Rwandan goalkeeper Kimenyi Yves has officially announced his retirement from professional football, bringing an end to a career shaped by passion, resilience, and a long battle with injury.
In a public statement, the former national team shot-stopper revealed that he decided to step away from the game due to a serious injury he suffered three years ago, which kept him sidelined despite repeated efforts to return to competitive play.
Kimenyi explained that his football journey began in 2012, driven by childhood dreams and a deep love for the sport. He started his career at Isonga FC, before rising through Rwanda’s top clubs, including APR FC, where he spent five successful years between 2014 and 2019
In July 2019, he joined Rayon Sports, staying for about six months before moving on to Kiyovu Sports in October 2020. He remained there until July 2023, when he transferred to AS Kigali.
It was during his time at AS Kigali that he sustained the injury that ultimately ended his career. The setback occurred in October 2023 during a match against Musanze FC, after which he struggled to regain full fitness.
Kimenyi retires at the age of 33, closing a chapter that saw him become one of Rwanda’s most recognized goalkeepers, both at club level and with the national team.