Joy-Lange Mickels, a talented winger born in Germany with Rwandan heritage, joins Amavubi in their quest for FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification. Learn more about his journey.
On Wednesday night, Adel Amrouche, the coach of the Amavubi national football team, unveiled a roster of 23 players selected for the upcoming high-stakes matches against Benin and South Africa. These games are pivotal in securing a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Among the exciting additions to the team is Joy-Lange Mickels, marking his debut appearance with Rwanda’s national squad. Mickels, a dynamic attacking winger, was born on March 29, 1994, in Siegburg, Germany.
Mickels began playing football at just four years old with the youth team VSF Amern. His skill and commitment were evident early on, and in 2005, he signed with Borussia Mönchengladbach’s youth academy. During the 2012/2013 season, Mickels joined the club’s under-19 team, delivering an exceptional performance with 17 goals and three assists.
That standout season saw the under-19 team reach the semifinals in the prestigious DFP Junior Cup, offering Mickels a chance to advance to Borussia Mönchengladbach’s second team, where he competed in Germany's fourth-tier league.
In 2014, Mickels moved to Schalke 04’s second team, where he further demonstrated his abilities, scoring nine goals and contributing three assists in 43 appearances over two years. His career trajectory then led him through notable clubs, including Alemannia Aachen, Wacker Nordhausen, Carl Zeiss Jena, MVV Maastricht, and Sabah FK in Azerbaijan. Mickels also made an impactful stint with Al Faisaly FC in Saudi Arabia's top league. Last season, he returned to Sabah FK, where he continues to impress as a key player.
Notably, Joy-Lange Mickels ties to Rwanda through his father, Mickels Joy-Lance, bringing a special connection to his international debut.
Joy-Lange Mickels proudly takes his first step representing Amavubi in international football.