Cédric Bakambu is now a free agent

The Congolese striker is out of contract and ends his American spell after nine appearances and five goals

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Cédric Bakambu is now a free agent

12.11.26 11:00 AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations

DR Congo

Sierra Leone

It is a swift and unexpected parting of ways for Cédric Bakambu. Having joined San Diego FC last September, the Congolese international striker is already leaving the California club. At 35, he is once again a free agent, despite scoring five goals in nine appearances.

Bakambu confirms his departure

Cédric Bakambu made the news official on Friday, November 6, in a message posted on his social media accounts. The player said he would have liked to continue his spell in the United States, but that circumstances beyond his control had led to the separation:

I would have liked to continue the journey with the team. I leave with wonderful memories, immense gratitude, and no regrets about the commitment and dedication I put into this adventure.

The former Olympique de Marseille player also thanked the club, his teammates, the staff and the fans for their warm welcome. He says he quickly grew attached to San Diego and its fans, despite his brief spell there.

Five goals in nine matches: an encouraging record

On the sporting front, Bakambu made a strong start in MLS. The Congolese striker scored five goals in just nine appearances. His departure comes, however, at a difficult time for San Diego FC, who failed to qualify for the MLS playoffs. The precise reasons for the separation have not been disclosed. The player simply referred to decisions beyond his control.

🚨COUP DE TONNERRE ! CEDRIC BAKAMBU🇨🇩 QUITTE SAN DIEGO APRÈS 2 MOIS ! 😱 ✍️ « San Diego, J'aurais sincèrement adoré poursuivre cette aventure, mais certaines décisions échappent à notre contrôle. En si peu de temps, je me suis attaché à ce club, à cette ville et, surtout, à ses supporters, qui m'ont accueilli avec une chaleur incroyable. Je suis fier d'avoir porté ces couleurs et d'avoir donné le meilleur de moi-même à chaque instant. Merci à mes coéquipiers, au staff et à tous les supporters pour votre confiance, votre amour et votre soutien. J'aurais aimé continuer l'aventure avec l'équipe. Je pars avec de merveilleux souvenirs, une immense gratitude, et sans regret quant à l'engagement et au dévouement que j'ai mis dans cette aventure. Merci pour tout, San Diego. ❤️ Cédric 🇨🇩 »
— Eric Lukusa G4 Amousoir (@amousoir2423) November 7, 2026

Bakambu should now turn his attention to the Congolese national team. He is among the 26 players called up by Sébastien Desabre for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The DR Congo will face Sierra Leone in Kinshasa on November 12, before meeting the same opponents again in Casablanca on November 17. After this international break, the 35-year-old striker will have to consider the next step in his career.

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