Los Angeles FC Secures Star Forward Denis Bouanga with Multi-Year Contract Extension Through 2028

Los Angeles FC locked in one of Major League Soccer’s most prolific attackers on Wednesday, announcing a contract extension with forward Denis Bouanga that runs through the 2028 season as a Designated Player, with an option for 2029-30.

The deal secures Bouanga’s future with the club amid reported interest from abroad during the offseason, including bids from Brazil’s Fluminense and MLS rivals Inter Miami. Bouanga, 31, has established himself as LAFC’s all-time leading scorer since joining from Saint-Étienne in August 2022.

“I’m grateful to LAFC for the trust they’ve shown in me,” Bouanga said in a statement released by the club. “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.”

Bouanga’s commitment comes as LAFC aims to build on recent successes, including multiple trophies and consistent deep playoff runs. The Gabon international has been a cornerstone of the team’s attack, particularly in tandem with global superstar Son Heung-min, who joined LAFC from Tottenham Hotspur in August 2025.

The partnership between Bouanga and Son has already produced historic moments. Late in the 2025 season, the duo combined for 18 consecutive goals for LAFC from late August to early October, setting an MLS record for the most consecutive goals scored by two teammates. Together, they accounted for 25 goals and eight assists after Son’s arrival, powering a strong finish that included a 9-2-4 record in their remaining matches.

South Korean media highlighted Bouanga’s re-signing in the context of his on-field chemistry with Son. One report noted that the two forwards “were jointly responsible for 18 consecutive LAFC goals last season,” underscoring their lethal synergy. Bouanga vowed to pursue more silverware alongside Son, emphasizing his excitement for the continued collaboration under new head coach Marc Dos Santos.

“More history to make,” the club posted on social media alongside the announcement, reflecting optimism for the 2026 campaign.

Bouanga’s statistical impact since arriving in MLS has been remarkable. He has tallied a club-record 105 goals and 43 assists in 155 appearances across all competitions. He led the team in scoring in each of his three full seasons, including a Golden Boot-winning 2023 campaign with 38 goals in 48 games. His consistency earned him three consecutive MLS Best XI selections.

LAFC Sporting Director and General Manager John Thorrington praised Bouanga’s contributions.

“Denis has delivered at an elite level with historic consistency since the day he arrived, and he has helped us win multiple trophies,” Thorrington said. “This new contract reflects that. We’re proud of what he’s accomplished here and are motivated to continue building on that success together.”

The extension provides stability for a squad that has been among MLS’s elite in recent years. LAFC has reached at least the conference semifinals in the MLS Cup Playoffs for four straight seasons — a feat unmatched by any other club — and finished in the top four of the regular-season standings multiple times. The club is viewed as a top contender for the 2026 MLS Cup, bolstered by Bouanga’s retention and the established attacking core.

Bouanga’s decision to stay quells speculation that intensified over the winter. Reports indicated offers exceeding $15 million from interested parties, but LAFC’s commitment as a Designated Player — allowing the club to allocate significant salary budget resources — proved decisive.

The forward’s journey to MLS stardom began in France, where he developed at clubs including Lorient and Saint-Étienne before making the move to Los Angeles. His explosive pace, clinical finishing and versatility on the wing or centrally have made him a nightmare for defenses.

With the 2026 MLS season approaching, Bouanga’s extension positions LAFC to challenge for more titles. The team enters the year with high expectations, fueled by the proven partnership between Bouanga and Son, a dynamic that has already rewritten record books.

Bouanga expressed confidence in the project’s trajectory.

“I’m motivated to keep improving, winning more trophies,” he reiterated, signaling his intent to add to the hardware already in the club’s cabinet while forming an even stronger bond with Son on the pitch.

As LAFC continues its pursuit of sustained excellence in MLS, retaining a player of Bouanga’s caliber represents a major win both on and off the field. The Black & Gold now look ahead to what promises to be another competitive season, with their star forward firmly committed to the cause.