Watch: Nabil Bentaleb marks incredible return after cardiac arrest with goal

Nabil Bentaleb marked his triumphant return with a goal in Lille's 2-0 win at Rennes, months after his cardiac arrest.

Nabil Bentaleb’s remarkable resilience was on full display Sunday as he scored in Lille’s 2-0 win at Rennes, marking a triumphant return to football after suffering a cardiac arrest last year.

The 30-year-old midfielder, who had been told his career might be over after the harrowing incident in June 2024, made an incredible comeback just months later.

Cleared to play by the French Football Federation on Wednesday, Bentaleb entered the match in the second half and wasted no time, scoring just four minutes after coming on at Roazhon Park.

Bentaleb’s teammates and coaching staff rushed to celebrate with him as he ran to the bench, a moment of pure joy after the adversity he had faced.

“It’s worthy of a film,” said Lille head coach Bruno Genesio. “He deserved it, because I don’t believe in luck, he believed in himself. It’s an incredible, wonderful story.”

Genesio described Bentaleb’s goal as a moment that could define Lille’s season, both for the club and the player.

“Nabil’s goal put us on cloud nine, it’s hard to describe. It could be a moment that will mark the end of our season, that will remain engraved in the history of the club, of this season - and in Nabil’s mind, of course.”

The Algeria international began his senior career at Tottenham in 2013, where he made 46 Premier League appearances, before joining Schalke in 2017.

He later had a brief loan spell at Newcastle and a two-year stint at Angers, before moving to Lille in 2023.

Bentaleb’s journey back to football has inspired many, as his determination and belief in himself have shone through despite the challenges he faced.

His goal on Sunday was a testament to his resilience, and it will surely be a moment he’ll never forget.