After a strong El Tráfico performance over the weekend, Denis Bouanga has now joined up with the MLS team training camp ahead of the 2025 All-Star Game against Liga MX.
From Austin, Texas, Bouanga took the time to discuss what this exhibition match represents and potential links with a move to Liga MX. But first, Bouanga was asked who he thinks is the best player in MLS.
Bouanga was asked which player he is most excited to play alongside and chose FC Cincinnati forward Evander over Lionel Messi: “I said it on Instagram, for me [Evander] is the best player in the MLS, without a doubt. He’s doing very well, and I can’t wait to play with him on the field.”
This is the third consecutive season in which Bouanga has been named to the All-Star Team and his record in MLS is outstanding. He has already won MLS Cup, Supporters Shield and the US Open Cup, while on a personal note he won the Golden Boot in 2023. As he prepares to take on the best of Liga MX, Bouanga was full of praise for the quality on the other side of the border.
“Just facing the level of the Mexican league. I know there are very, very good players there, and it’s always a pleasure to play against a Mexican team. I think the level is very high and the game is good for both the fans and us,” he said.
Regarding MLS, Bouanga added: “The All-Star Game is a game where you meet players from other teams, and that’s good for the league and its visibility, for the fans. I think it’s a positive thing for MLS.”
Last month Bouanga more than proved his quality against Liga MX opposition, scoring the crucial winner in a 2-1 victory over Club América to secure LAFC’s spot at the Club World Cup. Since then, the Mexican giants are reportedly interested in signing Bouanga.
When asked about the prospect, Bouanga insisted that he’s had no contact from the team: “I only know André-Pierre Gignac, because he’s my friend and that’s it […] He’s spoken to me about it many times. He told me it’s a good league, that there are good cities, and that I have a style that would be well-suited to playing there. But as I said, I still have a contract in Los Angeles. I can’t get too far ahead of myself and say I want to play in Mexico. Although, for any footballer, the Mexican league has its prestige, like the Brazilian one.”
Finally, the LAFC player took the opportunity to send a message to the Black & Gold fans: “I’m very happy when I see the messages from the fans about me. It’s a good thing because I feel appreciated. And for me, I just want to thank the fans for the support, and that’s it.”