Pafos FC forward Zaza suffers serious knee injury

Pafos FC forward Zaza has been ruled out for an extended period after suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament during the team's Europa League qualifying match against Hajduk Split on July 30, 2026. The Brazilian player, who had been a key contributor to the team's recent performance and their historic progression, sustained the injury shortly before halftime. Despite initial attempts to remain on the pitch, he was eventually substituted and helped off the field.

Medical examinations confirmed the initial concerns regarding the severity of the damage to his knee. The club officially announced the diagnosis on July 31, 2026, marking a significant blow to head coach Ricardo Sa Pinto's tactical plans. Zaza is now expected to undergo surgery to repair the ligament, followed by a long-term rehabilitation program that will sideline him for several months.

This injury comes at a critical juncture in the European campaign for the Cypriot side. The loss of a starting attacker has reportedly prompted discussions within the club regarding potential adjustments to their transfer strategy to compensate for his absence throughout the remainder of the season.