Former Liverpool defender completes comeback 16 months after devastating ACL injury
A familiar face returned to action in Germany this weekend, bringing smiles to many Liverpool fans – even if he’s no longer wearing red.
Ozan Kabak makes emotional return in Hoffenheim victory
Former Liverpool defender Ozan Kabak made his long-awaited comeback for TSG Hoffenheim in their 3–0 Bundesliga win over FC St. Pauli, his first competitive outing since suffering a cruciate ligament tear in June 2024.
According to Hoffenheim’s official website, the 25-year-old Turkish international came on in the 86th minute, capping off a hard-fought recovery that kept him sidelined for the entire 2024/25 campaign. The club described it as a “perfect Sunday,” with Kabak’s late appearance following goals from Bazoumana Toure, Andrej Kramaric, and Grischa Promel.
The serious knee injury had come at a pivotal point in Kabak’s career, sustained while representing Turkey in a pre-Euro 2024 friendly against Italy.
Liverpool fans will remember Kabak from the 2020/21 season, when defensive injuries forced Jurgen Klopp to bring him in on loan from Schalke. He went on to make 13 appearances and played a key role in stabilizing the backline during a chaotic campaign.
There was even a chance for a permanent transfer that summer, with reports suggesting Liverpool turned down the opportunity to sign him for just £8.5 million despite Schalke’s financial troubles.
Since then, Kabak has rebuilt his career at Hoffenheim, though his progress was halted by last year’s ACL injury. His return now represents a major personal achievement — and few will begrudge him the joy of stepping back onto the pitch.
It’s always heartening to see a former Red thriving again, and after all Kabak has endured, Sunday’s brief appearance will have felt like a victory of its own.
