ANALYSIS Breaking down Erick ‘Marcelo’ Ouma's memorable four-year spell with AIK

Tracing his journey from Kenya to becoming a pivotal figure in the club's history.

Harambee Stars defender Eric ‘Marcelo’ Ouma recently completed a multi-million transfer from Swedish side AIK to Polish champions Raków Częstochowa.

Ouma, born on September 27, 1996, in Nyando, Kenya, arrived in Sweden in the summer of 2018 and embarked on a remarkable journey with AIK over the next four years.

Ouma's football journey began at the age of seven in the Future Stars Soccer Academy before he joined Kakamega High School. After completing his 'O' levels, he joined the record FKF Premier League champions, Gor Mahia.

In 2018, at the age of 21, Erick Ouma made a significant leap in his career by leaving Kenya to join the football scene in Europe.

He started his European adventure with FK Kolcheti-1913 Poti in Georgia, displaying his adaptability to new environments and his commitment to honing his craft.

The journey did not stop there as Ouma's determination and talent caught the attention of clubs in Europe, leading him to Albania's KS Kastrioti.

His international journey continued, but it was his time with AIK that truly marked a turning point in Marcelo's career. He joined AIK in 2019, a club with a rich history and a reputation for nurturing talent.

AIK, based in Solna, Sweden, is one of the country's most prestigious football clubs. Marcelo's arrival at the club was met with enthusiasm, as he was seen as a promising talent with the potential to make a significant impact.

Marcelo's debut for AIK came on February 23, 2020, in a match against Jönköping Södra IF. The game ended in a 2-2 draw, and Marcelo was in the starting lineup, wearing shirt number 25. It was a memorable moment for him as he officially began his journey with AIK. 

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Despite some early challenges, AIK's performance in the 2020 season showed glimpses of promise. The team's journey in the Swedish Cup was noteworthy, with Marcelo playing a key role. However, their progress was marred by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted sporting events worldwide, including football matches.

In May 2020, Marcelo faced a setback when he suffered an injury during training, which required surgery. It was a challenging period for him, but he remained determined to recover and continue his journey with AIK.

The pandemic brought about a series of changes and uncertainties in the world of sports. Matches were played without spectators, and teams had to adapt to the new normal. Despite these challenges, Marcelo and AIK remained focused on their goals.

The 2021 season brought renewed hope and determination for Marcelo and AIK. They began the year with the group stage of the Swedish Cup, aiming to make their mark. Marcelo's contributions on the field were vital as he continued to establish himself as a key player for the team.

Throughout the season, AIK made strategic moves in the transfer window, bringing in new talent to bolster their squad. Marcelo's commitment to the team's success remained unwavering as he played a pivotal role in various matches.

One of the standout moments of the season came on September 21, 2021, when AIK faced IFK Gothenburg. In front of over 14,000 spectators at Friends Arena, Marcelo scored his first goal for the team. His impressive performance showcased his versatility as a player and his ability to make a difference when it mattered most.

As the season progressed, AIK found themselves in contention for the Swedish championship title. The race for the title went down to the wire, with AIK having a chance to secure the gold if they won their final match. Although they gave it their all, their efforts fell just short, and they finished as runners-up.

Marcelo's contributions throughout the season were commendable, as he played in 33 of AIK's competitive matches, making him one of the team's most consistent performers. His one goal and seven assists were crucial in AIK's pursuit of success.

The 2022 season brought new challenges and opportunities for Marcelo and AIK. They began their campaign with determination, participating in the group stage of the Swedish Cup. Marcelo played in all four cup matches, showcasing his commitment to the team's success.

In the Allsvenskan, the top-tier Swedish football league, AIK faced tough competition from other clubs. Marcelo's presence on the field was a constant source of strength for the team, and his performances earned him a place among the starting eleven.

Despite their strong start to the season, AIK faced a series of challenges, including injuries to key players and a string of disappointing results. The team underwent a change in leadership, with Bartosz Grzelak taking over as head coach.

Under Grzelak's guidance, AIK sought to regain their form and climb the league table. Marcelo's consistent performances continued to be a driving force for the team, and he played an integral role in their matches.

In August 2022, AIK faced a pivotal moment in their European journey when they participated in the UEFA Europa Conference League. The team faced formidable opponents and navigated their way through a series of matches, including a dramatic penalty shootout victory.

The excitement of European competition was followed by a challenging period in the Allsvenskan, where AIK struggled to secure wins.

Marcelo's dedication to the team remained steadfast, and he continued to contribute both defensively and offensively.

AIK's performance in the Allsvenskan ultimately placed them in the eleventh position, with Marcelo featuring in 30 competitive matches throughout the season. His one goal and four assists highlighted his versatility and importance to the team.

The 2023 season brought new changes and challenges for AIK, including the appointment of Andreas Brännström as the new head coach. Marcelo continued to be a key figure for the team, playing in the first 15 matches after the summer break.

Despite facing some setbacks and suspensions, Marcelo's commitment to AIK remained unwavering. His contributions on the field were vital as the team navigated a challenging season in the Allsvenskan.

As the season drew to a close, Marcelo played his final match for AIK in a match against IFK Värnamo. It was a bittersweet moment, marking the end of an era for the defender who had given his all for the club.

Throughout his time at AIK, Marcelo played a total of 104 competitive matches, with 98 starts. His four goals and 18 assists showcased his versatility and ability to make an impact on both ends of the pitch. His dedication to the team was further exemplified by his disciplinary record, which included just one red card and 20 yellow cards.

Marcelo's journey with AIK had its ups and downs, but it was a chapter in his career that shaped him into the player he is today. His historic hundredth competitive match for the club was a testament to his longevity and impact at AIK.