Jonathan Gradit’s return has carried the weight of a debut all over again. Ten months after suffering a closed fracture of the tibia and fibula in his right leg, the Lens defender is back in competition — and admits there was a point when he feared his career had reached its end.
The 33-year-old featured against Le Mans and Monaco in September after being sidelined since November 2025. Lens have yet to win with Gradit involved this season, but the centre-back said simply returning to the pitch has already felt like a victory after a long and difficult rehabilitation.
“There was so much emotion. It felt as though I was playing my first professional match again,” Gradit said on Wednesday, two days before Lens face Lyon in Ligue 1. “There was some stress too, because coming back after such a long absence is never easy. What I went through was extremely difficult on a personal level.”
A battle beyond the injury
Gradit had been one of Lens’ established starters and a favourite with the Sang et Or support before the injury. His recovery brought periods of isolation and uncertainty, despite the backing he received from the club and from those close to him.
“There were some very hard moments, with a lot of loneliness,” he said. “The club was exceptional in the way it supported me, as were my family and friends, but I had to fight against negative thoughts. In those moments, you always think about the worst. There were some really tough times.”
The former Bordeaux youth player, who also played for Caen before joining Lens in 2019, said that as recently as three months ago he was unsure whether he would be able to continue playing.
He even considered ending his Lens contract during a particularly bleak stage of his recovery. “At one point, I was not seeing much improvement,” he explained. “I had a major low period. I have always told myself that I would not play one season too many at the end of my career. There comes a time when you need the clarity to say: ‘You cannot do it any more, you have to stop.’ I was not far from thinking that.”
Leca and Parrot provide crucial support
A conversation with sporting director Jean-Louis Leca four months ago helped Gradit reconsider his future. He also highlighted the role played by Lens general manager Benjamin Parrot as the club tried to keep him focused during his recovery.
“I spoke with the sporting director about my future four months ago, so I have come a long way. I am very proud of myself,” Gradit said. “Now it is all about enjoyment. These are good moments and I have to make the most of them.
“I have to draw strength from the difficult moments and enjoy the end of my career.”
Gradit recalled that he was still limping at the Coupe de France trophy presentation, underlining how recently his physical condition had remained a serious concern. A mental breakthrough during the summer changed the direction of his comeback.
“There was a turning point this summer and it did me good. I also want to stress how important Benjamin Parrot and Jean-Louis Leca have been. They were always there, trying to motivate me and telling me I would get through it. It says a lot about the family spirit at this club.”
Lens return brings a new perspective
Gradit described the experience as both a major life test and a real lesson. He said it has changed the way he views players who speak about mental struggles after long injury lay-offs, believing such periods cannot truly be understood without living through them.
Friday’s match against Lyon offers another step in his return, while Lens also have Champions League fixtures to come this season. For a player who had come close to walking away, the prospect of more nights under the lights now carries a different meaning.
