Presnel Kimpembe can call himself a footballer again. The French defender of Paris Saint-Germain made his comeback on Tuesday evening after nearly two years of recovering from an injury. It was an emotional cup night.
Presnel Kimpembe finally stepped back onto the pitch after nearly two years, making an emotional return in Paris Saint-Germain’s 2-0 victory over Le Mans in the Coupe de France Round of 16.
The French defender, once a key figure in PSG’s backline, endured a long and grueling battle to regain fitness after suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon and undergoing two major surgeries. His last competitive match for PSG had been on February 26, 2023, a time when the club still had Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi, and Sergio Ramos in the squad, and when Lamine Yamal had yet to make his professional debut for Barcelona.
Kimpembe’s return could have come earlier, as he was included in PSG’s squad for their Coupe de France clash against Espaly on January 15, but Luis Enrique opted not to risk him, believing he had not yet fully regained match fitness. The coach was also cautious due to the poor condition of some playing surfaces, particularly in cup ties against lower-league opponents, delaying his highly anticipated return even further.
On Tuesday night, however, the wait was finally over. After 709 days without playing a competitive match, Kimpembe was given the green light to return to action. He stepped onto the field as a substitute in the 80th minute, replacing Milan Škriniar, and to mark the occasion, Achraf Hakimi handed him the captain’s armband. It was a symbolic moment, reflecting Kimpembe’s status as one of the squad’s leaders, despite his lengthy absence. The reaction from the crowd added to the emotion of the moment, as both PSG and Le Mans fans acknowledged the significance of his return. The match itself provided a real test, with Le Mans pushing hard in the final minutes, creating several chances. Kimpembe, understandably showing some signs of rust, had to quickly adjust to the intensity of the game, but PSG held firm to secure a clean sheet and advance to the quarter-finals.
After the match, Kimpembe spoke about the significance of his return, admitting that the past two years had been the most difficult period of his career. In an interview with beIN SPORTS, he described it as “a relief”, adding, “I enjoyed every minute of it. It’s been a long time since I felt this emotional. It was a special night. The whole stadium, even the Le Mans supporters, cheered for me.” His words reflected the immense mental and physical toll of his rehabilitation. Achilles injuries are among the most challenging for a footballer, particularly for a defender who relies on agility, quick reactions, and sharp changes of direction. The PSG medical team took a cautious and methodical approach to his recovery, ensuring he only returned when he was truly ready. His rehabilitation process was extensive, involving months of intensive physiotherapy, muscle rebuilding, and careful reintegration into full training. Even after rejoining the squad, doubts remained over whether he could regain his previous form, but his perseverance ultimately paid off as he completed his long-awaited comeback.
Kimpembe’s return comes at a crucial time for PSG, as they enter a decisive phase in both Ligue 1 and the Champions League. His next opportunity to play could come as soon as Friday, when PSG face AS Monaco in a high-profile Ligue 1 encounter. This match could allow him to build match sharpness, although Luis Enrique may choose to gradually reintegrate him rather than rushing him into the starting lineup. More significantly, PSG’s focus will soon shift to the Champions League, where they face Stade Brest in the play-off round. Kimpembe has already been registered for the tournament, meaning he is eligible to play, and depending on his physical condition, he could feature in this crucial tie. His return adds valuable depth to PSG’s defensive options, providing reinforcement to a backline that already includes Marquinhos, Škriniar, and Lucas Hernández. His experience in high-stakes matches could be a vital asset as PSG pursue success on multiple fronts.
At 28 years old, Kimpembe still has a significant role to play at PSG, and his successful return to the pitch marks the beginning of a new chapter in his career. Overcoming such a severe injury and returning at the highest level is a testament to his determination and resilience. His comeback against Le Mans was not just a personal triumph but also a statement of intent if he can remain fit, he could become an essential figure for PSG once again. With the Ligue 1 title race, the Coupe de France, and the Champions League all on the horizon, the timing of his return could not have been better, and if he regains his best form, he could play a key role in PSG’s ambitions for the rest of the season.
