Rwandan Winger Fiston Nkinzingabo Retires from Professional Football at 29

Talented Rwandan winger Fiston Nkinzingabo has officially announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 29.
The former national team player, who featured for several of Rwanda’s top-tier clubs, broke the news on his social media platforms on Friday, April 3, 2026, releasing a statement to confirm that he is hanging up his boots.
Reflecting on his career, Nkinzingabo noted that his professional journey began back in 2012. He highlighted how much the game has rewarded him and shaped him, not just as an athlete but as an individual.
For Nkinzingabo, putting on the national colors remains the absolute pinnacle of his footballing journey.
“Among the things that brought me the greatest joy in my life was representing my country in the U-17, U-20, and U-23 national teams,” Nkinzingabo stated. “Wearing the national team jersey was a dream come true, and a memory I will cherish forever.”
Widely recognized by local football enthusiasts for his unique raw talent and pace, Nkinzingabo’s journey took off at the APR FC Academy, where he spent three formative years. He then moved to the now-defunct Isonga FC, a club famous for nurturing Rwanda’s top young talents, where he enjoyed a brilliant stint that accelerated his development.
His standout performances opened prestigious doors. In 2014, he earned a golden opportunity to further his football education in Europe, moving to Spain to join the REFA Academy, where he trained and studied for two and a half years.
Upon his return to Rwanda, Nkinzingabo signed for the military side APR FC‘s senior team. He later joined AS Kigali for a two-year spell, before continuing his career at Kiyovu Sports and finally Mukura Victory Sports, which becomes his last professional club.
Concluding his emotional retirement statement, Nkinzingabo expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all the clubs he played for, as well as the coaches, medical staff, and fans who supported him throughout his career.
While he is stepping off the pitch as a player, he assured fans that he is not walking away from the sport entirely. Moving forward, he pledged to use his experience to guide, support, and mentor young children who hold the same big dreams he once had.

