Guest of the show Les Stratèges, Presnel Kimpembe, former defender of Paris Saint-Germain (2005-2025) aged 30 and now player of Qatar SC, looked back on several points of his career. From his debut at PSG to the Champions League coronation, until his departure, the Parisian Titi spoke without filter.
Kimpembe: “It was tough; I felt isolated, but it really drove me.”
Did you dream of winning these titles back when your career was just starting?
“No, of course not. To begin with, it was just a childhood spent playing with friends—simply having fun at the local neighborhood court.”
Do you have a memorable story from your time at the PSG academy?
“I had just finished the pre-academy program—I was 12 or 13. At the end of a meeting involving club officials, agents, and my parents, I was told they weren’t keeping me. The reason given was that I was too small and too frail. But a few weeks later, they called me back to say they were keeping me on—though without a contract or a salary.
In the dressing room at the start of every month, the coach would hand out envelopes to each player. But whenever he got to me, he’d pause and skip right over to the next player. It was tough; I felt isolated, but it really drove me.”
When you arrived at PSG at age eight, were you surprised by the level of play?
“Completely. Coming from where I did, I had felt like I was a cut above the rest. But when I arrived in Paris and went to my first training session, I was shocked—everyone was so technically gifted. I told myself, ‘Right, I’m going to have to work hard.'”
Kimpembe: “It was a chance to rub shoulders with the best.”
You signed your first professional contract at 19; were you surprised?
“Yes, and it was a real relief. That contract is very special. It felt like a release after all those years of sacrifice.”
At that time, you were fourth in the pecking order behind Marquinhos, Thiago Silva, and David Luiz; did you think it was going to be difficult?
“I knew who I was up against, but it was a real source of inspiration. I really focused on observing and exchanging ideas. It was a chance to rub shoulders with the best.”
You were 21 when you faced FC Barcelona and won 4–0; was that the turning point?
“Yes, absolutely—it changed everything. For me, it was a make-or-break match—it was all or nothing—and it kickstarted my career. I didn’t hold back; I played with personality. I told all my mates to come along, saying it was going to be the match of my life, and it was.”
Kimpembe: “I love the idea of being a one-club man.”
Was it your dream to spend your entire career at PSG?
“I have no regrets, but the idea of being a one-club man was the goal. PSG has given me everything since childhood, and I’m very happy with everything I’ve achieved here. I love the idea of being a one-club man. I was born in Paris; I have that DNA. It’s something that runs through my veins—it would have been a real pleasure.”
Do you think more is expected of you—of the Titis—than of other players?
“Yes, I do. I think more is demanded of us precisely because we are Titis. There are higher expectations. We are PSG players, but above all, we are Titis; we have a duty to set an example. But that pressure is good—it’s a driving force.”
Luis Enrique has taken PSG to another level; what is his secret?
“He’s an outstanding coach; he’s different from the rest. He has a quality that he demonstrates daily—something the players really buy into. He’s been a cornerstone of this transformation at PSG, bringing his grinta, his tenacity, and, above all, that sense of respect.”
After two difficult injuries, do you feel like your body is becoming your worst enemy?
“No, because if it were my worst enemy, I would have ended my career. There were moments of doubt, but it’s easy to give up. That’s when you have to be strong, tell yourself you still have a chance to make it, and set new goals.”
Kimpembe: “It was my dream to lift this trophy with the club closest to my heart”
What is the greatest victory of your career? The 2018 World Cup or the 2025 Champions League?
“Two wonderful trophies. If I had to choose, I’d say the Champions League. The World Cup is magnificent, but I am a Parisian. It was my dream to lift this trophy with the club closest to my heart; it’s the DNA within me that made me choose the Champions League.
It holds a special significance because bringing home the first one was so difficult. I was lucky enough to be part of the team that brought that trophy home first, and for me—a ‘Titi Parisien’—that stands above everything else. I’m saying that honestly, without holding back.”
Was the decision to leave PSG yours, or was it made by coach Luis Enrique?
“No, it was mine. I needed playing time, to enjoy myself, and to rediscover the kid inside me. I was caught in a spiral where things were getting difficult; even though I always respected every decision, it was frustrating not being able to give more or play an integral part in the team. I decided to speak with Luis Campos and let him know my intentions.
He said he understood, and I eventually had a very honest conversation with the coach. He told me he would always count on me—since I’m a local lad—but that he also understood my desire for more playing time.
He was clear about the fact that they wanted to sign another center-back, so he couldn’t guarantee me minutes on the pitch. However, he said both he and the club would support me in finding the right move for me.”
