Former Rwanda striker Jean Baptiste ‘Migi’ Mugiraneza has announced his retirement from football.
Mugiraneza made the announcement on Monday, July 31, at the age of 37, bringing his 20-year career span to an end. In his emotional farewell words, the Rwanda international said, “I have always wanted to be a role model for footballers in Rwanda, which means that, even when I retire, I need to stay involved in the sport I love, and encourage the kids to take up football as a professional sport that can change their lives forever.”
Mugiraneza, who quit playing for Rwanda’s national team three years ago, continued: “Through the sport I have got what I needed in life, friends and I travelled around the world so I am happy.”
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One of the most decorated midfielders of his generation, Mugiraneza won everything that was there to play for in Rwandan football following his successful time at APR FC with whom he won six league titles, two CECAFA Kagame Cup titles, and five Peace Cup tiles.
He later moved to Tanzania where he had spells with Azam FC with whom they won CECAFA Kagame Cup in 2015. He also won the double with Gor Mahia after helping the club win the Kenya Premier League title and Super Cup both in 2017. He also played for KMC before returning to enjoy the last days of his career with Police FC during the 2022-23 season.
He made his last appearance with the national team in September 2018 where he played 68 games and scored seven goals and has not featured for Amavubi ever since until he retired from international football in 2020.