Former Clemson men’s soccer player Joran Gerbet made his return playing 24 minutes for Orlando City in Saturday’s Leagues Cup match against Club León, marking his first appearance since tearing his ACL during a 2025 regular-season match against the Columbus Crew.
Orlando City announced in October that Gerbet underwent successful surgery to reconstruct his left ACL. Before the injury, he started 14 of 23 matches across all competitions during his rookie season and recorded one assist.
The 2025 MLS SuperDraft first-round pick may need time before returning to a regular starting role, but his return to the pitch was an important first step in recovery.
Joran has successfully undergone surgery to repair his left ACL.
Wishing him a speedy recovery 💜
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) October 17, 2025
In his post-game press conference, he pitched how important it is to be focused coming off an injury: “I felt like the emotion was happy and so excited, but you have to stay calm and not be distracted by the fact that you’re coming back, so I had to stay focused. I’ve done a lot of mental stuff and visualization.” “To be honest, I was comfortable physically, and it was great to be back.”
Gerbet was selected 27th overall by Orlando after a dominant two-year run at Clemson. In February 2025, he signed a first-team contract with the club through the 2025 season, with options through 2028.
Tiger ➡️ Lion
With the 27th pick of the @MLS#SuperDraft, we have selected midfielder Joran Gerbet from @ClemsonMSoccerpic.twitter.com/dWZOpvrco1
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) December 20, 2024
Gerbet was named the 2024 ACC Midfielder of the Year, earned first-team All-ACC and United Soccer Coaches first-team All-America honors, and was named a MAC Hermann Trophy semifinalist. He finished second on Clemson with 22 points, recording seven goals and eight assists.
The Valence, France, native also served as a team captain and helped lead Clemson to its fifth ACC Championship Game appearance in six seasons.
Gerbet arrived at Clemson after two seasons at Oregon State, where he was named the 2022 Pac-12 Player of the Year. He immediately helped the Tigers win the 2023 ACC Tournament and national championship, appearing in 22 matches with 21 starts while recording three goals and three assists.
Across his collegiate career, Gerbet made 76 starts in 78 appearances, scoring 12 goals and adding 15 assists.
Now, after nearly a year away from competitive action, Gerbet has begun his path back toward becoming a regular contributor for Orlando City.
Clemson starter named to 2026 Jim Thorpe Award Preseason Watch List
📸 Bob Donnan, Bob Donnan-Imagn Images https://t.co/EfP5pFEgiopic.twitter.com/b8k3brnkDk
— Clemson Wire (@Clemson_Wire) August 12, 2026
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This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: Clemson, ACC star Joran Gerbet returns for Orlando after ACL injury
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