US club, FC Dallas signs Ghanaian defender Lalas Abubakar
American professional football club, FC Dallas based in Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, has signed free agent Ghanaian defender Lalas Abubakar to a two-year contract with a one-year club option.
In 2024, Abubakar led the Rapids to the MLS Cup playoffs and to a historic third-place finish in the 2024 Leagues Cup, the highest finish in Rapids history. He spent the last five seasons with Colorado, making 153 appearances, scoring nine goals, and recording three assists. Abubakar was named the Rapids’ Defensive Player of the Year in 2019 and 2020.
Abubakar also spent two seasons with the Columbus Crew, recording 35 appearances and scoring two goals. He was selected by Columbus in the first round (fifth overall) of the 2017 MLS SuperDraft.
A native of Kumasi, Ghana, Abubakar has previously represented his home country at the U-20 level. Following today’s announcement, FC Dallas has 27 players under contract for the 2025 season:
Goalkeepers (2): Antonio Carrera, Maarten Paes
Defenders (8): Lalas Abubakar, Marco Farfan, Sebastien Ibeagha, Geovane Jesus, Sam Junqua, Nolan Norris, Carl Sainté, Nkosi Tafari
Midfielders (10): Paul Arriola, Herbert Endeley, Sebastian Lletget, Tsiki Ntsabeleng, Pedrinho, Paxton Pomykal, Tomas Pondeca, Ramiro, Show, Alejandro Urzua
Forwards (7): Logan Farrington, Jesús Ferreira, Bernard Kamungo, Petar Musa, Enes Sali, Tarik Scott, Alan Velasco
“We’re very happy to sign Lalas to our roster,” FC Dallas Sporting Director André Zanotta said. “Strengthening our defensive group this offseason was a priority. Lalas provides us a great player, competitor, and flexibility along our backline. We look forward to him joining our group once preseason begins.”s
Transaction details
Full Name: Lalas Abubakar
Pronunciation: LAh-las- ah-BOO-bah-car
Connect with Lalas: X | Instagram
Position: Defender
Date of Birth: Dec. 25, 1994 (29)
Birthplace: Kumasi, Ghana
Nationality: Ghana and United States
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 181 lbs.
Last Club: Colorado Rapids
Transaction: FC Dallas Acquires Free Agent Defender Lalas Abubakar
Source: FC Dallas
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