This review discusses the current and future techniques for repairing articular cartilage defects, focusing on tissue engineering approaches. It highlights the limitations of current methods, such as microfracture and autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI), and explores emerging technologies like scaffold-based techniques, matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI), and cell-free biomaterials. The review also examines the potential of alternative cell sources, including mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), as well as fresh and particulated allografts. Additionally, it explores active in situ approaches and scaffold-free techniques, such as self-assembling processes and chondrospheres. The goal is to develop biomimetic tissues that can better withstand the mechanical demands of the knee joint, improve long-term functional outcomes, and reduce the economic burden of cartilage pathology. Despite progress, the review emphasizes the need for further research to achieve truly biomimetic replacements that meet the fundamental requirements of successful cartilage healing.This review discusses the current and future techniques for repairing articular cartilage defects, focusing on tissue engineering approaches. It highlights the limitations of current methods, such as microfracture and autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI), and explores emerging technologies like scaffold-based techniques, matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI), and cell-free biomaterials. The review also examines the potential of alternative cell sources, including mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), as well as fresh and particulated allografts. Additionally, it explores active in situ approaches and scaffold-free techniques, such as self-assembling processes and chondrospheres. The goal is to develop biomimetic tissues that can better withstand the mechanical demands of the knee joint, improve long-term functional outcomes, and reduce the economic burden of cartilage pathology. Despite progress, the review emphasizes the need for further research to achieve truly biomimetic replacements that meet the fundamental requirements of successful cartilage healing.