Former Paris Saint-Germain youth prospect Ayman Kari has decided to retire from professional football at the age of 21. This news, reported this Wednesday by ladepeche.fr, is based on information from the Twitter account Tiempo, specialized in Île-de-France football, relayed by Instant Foot, and references a December 2025 article in L'Équipe.
The midfielder, a product of the capital club's academy, terminated his contract with Paris Saint-Germain in July 2025. He was loaned twice to FC Lorient but played only 20 professional matches in his entire career. His last game was on 24 April 2024, fittingly against Paris Saint-Germain, the club that developed him. His withdrawal from the sport nearly a year ago had already raised questions, especially as he was once considered a future great midfielder and had represented France at youth level.
Why did he decide to retire?
The reasons for this early retirement were clarified by those close to the player in late 2025. They stated it was "a personal decision by a young man who feels he is not cut out for that professional world." A weariness with the demands of top-level football appears to be at the root of this radical choice. Ayman Kari never experienced a full professional season, and his path was marked by struggles to establish himself, even during his loan spells.
His case is a reminder that the journey for young prospects is fraught with challenges, far from the linear trajectories of stars. To follow the progress of other academy talents, supporters can check the current squad composition on our team page.
What was his professional career like?
Having joined Paris Saint-Germain at a very young age, Ayman Kari was quickly seen as a gem of the academy. However, his transition to the professional world did not meet expectations. His two loans to FC Lorient, during the 2023-2024 season and again in 2024-2025, did not lead to a permanent place. He therefore played only 20 official matches at the top level. This low volume of game time starkly contrasts with the potential he was believed to have and partly explains his disillusionment.
Today, the Parisian club boasts one of the most competitive squads in Europe, with established midfielders like Warren Zaïre-Emery, who also emerged from the academy. Detailed team statistics are available in our stats section.
What is he doing now?
Away from the pitch, Ayman Kari has begun a professional reconversion. He now holds a job outside of football. This transition, though surprising for a player of his age, shows a desire to turn the page and build a different future. His story serves as a reminder of the immense pressure on young shoulders in modern football.
Paris Saint-Germain, meanwhile, continues its season in Ligue 1 and the Champions League. Fans can follow all upcoming fixtures on the matches calendar. The club remains focused on its sporting objectives with a deep and talented squad, where competition for every place is fierce.
