At just 21 years old, Ayman Kari has chosen to step away from football altogether. No new club, no fresh start abroad, no final gamble in Ligue 2 or elsewhere: the former highly rated PSG prospect has reportedly decided to quit professional football and move toward a more conventional working life.
Kari is hanging up his boots before his career ever truly got going. The decision is inevitably surprising. Only a few years ago, he was one of the most closely watched players in PSG’s academy. Part of the same generation as Warren Zaïre-Emery, his name regularly featured among those expected to build a genuine career at the highest level.
From PSG prospect to Ligue 1 professional
Born in Ivry-sur-Seine in November 2004, Kari quickly established himself in PSG’s youth teams thanks to his technical qualities and versatility in midfield. His performances also earned him appearances for France at youth level, from the Under-18s through to the Under-20s. PSG handed him his first professional contract in January 2023 before sending him on loan to Lorient to gain Ligue 1 experience. He made his senior debut in spring 2023 at the Parc des Princes against PSG, helping Lorient to a 3-1 victory. His loan was later extended, and he went on to make 19 Ligue 1 appearances for Lorient, scoring once and adding an assist.
After returning to Paris in the summer of 2024, Kari was still given a chance during pre-season, with Luis Enrique keeping an eye on his development. However, he was unable to secure a lasting place in the first-team squad. His PSG contract expired in the summer of 2025 and, after becoming a free agent, he did not join another club. L’Équipe had already reported several months ago that he was distancing himself from professional football, although a return had not yet been completely ruled out.
Kari has now reportedly decided to close the chapter on professional football and has even begun looking for work outside elite sport. The midfielder is said to have gradually grown tired of the demands, pressure and environment of the professional game. It is an extremely unusual decision at such a young age, especially for a player with Ligue 1 experience and youth international appearances for France. Nothing prevents him from changing his mind in the future, but for now, Kari appears to have chosen a different path in life.
