TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Signing
San Diego FC have signed striker Cédric Bakambu through the 2026 MLS season with options through 2027-28, the club announced Thursday.
The 35-year-old was a free agent after last playing for LaLiga side Real Betis.
He represented DR Congo at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, starting three games as the tournament debutants made the Round of 32.
"Cédric brings an incredible level of experience and proven quality to San Diego FC," said sporting director Tyler Heaps.
"He has built an outstanding career competing at the highest levels in Europe and internationally, and his ability to consistently find the back of the net has been a defining part of his game. He understands what it takes to perform on the biggest stages and brings a winning mentality that will be extremely valuable to our group.
"We’re thrilled to welcome Cédric and his family to San Diego and look forward to seeing him make his mark with our club."
Bakambu joins San Diego after accumulating 191 goals and 49 assists in 492 professional matches since breaking through at French side Sochaux.
Aside from Betis and Sochaux, Bakambu's additional club stops include Villarreal (Spain), Marseille (France), Olympiacos (Greece), Galatasaray (Turkey) and more.
The former France youth international has scored 21 goals in 72 caps with DR Congo since debuting in 2015. He's played in four Africa Cups of Nations and helped DR Congo achieve a historic 2026 World Cup qualification.
Bakambu joins a San Diego attack paced by Anders Dreyer and Elias Achouri, two Designated Player wingers, and striker Marcus Ingvartsen (21g/16a combined). Achouri also joined SDFC this summer after playing at the 2026 World Cup, where he represented Tunisia.
San Diego enjoyed a historic expansion campaign in 2025 and are chasing a second consecutive Audi MLS Cup Playoffs trip. They're currently eighth in the Western Conference (30 points).
READ MORE: MLS Transfer Tracker
