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Former Tottenham midfielder Nabil Bentaleb scored in Lille’s 2-0 win at Rennes on Sunday in his first match since suffering a cardiac arrest last year.<\/b><\/p>\n
The 30-year-old was told his career might be over after suffering the cardiac arrest in June 2024.<\/p>\n
However, Bentaleb was cleared to return by the French Football Federation on Wednesday and scored just four minutes after coming on in the second half at Roazhon Park.<\/p>\n
He celebrated by running to the Lille bench, where he was mobbed by his team-mates and coaching staff.<\/p>\n
“It’s worthy of a film,” said Lille boss Bruno Genesio. “He deserved it, because I don’t believe in luck, he believed in himself. <\/p>\n
“It’s an incredible, wonderful story. <\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
Former Arsenal forward Chuba Akpom sealed the win on 86 minutes to lift Lille up to fifth in Ligue 1.<\/p>\n
Bentaleb started his senior career at Tottenham in 2013, making 46 Premier League appearances, before joining Schalke in 2017.<\/p>\n
The Algeria international had a brief loan spell at Newcastle and two-year stint at Angers, before joining Lille in 2023.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n