Denis Bouanga Signs LAFC Contract Extension Through 2028 | MLS News
LAFC Secures Key Forward Denis Bouanga with Multi-Year Contract Extension
LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles FC has solidified its attacking prowess, agreeing to a multi-year contract extension with forward Denis Bouanga. The club announced the deal on Wednesday, securing the Designated Player through 2028, with an option extending through the 2029-30 Major League Soccer season.
Bouanga has quickly established himself as one of the league’s premier players since arriving from French side St-Étienne in August 2022. Last season, he became LAFC’s all-time leading goal scorer.
In 152 appearances for the club, Bouanga has amassed 101 goals and 42 assists. He currently has 105 goals and 43 assists in 155 appearances across all competitions, according to MLSSoccer.com.
“I’m grateful to LAFC for the trust they’ve shown in me,” Bouanga said in a statement. “From the beginning, my family and I have felt at home in Los Angeles. It’s an honor to represent this club and our supporters every time I put on the jersey. I believe in what we are building here and I’m motivated to keep improving, winning more trophies, and helping this club reach even higher.”
The 31-year-old’s previous contract was set to expire after the 2027 season. He had recently drawn significant interest from Brazilian club Fluminense, with reports suggesting a deal was close to completion in recent weeks. LAFC’s swift action ensures the retention of a key player alongside superstar Son Heung-min, forming a potent attacking duo as the club aims for championship contention.
“Denis has delivered at an elite level with historic consistency since the day he arrived, and he has helped us win multiple trophies,” said LAFC General Manager John Thorrington. “This new contract reflects that. We’re proud of what he’s accomplished here and are motivated to continue building on that success together.”
Bouanga made an immediate impact upon his arrival in 2022, playing a pivotal role in LAFC’s Supporters’ Shield victory and their first MLS Cup title. He has continued to excel, becoming the first player in MLS history to score 20 or more goals in three consecutive seasons.
In 2023, Bouanga’s performance reached new heights, winning the MLS Golden Boot with 20 regular-season goals and earning recognition as an MLS All-Star and MVP finalist. He was also named to the MLS Best XI. He finished 2023 as the top scorer in the Concacaf Champions League and led all MLS players with 38 total goals across all competitions, contributing to a total of 51 goal involvements in 48 games played.
Bouanga joined LAFC as a Designated Player on August 5, 2022, after three seasons with AS St. Etienne in France’s Ligue 1, where he registered 26 goals and 13 assists in 7,198 minutes. He has also represented Gabon internationally, earning 17 goals in 53 caps.