Denis Bouanga breaks Carlos Vela’s historic record in LAFC win over Real Salt Lake

LAFC is having one of its most promising seasons in Major League Soccer, and while several postponed matches remain, the team’s performance under Steve Cherundolo has fans optimistic about another deep playoff run. What stands out the most, however, is the rise of Denis Bouanga, who is quickly etching his name into the club’s history books.

The Gabonese winger has been nothing short of spectacular in 2025. With 19 goals and 5 assists so far this MLS season, Bouanga is the team’s top scorer and playmaker. His ability to deliver in crucial moments has been decisive for LAFC’s push to the top of the Western Conference.

Bouanga made headlines after scoring against Real Salt Lake, which marked his 94th career goal with LAFC. That strike allowed him to surpass Carlos Vela, the Mexican superstar who previously held the club’s all-time scoring record with 93 goals.

For LAFC fans, this moment carried special significance. Vela, who joined the franchise at its inception in 2018, set a standard for greatness with his legendary 2019 MVP season that saw him score a record-breaking 34 goals in a single MLS campaign. Now, Bouanga has stepped up as the face of the attack, showing that the club’s legacy of elite forwards is alive and well.

Carlos Vela was LAFC’s top scorer and is the most successful player in the club’s history.

When Bouanga tied Vela’s mark in the match against San Jose Earthquakes, he expressed his emotions through the club’s social media channels:
“I’m very happy to equal Carlos. I have no more words. Let’s go LAFC!”

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