Hákon Haraldsson: Lille Midfielder Overcomes Broken Foot Setback

Last Saturday, Haraldsson recorded his first career brace in Ligue 1 McDonald's to help Lille defeat AS Monaco 2-1 and it's the confidence booster that the Iceland native needs to fuel an excellent finish to the 2024-25 season.

After dealing with the ordeal of an injury that kept him out of action for two months, it's a difficult period for a player which the Lille midfielder admitted last December while talking to the media.

"Being injured for two months is definitely a tough time. But things are much better now, and I'm happy to be back. I've had similar issues before, like with my quadriceps, but it's never easy to deal with."

Since returning from his broken foot on November 24 against Stade Rennais, Haraldsson has hit the ground running. His brace against Monaco shows he's fully overcome the setback with six goals and two assists across all competitions.

Haraldsson is a key player for Les Dogues as they aim to secure an automatic UEFA Champions League spot next season and continue their run in this year's competition.

Not only is he a crucial part of Lille’s plans, which is why they signed him from Copenhagen in 2023, but his teammates, like Thomas Meunier, also enjoy watching him showcase his skills on the pitch, as he stated to the media last December.

"Hakon is a really smart player. I really like the way he plays because he makes a difference with simple moves. You can see it here—he controls the ball and takes a quality shot. We’ve seen it since he came back to training: he’s a player who can add something extra, both individually and for the team."

"He’s exactly the type of player I enjoy watching—elegant, simple. I’m not surprised at all, because what he does in training, he brings to the game. It’s not just luck."

The youngster had never played in Europe's top five leagues before joining LOSC, so questions about his ability to adjust were expected. Nearly two full seasons into his Lille career, Haraldsson has proven that the jump to Ligue 1 McDonald's wasn't too much for him.

Lille have a Champions League Round of 16 tie against Borussia Dortmund and it's the perfect opportunity for Haraldsson to introduce himself at the international stage that he's the next young talent to watch in France's top flight.

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