Joseph Okumu Faces Big Decision After Reims Relegation

• May 30, 2025

Kenyan international Joseph Okumu is at a turning point in his career after French club Stade de Reims were relegated from Ligue 1 following a crushing playoff loss to Metz.

Reims, who ended the season in 16th place, were forced into a relegation-promotion playoff to keep their top-tier status. The first leg on May 29, 2025, ended in a 1-1 draw, but hopes of survival were dashed in the return fixture as Metz defeated them 3-1 after extra time. The 4-1 aggregate result secured Metz’s return to Ligue 1 and sent Reims down to Ligue 2.

Okumu, who joined Reims in 2023, featured prominently throughout the season, making 28 appearances and scoring one goal. Despite his strong personal performances, the team struggled for consistency and form, leading to a disappointing end to their campaign. Reims also fell short in the French Cup final, losing to Paris Saint-Germain just days before their playoff heartbreak.

The defender’s rise in football began in Kisumu, Kenya. He turned professional with Chemelil Sugar after finishing high school at Kakamega High School. His talent quickly earned him a move to South Africa’s Free State Stars, and by 2018, he was playing in the United States for AFC Ann Arbor and later Real Monarchs.

Okumu’s breakthrough in Europe came in 2019 when he joined Swedish club IF Elfsborg. His solid displays caught the eye of clubs across the continent, eventually leading to a move to France with Reims in 2023.

Reims, founded in 1931 and once giants of French football with six Ligue 1 titles, had shown promise just a season ago with an 11th-place finish. However, this season saw a sharp decline, ending in their first relegation since returning to Ligue 1 in 2018.

Now, with Reims set for life in Ligue 2, Okumu must decide whether to stay and help the club push for promotion or seek a transfer to remain in top-flight football. His consistent performance is likely to draw interest from other European clubs as the transfer window approaches.

Okumu’s next move will be closely watched, as he looks to continue his progress on the European stage despite this recent setback.