Borussia Mönchengladbach winger Nathan Ngoumou returns after 15 months, plays 45 minutes in friendly

On April 6, 2025, Nathan Ngoumou (26) played his last of 71 Bundesliga matches in a Borussia Mönchengladbach shirt. While cooling down after the 1-1 draw at St. Pauli, the offensive player suffered a torn Achilles tendon.

In the 15 months since that serious injury, he had not set foot on the pitch for any competitive game—not in the Bundesliga, not in the DFB-Pokal, not in a friendly, and not even with the U23 in the Regionalliga. A planned comeback in May was cancelled at short notice due to renewed muscle problems.

Now, the comeback has finally succeeded.

Test Match Return

In a 6-0 friendly victory against Oberliga side Wuppertaler SV, Ngoumou played the first 45 minutes.

Fohlen coach Eugen Polanski (40) said:

"I think he has had a very, very difficult year. First a long-term injury. At the end of last season, when he was getting closer step by step, he had to deal with setbacks again. Now we used the time in the six weeks so that Nathan also had the break, a cut. He started earlier and did a lot for himself to be fit. Then it is of course also important to send the boy onto the pitch and see what he offers. He also has to get the feeling again of being on the pitch in a real game. He definitely did that well."

Over 15 months ago, Ngoumou suffered a torn Achilles tendon after the game at St. Pauli. Photo: braun_weisse_fotografie

Future Uncertain

It remains completely open whether Ngoumou will also play in the Bundesliga for Gladbach from the end of August. The Cameroon international still has a contract with the Fohlen until 2027, but the club would not stand in the way of a transfer for the top earner (BILD reported).

The most important thing now, however, is that Ngoumou finally remains injury-free. Then the fast attacker will continue to be on the pitch—at Borussia or a new club.