Mario Hezonja will be sidelined temporarily due to a muscular injury sustained during recent international duty with Croatia, Real Madrid confirmed on Monday.
The 30-year-old combo forward, who has become a key piece for Los Blancos, was injured in the biceps femoris of his right thigh while training with the Croatian national team.
In a press release, Real Madrid provided details of the injury and emphasized that the player’s recovery will be closely monitored:
“Following tests carried out on Mario Hezonja by Real Madrid‘s medical department, the player has been diagnosed with a muscular injury to the biceps femoris in his right thigh, which occurred during training with the Croatian national team. His progress will be monitored.”
Hezonja had been in strong form during the Pre-Qualifiers of the FIBA World Cup 2027, suiting up in all four games for Croatia between August 6 and 20.
He averaged 15.0 points and 4.5 rebounds per contest, helping his team secure a perfect 4-0 run against Denmark and Norway in Group G, which advanced Croatia to the next stage of the Qualifiers. They are now set to face Germany, Israel, and Cyprus in Group E.
Turning back to club duties, Hezonja’s attention shifts to Real Madrid’s 2025–26 campaigns in the EuroLeague and domestic competitions in Spain.
Under new head coach Sergio Scariolo, the team will open its EuroLeague season on September 30, traveling to face Virtus Bologna at Virtus Arena in Round 1 of the Regular Season.
Once medically cleared, the Dubrovnik native will embark on his ninth EuroLeague season and fourth with Real Madrid, having appeared in 186 EuroLeague games to date.
A seasoned professional, Hezonja also boasts extensive NBA experience, having played 335 games between 2015 and 2020 with the Portland Trail Blazers, Orlando Magic, and New York Knicks.
With his blend of international and club experience, Hezonja’s return will be closely watched, as he looks to contribute both scoring and leadership to Madrid’s quest for domestic and European glory this season.
Real Madrid shares a medical update on Mario Hezonja
— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) August 25, 2025
🏥 The experienced forward is sidelined due to a thigh injury from international action with Croatiahttps://t.co/7smEzsFdAO
