Cabanas laced up his cleats and took the field for Paraguay's Club 12 de Octubre on Saturday. His return came 27 months after he was shot in the head by a drug dealer in Mexico City, according to the BBC.
Cabanas played 41 minutes for his hometown club in its 2-0 win over Ledesma in Paraguayan third division action. And he did so with a bullet lodged in his brain.
"Nobody survives what happened to me," the 31-year-old said. "That's why I always appreciate all the people who prayed for me and also the president of Doce [Club 12 de Octubre] who's let me be with them.
"Having faith was fundamental for me. That's why I'm here right now."
On Jan. 25, 2010, Cabanas was enjoying a night out in a bar when he got into an argument with a reputed drug lord. "JJ" Balderas followed the player into a bathroom and shot him in the head. He was later arrested and charged with attempted murder.
At the time, Cabanas was the star striker for Mexico's Club America — one of that country's traditional soccer powers — and Paraguay's national team. He had won the South American Player of the Year award in 2007, and was expecting to lead his country at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Cabanas must take the long road back to the top, but the recovery and rehab from his the original tragedy is the toughest step. 12 de Octubre coach Rolando Chilavert marvelled at the progress Cabanas has made.
"We know there are things that are irreversible but his insistence and perseverance makes him better every day," Chilavert said. "I believe he will help us and he will be starting in the opener.
"Physically, he is fit. On his left side that was a problem in the beginning, I can say he is 90 percent in his movement."
Cabanas, 31, may one day add to the 10 goals in 44 games he has scored for Paraguay.
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Thumbnail photo via Flickr/Nidoazulcrema.com
