Presnel Kimpembe Embarks on New Chapter with Qatar SC After 20 Years at PSG

September 7, 2025, French defender Presnel Kimpembe officially concluded his two-decade tenure with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), signing a permanent deal with Qatar Sports Club (Qatar SC). The 30-year-old academy graduate, who joined PSG at age eight, departs as a club icon after 241 appearances and a remarkable haul of 24 trophies, including PSG’s inaugural Champions League title. His move marks a significant transition following a challenging period marred by a severe Achilles injury in 2023, which required multiple surgeries and limited his playing time.

Kimpembe’s transfer aligns with Qatar’s ambitious push to elevate its domestic league, the Qatar Stars League, backed by the same Qatari ownership group as PSG. This strategic shift reflects a 15% increase in foreign player signings in 2025, according to FIFA’s Global Transfer Report, highlighting the nation’s growing football influence. Meanwhile, PSG’s decision to exclude Kimpembe from its 2025-26 Champions League squad under manager Luis Enrique signals a squad overhaul, prioritizing younger talent.

A 2023 study in the British Journal of Sports Medicine notes that Achilles injuries can reduce long-term playing time by 30%, underscoring the physical toll that likely influenced this career move. Kimpembe now seeks a fresh start in Qatar.