Rickman Manrick has swapped the microphone for the match ball and what a statement he has made!
The popular Ugandan musician and winger scored on his competitive debut for Express FC as the Red Eagles defeated bitter rivals and 13-time Uganda Premier League champions KCCA FC 2-0 in Thursday night's Kampala derby.
Rickman, whose real name is Derrick Ddungu, recently returned to competitive football after years away from the game, having built a successful career in Uganda's entertainment industry. His signing for Express ahead of the 2026/27 campaign immediately attracted enormous attention.
And on his debut in one of Ugandan football's biggest fixtures, the entertainer delivered.
The victory was particularly sweet for Express, who had entered the derby desperate to recover after losing their opening league match 1-0 to BUL FC. KCCA were equally under pressure following a disappointing 2-0 defeat to NEC FC in their season opener.
Instead, it was the Red Eagles who rose to the occasion under the Nakivubo lights.
Rickman's goal will undoubtedly dominate conversations, marking a dream start to a football comeback that many initially viewed with curiosity.
The musician has never hidden his love for the beautiful game. Before becoming a household name in music, Rickman was regarded as a promising football talent, with his playing career reportedly interrupted by injury during his younger years.
Now, years later, he is back.
And he has announced himself in the most dramatic way possible — by scoring against KCCA FC in a Kampala derby.
For Express supporters, the 2-0 victory is more than just three points. It is an early statement of intent and a major boost after their opening-day disappointment.
For KCCA, however, the nightmare start continues. The defeat leaves the 13-time champions searching for answers after back-to-back setbacks at the beginning of the new Uganda Premier League season.
But the night belonged to Rickman.
From recording studios and concert stages to the roar of a packed football stadium, the entertainer has written the kind of comeback script few could have imagined.
Rickman is back — and this time, he is making headlines with his boots.