Gabonese international Denis Bouanga, a star striker for Los Angeles FC in Major League Soccer (MLS), is expected to be a key player for Gabon in the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AfCON).
The 31-year-old recently finished third in the MLS best player rankings, a performance that could influence player transfers ahead of the tournament.
Bouanga, who joined LAFC in 2022, has become the club’s most decisive forward. This season, he has registered 24 goals and seven assists in 31 MLS matches. He recently achieved a milestone, scoring his 100th and 101st career goals in a 4-1 victory against Austin FC. Under contract until December 31, 2027, he is valued at €8 million on Transfermarkt.
Bouanga has set multiple records in MLS, becoming the first player to score at least 20 goals in three consecutive seasons. He is also one of only nine players in league history to score at least 10 playoff goals. Though he aimed for the Golden Boot, he ultimately finished third, ceding the award to World Cup winner Lionel Messi for the season.
On the international stage, Bouanga scored eight goals for Gabon during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and participated in the playoff against Nigeria in Morocco.
He has been named to Gabon’s attacking squad, where he will play alongside compatriot and Gabonese attack leader Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Olympique de Marseille. Following the squad list publication on December 8, Bouanga is expected to play a pivotal role in the team’s offensive strategy.
Gabon will compete in Group F of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, facing off against the current holders, Ivory Coast, as well as Cameroon and Mozambique. The tournament is scheduled to take place in Morocco from December 21st to January 18th.
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