Ghana’s Abdul Mumin returns to action from ACL injury hell after over 13 months

Rayo Vallecano defender Abdul Mumin completed a grueling over 13 month journey back to competitive football on Thursday night, appearing as a second-half substitute in the club’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over Espanyol.

The Ghana international had been sidelined since March 4, 2025, after suffering a catastrophic rupture of his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) that prematurely ended his previous campaign.

His return to the pitch at the Campo de Fútbol de Vallecas marks the end of a marathon rehabilitation process that was further complicated by a secondary thigh injury and a minor setback in early 2026, forcing the medical staff to take a conservative approach.

Mumin’s reintroduction proved timely as Rayo battled to secure three points in a tense encounter.

After being medically cleared in mid-February, the center-back spent several weeks on the bench while head coach Íñigo Pérez monitored his fitness.

In a scoreless deadlock that lasted until the 87th minute, Sergio Camello finally broke the tie to put the hosts ahead.

Mumin was then subbed on to fortify the backline and protect the narrow lead during the closing stages.

Emotional moment for Ghana center back 🇬🇭 Abdul Mumin as he returns from an ACL injury which kept him out for 13 months. The 27-year-old was subbed on in Rayo Vallecano’s 1-0 home win over Espanyol. pic.twitter.com/6OLLbgZVdd

— Owuraku Ampofo (@_owurakuampofo) April 23, 2026

Despite his lengthy absence, the club has shown immense faith in the defender’s long-term value, reportedly entering negotiations for a contract extension that would keep him in Madrid through 2029.