For lifelong Manchester United supporter Joy-Lance Mickels, a childhood dream is about to become reality this Thursday, as the 32-year-old Rwanda international prepares to step onto the pitch at Old Trafford for the opening matchday of the 2026-27 UEFA Champions League league phase.
Mickels, who is expected to lead the line for Azerbaijani champions Sabah FC against the Red Devils (kickoff 20:00 BST), has called the draw to face his boyhood club the best possible outcome for his underdog side. “I watch every Man Utd game when I can,” Mickels told BBC World Service in an exclusive interview. “It makes it even better because we’re going to play in Old Trafford. Manchester United are one of the biggest clubs in the world so it will be a proud moment to step out on to the pitch.”
This moment marks the culmination of a historic underdog run for both Mickels and Sabah, a club founded only nine years ago that is competing in the Champions League proper for the first time in its short history. Playing in his second spell with the Masazir-based side, based 16 kilometers northwest of Azerbaijan’s capital Baku, Mickels has been the driving force behind Sabah’s fairytale qualifying run. The forward found the back of the net four times across four qualifying rounds, including a decisive strike that sealed a 6-4 aggregate win over Israel’s Hapoel Be’er Sheva after a late 94th-minute opponent goal forced the tie into extra time. Remarkably, he scored in every single round of qualifying to book Sabah’s place in the league phase.
Off the pitch, Mickels’ path to Europe’s top club competition has been far from a straightforward rise. Born and raised in Germany, he spent the first half of his career bouncing between German lower leagues, with early stints in the reserve sides of top clubs Borussia Mönchengladbach and Schalke, before later taking spells in the Netherlands and Saudi Arabia. He first joined Sabah from 2021 to 2023, before returning to the club’s Bank Respublika Arena base two years ago. “My career has not always followed a straight or easy path,” Mickels reflected. “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.”
Eligible to represent Rwanda through his Rwandan-born parents, Mickels only made his international debut for the East African nation (nicknamed the Wasps) in March 2026. This Thursday’s appearance will make him the first player from Rwanda to feature in the main draw of the UEFA Champions League, a milestone he says he carries with immense pride. “I’m very proud of my Rwandan roots,” he said. “Representing Rwanda whilst playing 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.”
Sabah’s historic Champions League campaign does not end at Old Trafford. After opening their campaign against Manchester United, the club will host glamourous fixtures against former Champions League winners Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona, though the side will be forced to play these home matches at Baku’s Olympic Stadium, as their own ground does not meet UEFA’s venue requirements. Their campaign will wrap up with a second trip to England, where they will face reigning Premier League champions Arsenal.
Mickels acknowledges that Sabah enter the competition as clear underdogs, particularly after securing their first ever Azerbaijan Premier League title last season, where Mickels notched 19 goals to lead the charge. But he insists the side is not traveling to Manchester just to soak in the atmosphere. “At the same time, we’re not going there only to enjoy the atmosphere. We want to compete to represent not only our club but Azerbaijan in the best possible way and show we deserve to be there,” he said.
“Every match in the Champions League is special because you are competing against some of the best teams and players in Europe. Of course, Manchester United and Barcelona immediately stood out because of their history and global reputation. Playing at Old Trafford and welcoming Barcelona to Baku are the kinds of occasions every footballer dreams about. But we should respect every opponent and each match will be an opportunity for us to test ourselves at the highest level.”
Led by manager Valdas Dambrauskas, who built his coaching career using winnings from his appearance on the Lithuanian version of *Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?*, the entire Sabah squad is relishing the underdog spotlight. Mickels says the side’s goal is simple: leave the competition with pride, valuable experience, and as many points as possible. “We know that the level will be extremely high, but we believe in ourselves and the strength of our team. We want to gain valuable experience, create memorable moments for our supporters and earn as many points as possible,” he said. “We want to go out with some points and we’re going to make it difficult for everybody to get points on us. This is the target.”