Soccer
Bouanga: My name is in Club World Cup history
- Bouanga scored epic winner to take LAFC to Club World Cup
- The striker also netted the club's only goal in global showpiece
- Gabon international now looking ahead to World Cup 26 qualifiers
Denis Bouanga was the Hollywood hero for LAFC in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™, scoring a dramatic extra-time effort that secured the Major League Soccer (MLS) club's place in the global showpiece and then netting the team's sole goal in the tournament.
Since then, the 30-year-old striker has continued where he left off in MLS, finding the target in four consecutive games — including a brace in a 3-3 draw with rivals LA Galaxy — to take his tally to 18 goals in all competitions for the season.
Now Bouanga is looking to extend his impressive form into Gabon's crucial upcoming FIFA World Cup 26™ qualifiers against the already-eliminated Seychelles and high-flying Côte d'Ivoire in September.
Gabon are currently second in Group F on 15 points — just one behind Côte d'Ivoire — with the nine group winners qualifying automatically for the World Cup and the four best runners-up then competing for one place at the FIFA Play-Off Tournament.
Following his impressive performances at the Club World Cup, Bouanga spoke to FIFA about his goalscoring efforts for LAFC and the prospects of Gabon reaching the World Cup next year.
FIFA: How do you look back on your experience at the FIFA Club World Cup?
Denis Bouanga: It was a great opportunity to participate in such a tournament. Overall, it was great experience to play against such great teams and I would like to do it again!
Was the extra-time winner in the Play-In one of the biggest goals of your career in terms of the moment?
For me, it was very important. It's the goal that gave us the victory [against Club América]. The stadium was fully yellow even though we were at home. It was the goal that meant we were going to the Club World Cup and there was a lot of emotion. It's one of the biggest goals in my career.
What did it mean to you to score LAFC's only goal in the tournament? Has it given you new confidence in your career?
It was great to participate in a Club World Cup and to score is even better. My name is part of the history of the Club World Cup so, of course, it is a great moment.
What did you all learn from playing against world-class teams in a major tournament setting?
In this kind of tournament, the level is higher than in a friendly game. Playing against world class stars, it is a great experience to see what the level of the club is compared to these other teams.
Were there any specific players from other teams that you enjoyed competing against?
Cole Palmer was one in particular. And I really enjoyed playing against (Chelsea captain) Reece James as well.
How impressed were you with the performances of all the MLS teams at the Club World Cup?
Inter Miami did great because they won against Porto. It was harder for Seattle because they had a tough group. For us, we could have done better, especially against Espérance, but that is how it is.
Looking ahead, what are your thoughts on Gabon's upcoming World Cup qualifiers against the Seychelles and Côte d'Ivoire?
Two important games, we hope to be ready. We are one point behind Côte d'Ivoire and the winner of that game will be close to the World Cup. So I really hope we can do something really big (in that fixture)... that would be magnificent.
Finally, what would it mean for Gabon to reach the World Cup next year?
It would be unbelievable. It would be something unexpected for many. Personally, it would be a dream come true and it would make everybody happy in the country.
