Jérémy Bokila has officially parted ways with Dutch side Willem II after three seasons at the club, following their relegation from the Eredivisie to the second tier of Dutch football.
The Congolese international forward leaves in the wake of a disappointing campaign that ended with Willem II’s demotion after a failed promotion/relegation play-off against Telstar.
Having drawn the first leg away from home, the Tilburg-based club were expected to complete the job in front of their home supporters.
However, a second-leg collapse saw them concede defeat in critical fashion, sealing their drop from the top flight just one year after earning promotion.
The loss marks a significant setback for the club, both competitively and financially. The rapid return to the Eerste Divisie comes just a season after they clinched the second division title and re-entered the Eredivisie with high expectations.
The abrupt reversal has not only dashed those ambitions but also initiated a reshuffle within the squad as the club prepares for another rebuild.
Bokila, 36, is among the most high-profile names to depart in the wake of relegation. Over his three-year stint with the club, the striker made 105 appearances, netting 23 goals and contributing seven assists across all competitions.
Despite his efforts on the pitch, the team ultimately failed to maintain the consistency needed to secure survival in the Eredivisie.
The former Zulte Waregem forward, who has also played in Romania, Turkey, and China during a journeyman career, is now a free agent and exploring new opportunities as he approaches the twilight of his professional journey.
His departure closes a chapter marked by both individual commitment and collective disappointment.
“Willem II has confirmed that Jérémy Bokila will not be part of the squad next season, as both parties have agreed to part ways following the conclusion of his contract,” the club said in a brief statement.
While no official farewell ceremony was held, the striker is understood to have left on amicable terms.
Bokila’s tenure at Willem II saw him serve as a reliable attacking presence and a mentor to younger players, particularly during the club’s promotion-winning 2022–2023 season.
His contributions were especially notable in that campaign, where he played a key role in helping the team secure a return to the top tier.
However, the 2024–2025 season proved far more turbulent, with inconsistent performances, managerial changes, and an ultimately unsuccessful fight to avoid relegation.
For Bokila, the club’s inability to retain its top-flight status serves as a disappointing footnote in an otherwise respectable chapter of his career.
As he begins his search for a new club, Bokila is said to be keen on finding a competitive environment where he can continue to contribute meaningfully, while also preparing for life after football.
Despite his age, the forward remains in strong physical condition and has not ruled out one final challenge before calling time on a career that has spanned over a decade and included international duty for the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Willem II, meanwhile, will begin a period of transition as they aim to restructure their squad and mount another promotion push in the coming season — this time without one of their most experienced and recognised figures leading the line.
