Los Angeles FC has moved swiftly to secure one of Major League Soccer’s most dynamic forwards for the long term, announcing on Wednesday that Los Angeles FC star Denis Bouanga has signed a contract extension that keeps him at the club through the 2028 season, with a club option extending his stay into 2030.
The new deal reaffirms LAFC’s commitment to building its attack around the Gabon international, who has become the Black & Gold’s most reliable goal threat since arriving from France’s AS Saint-Étienne in August 2022. Bouanga’s extended stay comes amid heavy interest from other clubs during the offseason including teams in Brazil and MLS but the forward has chosen to remain in Los Angeles, where he has etched his name into the club’s history books.
From Designated Player to Franchise Icon
Bouanga, 31, has been one of the league’s most productive attackers over the past four seasons. In 155 matches across all competitions since joining LAFC, he has not only scored more goals than any other player in club history but has also been a consistent creative force, tallying an impressive goals-plus-assists total.
That output includes multiple 20-goal seasons, a feat that sets him apart in MLS and underscores why LAFC was so motivated to extend his contract well beyond its previous expiration. Bouanga has also earned individual recognition on several occasions, including multiple MLS All-Star appearances and MLS Best XI selections, solidifying his status as one of the league’s premier forwards.
Club co-president and general manager John Thorrington praised Bouanga’s consistency and impact, saying the extension reflects both his individual excellence and his importance to the club’s ambitions. “He’s delivered at an elite level with historic consistency since the day he arrived,” Thorrington said in the club’s announcement an endorsement that underscores not just Bouanga’s contributions, but his central role in LAFC’s project moving forward.
A Stellar Partnership in the Making
Part of Bouanga’s appeal to LAFC has been his ability to thrive alongside other top talents. Last year, the club bolstered its attack with the high-profile arrival of Son Heung‑min, and the duo quickly became one of MLS’s most feared scoring combinations. Together, they accounted for a significant portion of LAFC’s offensive production, sparking excitement among supporters about what this season could hold with the pairing intact.
This continuity in personnel is crucial as LAFC aims to remain competitive on multiple fronts. With Bouanga and Son leading the charge, the team has championship aspirations both in MLS play and in continental competition. The extension signals that LAFC believes its best chance at success includes building around this core attacking duo for years to come.
Offseason Interest and Commitment
Bouanga’s decision to commit his future to LAFC was made all the more noteworthy by the strong offseason interest he attracted from other clubs, notably in Brazil, where teams reportedly made considerable efforts to lure him away from MLS. Rumored offers including bids exceeding $15 million indicated that other sides saw Bouanga as a valuable addition, yet LAFC’s pitch of staying put and continuing to compete at a high level ultimately won out.
In comments following the signing, Bouanga sounded genuinely appreciative of the club’s faith in him and enthusiastic about the road ahead. He spoke about the sense of belonging he and his family have felt in Los Angeles and stressed his eagerness to continue striving for team success rather than chasing a new challenge elsewhere.
That message resonated with fans who have watched Bouanga become synonymous with LAFC’s rise since its inception.
Legacy of a Prolific Scorer
Although still in his early 30s, Bouanga has already compiled a résumé that few MLS forwards can rival. Beyond his club records, he has consistently ranked among the league leaders in scoring, and his knack for finding the back of the net has helped define LAFC’s identity as an attacking powerhouse.
His influence extends beyond a single season; it represents a broader cultural shift for LAFC, which has steadily cultivated a reputation for blending high-profile signings with young, dynamic talents. Bouanga’s extension fits into that vision one where sustained excellence on the pitch leads to both trophies and a lasting legacy in Los Angeles.
What’s Next: Expectations and Impact
With the new contract in place, all eyes will turn to how LAFC deploys Bouanga this season and whether he can continue his scoring prowess at the level fans have grown accustomed to. His leadership and experience will be especially valuable as the club navigates the challenges of a competitive MLS schedule and seeks to advance deep into postseason tournaments.
The extension also gives LAFC stability in its attacking setup, allowing the team to plan long-term strategies around its veteran forward. In a league often characterized by frequent player movement and roster turnover, securing Bouanga for the foreseeable future is a strategic coup that sets LAFC apart from many of its rivals.
A Symbol of Ambition
In the ever-evolving landscape of Major League Soccer, contract extensions can be just as significant as high-profile transfers. For LAFC, keeping Bouanga is a statement: that the club is fully committed to building around proven talent and chasing sustained success. With his extension locked in, Bouanga now stands poised to continue shaping the club’s narrative not just as a scorer of goals, but as a defining figure in LAFC’s modern era.
