Cedric Bakambu - Soccer News, Rumors, & Updates

Signs with San Diego Bakambu has transferred to San Diego FC as a free agent after being released by Real Betis, the team announced Thursday.

Impact Bakambu is an experienced Congolese international who made three starts in the 2026 World Cup before moving to MLS for the rest of the year. His presence adds a viable option to lead San Diego's front line after they lacked a natural alternative to Marcus Ingvartsen (lower body) and ended up deploying midfielder Onni Valakari as a striker in recent action. The former Betis and Villarreal man scored dour goals and three assists across 24 appearances (10 starts) last season between La Liga and Europa League competitions, and he'll look to improve on those totals if he finds a consistent role soon at his new squad.

4 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Quiet in loss to Colombia Bakambu recorded one shot (zero on goal) in Tuesday's 1-0 loss against Colombia.

Impact Bakambu contributed one shot and two aerial duel wins across his 57 minutes in Tuesday's 1-0 defeat to Colombia before being replaced by Simon banza. The veteran forward completed six passes in a match where the collective attacking output was severely limited by Colombia's disciplined defensive structure and the outstanding performance of goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi at the other end kept his side in the contest far longer than the balance of play suggested.

JUNE 24 • ROTOWIRE

Colombia vs DR Congo Extended Highlights | 2026 FIFA World Cup™

JUNE 24 • FOX SPORTS

Busy in draw Bakambu registered two shots (zero on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Wednesday's 1-1 draw versus Portugal.

Impact Bakambu had plenty to do throughout Wednesday's clash but couldn't put his name on the scoresheet. He contributed throughout the match and made some dangerous runs, but it just wasn't enough to get the win. Still he was lethal alongside Yoane Wissa up top and the two could be a strong strike pairing going forward.

JUNE 17 • ROTOWIRE

Veteran presence in attack Bakambu has been named in Congo's World Cup squad as one of the key attacking figures, arriving at the tournament after a productive season with Real Betis.

Impact Bakambu contributed four goals and three assists across all competitions this season, delivering a consistent output that underlines his continued value as an experienced and technically accomplished forward. His ability to combine in tight spaces, hold up play and deliver in the final third makes him a perfect partner for Yoane Wissa up front, with the two expected to form one of the more dangerous attacking partnerships among the smaller nations at the tournament. At 35, Bakambu brings the experience and composure needed to perform on the biggest stage, and his leadership within the Congolese attack will be crucial in a World Cup debut that represents the pinnacle of the nation's footballing history.

JUNE 8 • ROTOWIRE

Delivers one assist off bench Bakambu assisted once to go with zero corners and one chance created in Tuesday's 3-2 victory over Girona. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 50th minute.

Impact Bakambu came off the bench at halftime in Tuesday's 3-2 win over Girona and made an immediate impact in the second half, racing clear of the Girona defence on a fast break before squaring to Ez Abde to give his side the lead, while adding one key pass. The Congolese has now registered three goals and one assist in 16 La Liga appearances, making him a reliable option off the bench in his side's attack.

APRIL 22 • ROTOWIRE

Trains normally Tuesday Bakambu (muscular) was spotted back in full team training Tuesday, according to Zona Mixta.

Impact Bakambu was forced out of Saturday's draw against Rayo Vallecano with a muscle issue, but initial fears have eased after medical tests confirmed it was only minor. The backup striker is already back in full team training as of Tuesday and is trending toward being available for Sunday's derby against Sevilla, quickly flipping what looked like a potential setback into a short-lived scare.

FEBRUARY 24 • ROTOWIRE

Injury not serious Bakambu (muscular) was forced off at halftime during Saturday's 1-1 draw against Rayo Vallecano but the injury was revealed not serious as he should return to training this week an...

Impact Bakambu was forced off at halftime in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Rayo Vallecano after picking up a muscular issue in the first half, though follow-up tests confirmed it was only minor. The striker is expected to return to full training this week and has a real shot at being available for Sunday's derby against Sevilla. That said, even if he's cleared and ready to go, Bakambu is likely to slide back into a reserve role now that Cucho Hernandez is fully recovered and back in the mix.

FEBRUARY 23 • ROTOWIRE

Opens scoring in win Bakambu scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal) and two chances created in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Rayo Vallecano.

Impact Bakambu pounced on a spilled rebound by the keeper to score the fixture's opening goal Saturday as Real Betis played to a languid 1-1 draw versus Rayo Vallecano. The goal marked the forward's second successive appearance with a goal and his third goal overall across 11 La Liga appearances (four starts). Bakambu has been named to the starting XI in three successive league fixtures, but was substituted-off at halftime Saturday.

FEBRUARY 22 • ROTOWIRE

Nets on Sunday Bakambu scored one goal to go with four shots (one on goal) in Sunday's 2-1 win against Mallorca.

Impact Bakambu finished masterfully in the 45th minute assisted by Antony and doubled the lead. Bakambu has started only three of his 10 appearances and this was his first goal since August.

FEBRUARY 16 • ROTOWIRE

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FEBRUARY 15 • Associated Press

Four shots in loss Bakambu generated four shots (one on goal) and one cross (zero accurate) in Sunday's 2-1 defeat versus Deportivo Alaves.

Impact Bakambu took four shots but couldn't find the back of the net during Sunday's loss. It wasn't a bad performance by Bakambu, but he just couldn't find an equalizer. The striker was solid throughout and should have the chance to build on this sort of volume moving forward.

JANUARY 26 • ROTOWIRE

Plays in cup game Bakambu (late return) recorded two shots (zero on goal) in 56 minutes of play during Wednesday's Copa del Rey win over Elche.

Impact Bakambu is back with his club following his participation in the AFCON for DR Congo. His availability gives Betis some center-forward depth, but he's expected to feature only if Cucho Hernandez (strain) remains out, and there could even be a contention with Chimy Avila, who scored a brace in the Copa match. Bakambu has scored two goals and two assists over 14 appearances considering all club competitions in the current campaign.

JANUARY 14 • ROTOWIRE

Won't play against Oviedo Bakambu (late return) won't be available for Saturday's clash against Oviedo, coach Manuel Pellegrini said in the press conference, according to Zona Mixta.

Impact Bakambu resumed team training on Friday but won't be part of the squad for Saturday's clash against Oviedo, as he was given a few days of rest after returning from the AFCON where he was on international duty with DR Congo. That said, Bakambu has mainly been a bench option in La Liga this season, therefore his absence will not impact the starting lineup.

JANUARY 9 • ROTOWIRE

Heading back to Sevilla Bakambu is heading back to Sevilla after completing his international duty with DR of Congo at the AFCON and could be back available for Saturday's clash against Oviedo.

Impact Bakambu was eliminated with DR of Congo from the AFCON and will now head back to Sevilla and could be back available for Real Betis for Saturday's clash against Oviedo. That said, the striker has only been a bench option in La Liga and a starter in the Europa League, therefore his return will not impact the starting XI.

JANUARY 7 • ROTOWIRE

Linking with DR Congo Bakambu has been called up by DR Congo for the AFCON starting Dec. 21 and ending Jan. 18.

Impact Bakambu was called by DR Congo for the AFCON and will miss all the games until at least the clash against Oviedo on Jan. 11. The striker has been only a bench option in La Liga this season and a starter in Europa League, therefore his absence will not impact the starting squad of Betis.

DECEMBER 16, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Scores as substitute Bakambu scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) in Sunday's 2-1 defeat against Athletic.

Impact Bakambu subbed on in the 72nd minute and scored his first goal in the season during stoppage time, but it was too late to avoid the loss. The forward logged two goals and two assists in 25 appearances (six starts) in 2024-25. He should remain as an important bench option this year.

SEPTEMBER 3, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Subbed in on Friday Bakambu had one shot (zero on goal) in Friday's 1-0 win versus Deportivo Alaves.

Impact Bakambu came on as a late substitute in the 85th minute for Cucho Hernandez. Bakambu had only brief time on the field and recorded one shot and one interception. He has come off the bench for both games this season and is still searching for his first start.

AUGUST 24, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Available against Fiorentina Bakambu (knee) is back available as expected for Thursday's clash against Fiorentina in the Conference League, according to Informa Betis.

Impact Bakambu was dealing with knee problems which ruled him out for last Thursday's game against Valladolid, but the issue proved to be minor since he is back available for Thursday's clash against Fiorentina. That said, his return should not impact the starting XI since he has mainly been a bench option this season.

APRIL 30, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Suffers from knee problems Bakambu is dealing with knee problems and will not be available for Thursday's clash against Valladolid. He will likely be back without any issue against Fiorentina next Thursday,...

Impact Bakambu will not be available against Valladolid on Thursday due to knee problems. He is expected to return for the Conference League match against Fiorentina next Thursday. His absence should not affect the starting XI since he has only been used as a bench option this season.

APRIL 23, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Scores, draws PK off bench in win Bakambu scored a goal off his lone shot and drew a penalty during Sunday's 3-2 win over Leganes.

Impact Bakambu was brought as part of a triple substitution just after the hour mark and needed just two minutes to make an impact, stealing the ball from the opposing goalkeeper and suffering the penalty that Isco converted to bring his team back into the game. Then, in the 78th minute, the forward was once again at the right spot to head home a rebound from the keeper and draw things level at 2-2. This was just the second goal of the year for Bakambu, who will hope this performance helps him getting more playing time and even some starts moving forward.

MARCH 18, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Two late goals as Barcelona rallies to beat Atletico Madrid 4-2

Atletico Madrid relinquished a two-goal lead in its 4-2 loss to Barcelona in the Spanish league in another setback for the club after it was eliminated by Real Madrid in the Champi...

MARCH 16, 2025 • Associated Press

Assist in start Bakambu assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal) and three chances created in Sunday's 2-2 draw versus Athletic. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 61st minute.

Impact After logging an assist in his previous appearance, Bakambu was promoted to Betis' starting XI. The opportunity allowed him to record his second assist in La Liga action this season.

FEBRUARY 4, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Scores as substitute Bakambu scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) and two chances created in Saturday's 1-0 victory against Mallorca. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 80th mi...

Impact Since logging an assist on Nov. 23, not much has changed for Bakambu, with him logging irregular substitute appearances and an occasional start following the direct goal contribution. Perhaps his recent goal will change the tide, but that seems unlikely at this point in time. At the very least, Bakambu will finish this season without zeros in goals or assists.

JANUARY 27, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Assists as substitute Bakambu had an assist with his lone chance created while taking two off target shots during Saturday's 4-2 loss to Valencia.

Impact Bakambu entered the match in the 58th minute and set up Chimy Avila in the 66th for Betis' second goal. The assist was the first goal involvement this season for Bakambu who hasn't started a match in over a month.

NOVEMBER 23, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

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