Joy-Lance Mickels set to make history as first Rwandan in Champions League proper

Rwanda international Joy-Lance Mickels is set to make history on Thursday when he becomes the first footballer from the East African nation to play in the Champions League proper.

The 32-year-old is expected to feature for Azerbaijani side Sabah when they travel to face Manchester United in the opening round of this season’s Champions League league phase.

Mickels was born and raised in Germany and spent the first half of his career playing in the country’s lower leagues, before spells in the Netherlands and Saudi Arabia.

He first joined Sabah in 2021 and spent two years at the club before returning to the Bank Respublika Arena in 2024.

“My career has not always followed a straight or easy path,” Mickels told the BBC.

“I have played at different levels and in several countries. But every experience has helped me grow both as a footballer and as a person.”

Mickels qualifies to represent Rwanda through his parents and made his international debut for the Wasps in March.

His Champions League appearance will mark another significant milestone in a career that has taken an unconventional route to Europe’s biggest club competition.

“I’m very proud of my Rwandan roots,” he said.

“Representing Rwanda whilst playing in the Champions League is very, very special.

“I hope my journey can help inspire young Rwandan players and show them that with belief, hard work and patience, it is possible to reach the pinnacle of football.”

For Mickels, Thursday’s fixture at Old Trafford represents the latest chapter in a career shaped by perseverance and a willingness to keep progressing despite spending much of his early career away from the spotlight.

Now, he has the opportunity to represent both Sabah and Rwanda on one of European football’s biggest stages.