Since rising through African football and emerging as one of Kenya’s most talented modern defenders, Joseph Okumu has built a reputation for his composure, athleticism and ball-playing ability at the heart of defense.
After successful spells in Sweden with IF Elfsborg and in Belgium with KAA Gent, the Kenyan centre-back earned a major move to Ligue 1 in 2023, joining Stade de Reims on a long-term contract.
Known for his pace, aerial strength, reading of the game and confident progression of the ball from the back, Okumu brings reliability, physical dominance and modern defensive qualities to any back line.
Now established as one of Reims’ key players, he aims to continue developing his game and prove he can compete at the highest European level.
Salary
According to recent French-media salary estimates, Okumu earns approximately €35,000 per week at Stade de Reims, which corresponds to roughly €1.64 million per year including bonuses.
This places him among the better-paid defenders at the club, reflecting both his transfer fee and his importance to the squad.
Before joining Reims, his contract at Gent was reported to be significantly lower, making the move to Ligue 1 a substantial financial step forward in his career.
| Annual Salary | €1,640,000 |
| Monthly Salary | €136,666 |
| Weekly Salary | €34,166 |
| Daily Salary | €4,881 |
Une opposition amicale au programme de cette trêve pour Joseph Okumu
Russie / Kenya
🕙 18h #TeamSDR pic.twitter.com/GB80Mh6nGX— Stade de Reims (@StadeDeReims) October 16, 2023
Market Value
Recent valuation models place Joseph Okumu’s estimated transfer value in the range of €8–10 million.
Transfermarkt currently lists his market value at €9 million, making him one of the most valuable Kenyan footballers in Europe.
His value rose sharply after his transfer from Gent to Reims in 2023, but later stabilised due to mixed team performances and Reims’ battle in the lower half of Ligue 1. Even so, his physical qualities, age profile, and strong metrics keep him on the radar of clubs across the top five leagues.
| Date | Market Value | Age | Club |
| 08.17.2016 | €100,000 | 19 | Free State Stars |
| 07.22.2017 | €150,000 | 20 | Free State Stars |
| 11.15.2018 | €125,000 | 21 | Real Monarchs SLC |
| 11.20.2019 | €200,000 | 22 | IF Elfsborg |
| 09.09.2021 | €2,000,000 | 24 | IF Elfsborg |
| 01.06.2022 | €3,800,000 | 24 | KAA Gent |
| 11.04.2022 | €6,000,000 | 25 | KAA Gent |
| 06.09.2023 | €4,000,000 | 26 | KAA Gent |
| 10.16.2023 | €9,000,000 | 26 | Stade Reims |
| 03.24.2025 | €7,000,000 | 27 | Stade Reims |
| 10.13.2025 | €6,000,000 | 28 | Stade Reims |
Career
- Chemelil Sugar (Kenya) – Senior debut in 2014. Two seasons in the Kenyan Premier League, where he quickly established himself as a standout young defender.
- Free State Stars (South Africa) – Joined in 2016, gaining valuable top-flight experience in the South African league.
- AFC Ann Arbor & Real Monarchs (USA) – Moved to the United States in 2018, representing AFC Ann Arbor and later Real Monarchs in the USL Championship.
- IF Elfsborg (Sweden) – Joined in 2019. Made 38 appearances and grew into one of the Allsvenskan’s most impressive central defenders.
- KAA Gent (Belgium) – Signed in 2021. Over two seasons, he made 61 appearances, becoming one of the top defenders in the Belgian Pro League.
- Stade de Reims (France) – Joined in July 2023 on a multi-year contract. As of the 2024/25 season, he has made over 40 Ligue 1 appearances, scoring 1 goal and establishing himself as a defensive leader.
Career Path & Background
- Born 26 May 1997 in Kisumu, Kenya.
- Started his football development at the Chemelil Sugar youth system, breaking into the senior team as a teenager.
- His career includes a unique journey through three continents — Africa, North America, and Europe — before becoming a regular starter in the French Ligue 1.
- Transferred to Reims for a fee reported to be in the region of €10 million, one of the highest fees ever paid for a Kenyan footballer.
International Career
- Made his senior debut for the Kenya national team (Harambee Stars) in 2016.
- As of late 2025, he has over 20 senior caps, regularly featuring when available and fitness-permitting.
- Recognised for his leadership qualities and reliability in central defense, he is widely viewed as one of the key pillars in Kenya’s future football plans.
Accolades & Recognition
- Considered one of the most technically polished defenders to emerge from Kenya. Praised for his distribution, mobility, aerial dominance and calmness under pressure.
- Consistent performer in Europe, earning interest from clubs in Serie A, the Premier League and the Bundesliga at different points of his career.
- His move to Reims in 2023 was widely regarded as a major milestone for Kenyan footballers abroad.
