Italo Ferreira Suffers Knee Injury Ahead of Surf City El Salvador Pro
- Ayelet Fuentes Guerra
- Jun 5
- 2 min read
The world rankings leader suffered an accident during a training session in El Salvador just hours before competing in the fifth stop of the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT).
The world's surfing elite will once again gather at the waves of Punta Roca in La Libertad for the Surf City El Salvador Pro 2026, scheduled to take place from June 5 to 15. This event represents a crucial stage in the race for the world title, especially as the season enters a decisive phase.
Among the main contenders is Brazilian surfer Italo Ferreira, the current men's rankings leader and recent winner of the Corona Cero New Zealand Pro. However, his preparation for the competition was disrupted by an accident during a surf session in El Salvador.
Through his social media channels, the 2019 World Champion revealed that he suffered a deep cut near his knee after being involved in an accident in the water. According to Ferreira, another surfer passed over him and he had no opportunity to avoid the collision, resulting in a wound that required eight stitches.
“I have already received medical treatment, I’m on medication, pain-free, and being monitored by the medical team. Thank God, everything is under control,” Ferreira said in a statement shared on Instagram. The Brazilian also stated that his main focus is now on recovery and expressed his desire to be ready to compete during this stage of the tour.
Although Ferreira himself has remained positive about his condition, the injury raises questions about how it could affect his performance on a demanding wave such as Punta Roca. The Salvadoran right-hander requires speed, power, and constant pressure on the legs to maintain the rhythm of maneuvers, factors that could be impacted by a recent recovery.
With the rankings lead at stake and several competitors looking to close the gap in the standings, Ferreira’s performance will be one of the key storylines at the Surf City El Salvador Pro. Meanwhile, the fifth stop of the CT is preparing to welcome the world’s best surfers to one of the most spectacular venues on the calendar, promising world-class action and pivotal moments in the 2026 season.