Joy-Lance Mickels achieved status in the Champions League by playing for Sabah FK, becoming celebrated as a star in Ruanda, n-tv.de reported. The 32-year-old forward, who faced potential career-ending knee problems and considered becoming a firefighter just years prior, now balances European nights with international stardom for the Rwandan national team.
From Financial Collapse and Near-Retirement to Firefighting Thoughts
Before his breakthrough in Baku, Mickels faced severe setbacks in the German lower leagues. In the winter of 2019/2020, following a move to Wacker Nordhausen for a planned push into the third division, the club suffered a financial collapse and filed for insolvency. Mickels struggled with unpaid wages and a deteriorating knee condition that led medical staff to warn him his professional career had only one or two years remaining. Without financial backing from family to cover mounting bills, he seriously evaluated retraining as a firefighter to help people and secure stable employment, according to n-tv.de.
Early Career Promises and Lower League Struggles
Mickels began his youth development at VSF Amern before joining Borussia Mönchengladbach. In the spring of 2015, manager Roberto Di Matteo prepared him for a first-team appearance with Schalke 04 during a sickness wave, nearly handing him a Champions League matchday spot before a severe gastrointestinal illness intervened, opening the door for Felix Platte against Real Madrid instead. A trial with Dynamo Dresden ahead of the pandemic also yielded no contract because the club required immediate help rather than a recovering player.
HISTORY MADE! 🇷🇼Joy-Lance Mickels (32) became the first Rwandan to score in the Champions League proper, scoring in Sabah FK's 2-0 win over Slavia Prague! 👏Born in Germany to a Rwandan father & DR Congo mother, the LW debuted for Rwanda last March.#Amavubi #UCL https://t.co/XgNqDtTlZO pic.twitter.com/RuuihtNEqI
Resurrection in the Netherlands and the Move to Azerbaijan
The turning point arrived when Mickels transferred to Maastricht in the Dutch second division, where he was able to regain his enjoyment of the sport. Rejecting an offer from Almere City in the Netherlands, he relocated to Azerbaijan in 2021 to sign with Sabah FK on the recommendation of an acquaintance. After initial culture shock upon arriving in Masazir, Mickels scored 11 goals in his debut league season and followed up with 17 goals and 11 assists the next year, helping Sabah secure a runners-up finish in the domestic league.
Brief Desert Stint and Return to Baku Glory
Finding himself isolated in the desert, he quickly returned to Sabah FK. Upon his return, the club had built a fully upgraded training facility featuring saunas and modern player lounges. In the subsequent campaign, Sabah captured the league title, and Mickels netted a decisive stoppage-time winner in a 2-1 victory over Zira FK to secure the domestic cup.
History in the Champions League and National Team Stardom in Rwanda
Sabah navigated the Champions League qualifying rounds, overcoming Hapoel Beer Sheva after a dramatic match. Concurrently, Mickels accepted a call-up to represent Rwanda’s national team, where he now draws massive public adoration on the streets during Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
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