Kimpembe ends 20-year association with PSG and heads to Qatar

After two decades in Paris, Presnel Kimpembe has officially closed the chapter on his long career with Paris Saint-Germain and embarked on a new adventure in the Middle East.

On Sunday, PSG confirmed that the 30-year-old central defender had signed for Qatar SC, releasing an emotional farewell video that highlighted his journey from the club’s academy to the heights of European football.

Kimpembe’s story with PSG is one of loyalty and longevity, something increasingly rare in modern football. Having joined the club as a child, he rose through every youth category from the under-13s all the way to the B team before making his senior debut in the 2014/2015 season. Over the years, he became a symbol of the club’s academy success, proving that even amid PSG’s galáctico approach in the transfer market, homegrown players could thrive at the highest level.

In total, Kimpembe made 241 appearances for the first team, scoring three goals. More importantly, he helped deliver a staggering 27 trophies, including multiple Ligue 1 titles, French Cups, and most recently, the long-awaited Champions League triumph last season. That continental victory was particularly sweet for Kimpembe, who had been part of the squad during PSG’s painful near-misses in previous campaigns.

Known for his strong left-footed defending, aggressive tackling, and leadership qualities, Kimpembe often alternated between being a starter and a reliable squad player, depending on the club’s tactical needs. He formed part of a defensive line that included some of the biggest names in European football, yet his consistency and dedication to PSG earned him the respect of teammates and fans alike.

Off the pitch, Kimpembe became a popular figure for his charismatic personality and connection with supporters. His farewell message “A new story will be written. Thank you, good luck and see you soon” reflects both his gratitude to PSG and his excitement for the next step in his career. At Qatar SC, he will wear the number 6 shirt, a symbolic fresh start after 20 years in Paris.

For PSG, the departure of Kimpembe marks the end of an era. Alongside fellow academy graduates like Adrien Rabiot and Kingsley Coman, Kimpembe represented the last of a generation of Paris-born talents who broke into the first team before the club’s transformation into a global superpower. His exit underlines how PSG continues to evolve, focusing increasingly on a mix of world-class signings and emerging prospects rather than long-serving veterans.

For Kimpembe himself, the move to Qatar represents a chance to embrace a different challenge. While some will view the switch as a step down in competitive terms, the defender may see it as an opportunity to enjoy a new culture, secure financial stability, and perhaps extend his career away from the relentless scrutiny of European football. At 30, with his body having endured years of physical demands, the change of pace could also help him prolong his playing days.

Fans of PSG paid tribute across social media, thanking Kimpembe for his loyalty and contributions to the club. Many highlighted his role not only as a player but also as a leader in the dressing room, someone who embodied the club’s fighting spirit even when results were not going their way.

As Kimpembe begins this new chapter with Qatar SC, PSG will now look ahead to building a new defensive core for the future. But for the Parisian faithful, the image of Kimpembe lifting trophies in the famous blue-and-red shirt will remain a lasting memory of his two-decade-long service.