Former Tottenham midfielder Nabil Bentaleb marked his remarkable return to football with a goal in Lille’s 2-0 victory at Rennes on Sunday, just months after surviving a cardiac arrest.
The 30-year-old had been warned his career might be over following the incident in June 2024. But after receiving clearance from the French Football Federation on Wednesday, Bentaleb made his comeback, scoring only four minutes after coming on in the second half at Roazhon Park.
He celebrated his goal by running straight to the Lille bench, where he was swarmed by his teammates and coaching staff in an emotional moment.
“It’s a story worthy of a movie,” said Lille head coach Bruno Genesio. “He deserves this because I don’t believe in luck—he truly believed in himself.” He described the moment as “incredible” and “wonderful,” adding, “Nabil’s goal lifted us to cloud nine. It’s hard to describe, but this could be a defining moment of our season—a moment that will be etched in the history of both the club and Nabil’s memory.”
Former Arsenal striker Chuba Akpom wrapped up the win with a goal in the 86th minute, propelling Lille into fifth place in Ligue 1.
Bentaleb, who began his professional career at Tottenham in 2013, made 46 Premier League appearances before moving to Schalke in 2017. He also had a brief loan spell at Newcastle and a two-year stint at Angers before joining Lille in 2023.
