Thilo Kehrer’s Remarkable Journey: Rising from PSG’s Shadows to Monaco’s Guiding Light

Thilo Kehrer’s return to Ligue 1 with AS Monaco in January 2023 marked a significant turning point in his career. After a challenging spell at West Ham, the former Paris Saint-Germain defender arrived in Monaco determined to rebuild his reputation. His impact has been nothing short of transformative.

Kehrer’s time at PSG, where he made 128 appearances after a €37m move from Schalke in 2018, ended unceremoniously when he was relegated to the infamous “loft” – a group of players deemed surplus to requirements. Despite this setback, Kehrer maintains a positive outlook on his PSG experience, crediting it with significant personal and professional growth.

At Monaco, Kehrer has found a new lease on life. Manager Adi Hütter praises him as a “real leader,” highlighting his multilingual abilities and strong connections with teammates. Kehrer’s experiences abroad have made him an invaluable asset both on the pitch and in the dressing room, particularly in Monaco’s youthful squad.

Kehrer’s leadership qualities are evident in his role as vice-captain and his proactive approach to mentoring younger players. A notable example was his halftime intervention with Eliesse Ben Seghir during a match against Strasbourg, which resulted in a match-winning performance from the young player.

On the field, Kehrer’s composure, positional awareness, and ability to read the game have significantly improved Monaco’s defensive record. His contributions extend to the attacking phase as well, with three goals already this season.

As Kehrer prepares to face his former club PSG, he approaches the match with professionalism rather than a desire for revenge. His journey from PSG outcast to Monaco linchpin exemplifies his resilience and growth as a player. Now a key figure in a team competing at the highest levels in France and Europe, Kehrer has silenced his doubters and proven himself as a top-tier defender.