2025 MLS season: Bouanga, Paintsil & top African players to watch

Bouanga, Paintsil & top African players to watch out for in 2025 MLS season

The 2025 Major League Soccer is set begin this week, and Africa is well represented with an array of its stars set to dazzle for their clubs.

Ghana is the most represented African country in the MLS this campaign with 14 players and they are followed closely by Cameroon who have nine players.

As part of our preview for the new season of top-flight football in the US, Rant Sports has put together a guide for African players to watch out for.

African stars in MLS 2025 season

Denis Bouanga (Gabon) – LA FC

Bouanga is no stranger in the MLS and he is renowned for his lethal form in front of goal for Los Angeles FC. In 2024, the Gabonese scored five braces in the league which took his tally to 21 goals in 36 matches.

He was LA FC’s top scorer, ahead of Olivier Giroud and he narrowly missed the league’s top scorer award with three goals behind DC United’s Christian Benteke.

Bouanga has averaged over 20 goals in his last two seasons in the American top-flight.

Joseph Paintsil (Ghana) – LA Galaxy

Paintsil had an unforgettable MLS debut in 2024 by playing an impactful role in Los Angeles Galaxy’s title triumph.

The Ghana international moved to North America from Belgian giants Genk in February 2024 and he did not waste time settling down in California with a contribution of 14 goals in 34 appearances.

The icing on the cake in Paintsil’s debut campaign was his opening goal in the MLS Cup final against New York Red Bulls that inspired LA Galaxy to a 2-1 victory and their sixth MLS Cup on December 7.

Emmanuel Latte Lath (Ivory Coast) – Atlanta United

Latte Lath is one of the new players acquired by Atlanta United before the start of the 2025 season.

The 26-year-old Ivorian caught the attention of the Five Stripes within 18 months of his stay in England with Middlesbrough.

Joined Boro from Atalanta in August 202, scored 16 goals in 30 matches in his full Championship season and he continued with the scoring form this campaign with 11 goals before Atlanta United splashed €21 million to sign him as a designated player.

Latte Lath joins Senegal’s Jamal Thiare in Atlanta United’s attack as they aim to better their performance in the Eastern Conference.

Bongokuhle Hlongwane (South Africa) – Minnesota United

One of the highly-rated wingers in the MLS and Minnesota United recently took a step to fend off transfer interest for one of their most prized assets.

In January, the South Africa star signed a new contract that will keep him at the Allianz Field until at least June 2027.

Hlongwane had his best career form last campaign with 11 goals and four assists in 35 MLS appearances.

Nouhou (Cameroon) – Seattle Sounders

Nouhou is a name that is synonymous to consistency in the Major Soccer League.

His versatility and runs as a defender on the left flank distinguish him as one of the league’s best.

The 2019 MLS Cup winner is currently the most experienced African player in the league, having in the USA so far in his career.

Kevin Denkey (Togo)- FC Cincinnati

Denkey has shown his readiness for his MLS debut after grabbing a goal in his first competitive match for FC Cincinnati in the CONCACAF Champions Cup on Wednesday night.

The Togolese international completed a permanent transfer to Ohio in January after four years at Belgian club Cercle Brugge where he scored a total of 56 league goals.

Denkey is a proven all-around finisher and could unsettle opposition defence with his dexterity.

He teams up with Nigeria’s Obinna Nwobodo, Cameroon’s Tan Anunga and Zimbabwe’s Teenage Hadebe in Patrick Noonan’s team for the 2025 season.

Wilfried Zaha (Ivory Coast) – Charlotte FC

A new chapter for Zaha in the MLS and his mesmerising skills could come handy at Charlotte.

The 32-year-old decided on a move to the US after finding it difficult to cement a place at Lyon and Galatasaray.

Zaha’s experience and creativity could give Charlotte FC a lift to better their fifth-place position in the Eastern Conference last season.

Alhassan Yusuf (Nigeria) – New England Revolution

Yusuf was limited to just seven MLS games last term following his move from Royal Antwerp in August through the injury replacement mechanism.

The Nigeria midfielder is now primed to impress with his tackles, ball-winning skills and presence in New England’s midfield.

His pivot role as a box-to-box midfielder should help improve the Revs’ defence after conceding the most goals (74) in the Eastern Conference last term.

Eric Choupo-Moting (Cameroon) – New York Red Bulls

The two-time French Ligue 1 champion and three-time German Bundesliga winner has been added as an attacking reinforcement by the New York Red Bulls.

The 35-year-old is now the oldest player in Sandro Schwarz’s team and he provides more competition up front with the likes of Emil Frosberg and Cameron Harper

In addition to his ‘super sub’ displays, the Cameroon star brings a title-winning mentality to New York and could be the difference after the Red Bulls narrowly lost to LA Galaxy in the MLS Cup final last season.

Jonathan Bamba (Ivory Coast) – Chicago Fire

The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations winner with Ivory Coast is among the new faces that will play in the biggest football competition in the US this season.

Bamba joined Chicago Fire from La Liga club Celta Vigo after he dazzling across France with Lille, Saint-Etienne, Angers and Paris FC.

The pacy winger is set to thrill Chicago faithful with his unrivalled work-rate and he provides further offensive depth in Gregg Berhalter’s team.

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