Denis Bouganga

About

Gabonese French professional soccer player known for playing as a winger and forward for Los Angeles FC in Major League Soccer along with playing for the Gabon national team. He is also known for winning the 2023 MLS Golden Boot, helping LAFC win the 2022 MLS Cup and 2022 Supporters' Shield, and for becoming the club's all-time leading scorer in 2025.

Before fame

He developed his soccer career in the French system. He began his senior career with Lorient B before moving up to Lorient. He rose to prominence in 2018 after joining Nîmes where he scored eight Ligue 1 goals in his first season. He transferred to Saint-Étienne in 2019 where he scored 10 league goals in his debut season and helped the club reach the 2020 Coupe de France final. He made his international debut for Gabon in 2017 and represented the country at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations. He joined Los Angeles FC in August 2022.

Trivia

He became the first Gabonese player to score in the FIFA Club World Cup when he scored against Flamengo in 2025. He won the 2023 CONCACAF Champions League Golden Boot and was named to the tournament's Best XI.

Family life

He was born and raised in Le Mans, France, to a Gabonese father and French mother. His brother Didier Bouanga is also a soccer player. He announced he and his partner were expecting a child in 2026.

Associated with

He has played alongside Carlos Vela at Los Angeles FC and eventually surpassed him as the club's all-time leading scorer.