Ahmed Kendouci has completed a dramatic return to top-level football, securing a move to Swiss Super League side FC Lugano after recovering from a devastating leg injury that once threatened to end his career.
The Algerian international midfielder suffered a horrific double fracture to his tibia and fibula during an Egyptian Premier League match while playing for Ceramica Cleopatra.
The incident, marked by anguished cries and visible distress from teammates, cast a shadow over the career of the 26-year-old, who had been on the radar of several European clubs.
What followed was a grueling journey of rehabilitation—both physical and psychological.
Kendouci, known for his tenacity in midfield, demonstrated that same resolve in the face of adversity.
Through months of painstaking recovery and unwavering determination, he not only returned to fitness but exceeded expectations in the speed and completeness of his recovery.
“Where others would have collapsed, Kendouci drew from pain the energy for renewal,” a source close to the player remarked.
His efforts have now culminated in a three-year contract with FC Lugano, offering the former ES Sétif and Al Ahly midfielder his first opportunity to play in Europe.
The move marks a significant milestone for a player who once seemed destined for a promising international career before injury struck.
“This is not the end. It’s a new challenge,” Kendouci said in a statement, his words echoing the quiet resolve that defined his journey back.
The switch to Switzerland’s top flight is seen as a fresh start and a deserved reward for his resilience.
For FC Lugano, Kendouci’s arrival brings creativity and depth to their midfield, while for Algeria, it signals the return of a player once viewed as one of the country’s most promising midfield talents.
Beyond the sporting implications, Kendouci’s story has become one of inspiration—a testament to the human spirit’s ability to overcome despair.
What was feared to be a tragic turning point has instead become the beginning of a new chapter.
As he prepares for life in European football, Ahmed Kendouci does so not as a victim of misfortune, but as a symbol of perseverance and redemption.
Il vostro nuovo centrocampista dall’Algeria ha un messaggio per voi! 👀 #noibianconeri #fclugano #lugano pic.twitter.com/CHjOu6ihfv
— FC Lugano (@FCLugano1908) June 25, 2025
