. It was his third season-ending injury in four seasons.

After surgery and more than 250 days of rehabilitation, Hagglund returned to the lineup on March 22 before suffering another setback on May 25 with two broken ribs and a collapsed lung in a collision against Atlanta United.

Hagglund was back on the pitch by Aug. 16, captaining the squad the rest of the way and contributing one goal and one assist in 17 MLS matches (16 starts). FCC was 10-4-3 in the games he played.

The award was voted on by MLS club technical staff, media and current players. Fellow finalists Richie Laryea of Toronto FC and Lawrence Ennali of the Houston Dynamo finished second and third, respectively.

Hagglund is the first FC Cincinnati player to win Comeback Player of the Year, which has been presented annually since 2000.

He has recorded 10 goals and seven assists in 231 career MLS matches (191 starts) with Toronto (2014-18) and Cincinnati.