LILLE, France — Nabil Bentaleb, the former midfielder for Tottenham Hotspur and the Algerian national team, is back on the training field with his current club, Lille, following a serious health scare. Less than seven months ago, Bentaleb experienced a cardiorespiratory arrest during a five-a-side match.

Recently, Lille’s head coach, Bruno Genesio, provided an update on Bentaleb’s recovery, revealing that the player began individual training just days earlier under the guidance of a physical trainer. On Monday, he progressed to ball practice, marking a significant step in his comeback journey. “I’ve seen him and spoken to him for the past two or three days. He’s in good spirits; he’s motivated,” Genesio noted, reflecting on Bentaleb’s positive mental state.

The incident that led to his cardiac arrest occurred on June 18, 2023, when he collapsed while playing soccer with friends. He was subsequently taken to Lille University Hospital, where he spent time in an induced coma and later received a pacemaker-defibrillator.

At 30 years old, Bentaleb is optimistic about continuing his football career, inspired by the recovery story of Christian Eriksen. The Danish midfielder experienced a similar cardiac arrest during a European Championship match in June 2021 and successfully returned to play professionally in the UK for Manchester United after receiving a pacemaker.

Bentaleb’s journey in football began at Lille, the club where he first developed his talent as a youth player. He was born in Lille and joined the club’s academy at the tender age of 10. After his release, he moved to the Premier League to play for Tottenham, where he made over 60 appearances. He later had stints with German club Schalke, as well as Newcastle and Angers, before rejoining Lille in 2023.