The emotional landscape of modern football rarely produces a moment as raw and captivating as the one witnessed in Stockholm this past Tuesday. As the Swedish national team secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over Poland to punch their ticket to the 2026 World Cup, the cameras caught a glimpse of Dejan Kulusevski in the stands, overcome with emotion.
The 25-year-old Tottenham Hotspur star was seen in tears, a powerful display of both relief and passion that occurred just hours after his club back in London had officially announced the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi as their new head coach.
For Kulusevski, the tears represented a massive outpouring of feeling after a year that has been, by his own admission, the most challenging of his professional life.
It has been a miserable season for the Swedish international, who has not kicked a ball in competitive action since undergoing major patella surgery last May. Watching from the sidelines as his teammates fought through a grueling play-off cycle has clearly taken its toll.
His teammate, Yasin Ayari, spoke to the press following the game about seeing Kulusevski crying in the stands, noting that the entire squad knew exactly how much this qualification meant to him.
Ayari emphasized that the team “did it for him” and for the Swedish people, highlighting a bond that transcends the pitch. The victory in Stockholm was not just a sporting achievement; it was a lifeline for a player who has spent the last twelve months in a lonely battle with his own body.
Kulusevski’s journey back to fitness has been a narrative of incredible resilience. Despite the long layoff, he traveled to Valencia to support the squad in their semi-final against Ukraine before returning to his homeland for the decisive clash against Poland.
His determination to be part of the World Cup squad this summer is nothing short of legendary among his peers. While many would have written off their chances after such a long absence, Kulusevski remains his own biggest believer.
He told broadcasters that if there is one person on the planet capable of making a successful comeback in time for the tournament, he would bet on himself. His goal isn’t just to participate; he wants to ensure that Sweden steps onto the world stage without fear, ready to take on giants like Brazil or France.
| Player Milestones | Current Status | Timeline | Goal |
| Patella Surgery | Completed | May 2025 | Foundational repair |
| Rehabilitation | Ongoing | June 2025 – Present | Strength & Mobility |
| Minor Intervention | Completed | March 2026 | “Clean up” procedure |
| Return to Training | Pending | April 2026 | Tactical integration |
| World Cup 2026 | Target | June 2026 | Full competitive return |
The road to recovery hit a small speed bump just three weeks ago when the midfielder underwent a minor surgical intervention. While the news initially sparked panic among the Tottenham faithful, Kulusevski was quick to alleviate those fears.
He explained that the small operation was actually a positive step, allowing doctors to identify and finally sort out a lingering issue that had been hampering his progress. With a deeply spiritual outlook, he credited the successful procedure to a higher power, stating that the problem is now fully resolved.
This health update comes at a pivotal moment, as he must now turn his attention back to North London and the high-stakes environment of the Premier League.
The timing of his recovery coincides with a massive shift in leadership at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The appointment of Roberto De Zerbi on a lucrative five-year contract has sent shockwaves through English football.
The 46-year-old Italian replaces Igor Tudor, whose 44-day reign ended in calamity, leaving the club just one point above the relegation zone. De Zerbi has been handed a mission that is as simple as it is daunting: he has seven games to preserve Tottenham’s top-flight status.
For a player like Kulusevski, a manager of De Zerbi’s tactical pedigree represents an exciting new chapter. The Italian is famous for an expansive, attacking style of play that relies on creative, hardworking wide players—a role that Kulusevski has mastered throughout his career.
De Zerbi’s first message to the supporters was one of immense pride and long-term ambition. He spoke of his desire to build a team that not only achieves greatness but does so in a way that inspires and excites the fans. This philosophy aligns perfectly with Kulusevski’s own approach to the game.
Both men are driven by a desire to give “faith and love” to their people through football. As the international break ends, the focus shifts to how quickly the Swedish star can integrate into De Zerbi’s complex tactical system. While the manager’s immediate priority is defensive stability to avoid the drop, the return of a healthy, motivated Kulusevski would provide a much-needed boost to an attack that has often looked toothless in recent weeks.
The final seven games of the season will be a true test of character for everyone involved with the club. The “Doomsday scenario” of relegation is still a very real threat, and the margin for error has completely vanished. However, the sight of Kulusevski’s tears in Stockholm serves as a reminder of the passion that still exists within the squad.
If that emotional energy can be channeled into the relegation fight, Tottenham might just find the spark they need to pull away from danger. De Zerbi has the tactical plan, and in Kulusevski, he may soon have a player who is willing to do everything humanly possible to ensure the club and his country continues to compete at the highest level.
As the countdown to the trip to Sunderland begins, the narrative is no longer just about survival; it is about redemption. Kulusevski is fighting to reclaim his career, and De Zerbi is fighting to restore the reputation of a historic institution.
The intersection of these two journeys could be the defining story of Tottenham’s season. For the fans who have endured a year of disappointment, the hope is that the tears shed in Sweden are the last ones of sadness, and that the coming weeks bring a different kind of emotion the joy of a successful rescue mission.
