Ayman Kari was once regarded as one of France’s greatest talents and FC Bayern was very interested – now his career has come to a standstill.
According to L’Equipe, the former Bayern player is even thinking about ending his career completely. The midfielder, who trained in Paris Saint-Germain’s youth academy, is currently on hold, according to the report.
„It’s not about money or dislike (of soccer, editor’s note), but a personal decision by a young man who believes he’s not cut out for this professional world,“ a friend is quoted as saying by the French sports newspaper.
Kari made an early impression: he came through the U18, U19 and U20 national teams in France and celebrated his supposed breakthrough in the 2023/24 season during a loan spell at FC Lorient. He played 14 competitive games in Ligue 1 there and made a promising impression. Numerous top clubs had already shown interest beforehand – including FC Bayern. Munich had enquired about a transfer in the summer of 2022. Manchester City also wanted him. However, Kari decided against a move and remained loyal to PSG.
After his return, however, he was unable to continue his good performances at Paris. He was transferred to the club’s U23s in the summer of 2024, and PSG let his contract expire a year later. Kari has been without a club since the summer of 2025 and has never played for the professionals – despite much praise.
Kari can’t find a new club
There are many reasons for the stagnation of his career. L’Equipe reports that the midfielder was already struggling with weight problems during his loan year at Lorient. The strict diet plans caused him difficulties, and he is also said to have been inconsistent in training and sometimes even considered „lazy“. He is said to have been between eight and ten kilograms over his ideal weight recently – a factor that deterred several clubs.
AS Saint-Etienne showed interest in a possible loan at the beginning of January, but when the Ligue 1 club checked his fitness, the plans were quickly scrapped. Since then, Kari has not found a new club and the prospect of a return to the professional game seems remote at the moment.
The case shows how quickly a promising career can come to a standstill. From a coveted talent, who was seen as a hope for the future at PSG and was being watched by top clubs, to a clubless professional with considerable fitness problems – the fall from grace is dramatic. It remains to be seen what will happen next for Kari, but one thing is clear: the former Bayern candidate is at a turning point where he must decide whether to return to professional soccer or say goodbye to this dream for good.