Denis Bouanga agrees to multi-year designated player contract extension with LAFC.
LOS ANGELES — High-scoring forward Denis Bouanga has reached a multiyear contract extension with LAFC.
The club confirmed the agreement on Wednesday with Bouanga, who is now contracted as a designated player until 2028, with an option extending through the 2029-30 MLS season.
Since joining from Ligue 1’s St-Étienne in August 2022, Bouanga has established himself as one of the premier players in MLS, becoming LAFC’s all-time leading goal-scorer last season. He has netted 101 goals and provided 42 assists in 152 matches for LAFC.
“I’m thankful to LAFC for the confidence they’ve placed in me,” Bouanga stated. “From the start, my family and I have felt at home in Los Angeles. It is a privilege to represent this club and our fans every time I wear the jersey. I believe in what we are building here, and I’m eager to continue improving, winning more trophies, and helping this club achieve even greater heights.”
The 31-year-old Bouanga was initially signed only until 2027 and had attracted considerable offseason interest from Brazilian club Fluminense, with several media reports indicating that a deal was close in recent weeks.
Instead, LAFC has secured its key partner to superstar Son Heung-Min, maintaining their potent scoring combination as the season begins, during which the club aims to compete for titles.
“Denis has performed at an elite level with remarkable consistency since his arrival, contributing to our success in winning multiple trophies,” said LAFC general manager John Thorrington. “This new contract reflects that. We take pride in his achievements here and are motivated to continue building on that success together.”
Bouanga quickly made an impact after his arrival in 2022, playing a crucial role in LAFC’s journey to a Supporters’ Shield trophy and its only MLS Cup.
The Frenchman, who represents Gabon on the international stage, matched LAFC’s franchise record with 38 goals across all competitions in 2023, earning his first of three consecutive MLS Best XI selections. Bouanga concluded 2024 as the runner-up for the Golden Boot with 20 goals while receiving his second consecutive MLS All-Star selection.
Last year, Bouanga achieved a career-high of 24 goals during the regular season, again finishing second in the Golden Boot race and becoming the first MLS player to score 20 goals in three consecutive seasons.
LAFC transformed into an offensive powerhouse following the midseason arrival of Son, with the duo combining for an impressive 25 goals and eight assists during their brief partnership, including 18 consecutive goals scored by the pair for LAFC over nearly two months of matches.
Bouanga has started this season strongly, netting a hat trick in CONCACAF Champions Cup action last week in Honduras before contributing another goal and an assist in LAFC’s commanding 3-0 win over defending MLS Cup champions Inter Miami CF to kick off the MLS regular season.
