Chicago Fire FC signs winger Jonathan Bamba as Designated Player

CHICAGO (January 21, 2025) – Chicago Fire FC today announced the acquisition of winger Jonathan Bamba as a Designated Player via a transfer from Spanish Premier League club Celta de Vigo.

Bamba will occupy an international place in the Fire squad, subject to obtaining his P-1 visa and his international transfer certificate. His contract will run through the 2027 MLS season, with an option for 2028.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jonathan to Chicago Fire. He played in two of the most prestigious leagues in Europe and played a key role in Lille winning the Ligue 1 title,” said Gregg Berhalter, sporting director and head coach of Chicago Fire FC. “His experience, his commitment and his ability to outsmart defenses will be major assets in our project of building a solid team for the coming season. Jonathan is a talented player who embodies our values ​​and philosophy, and we look forward to welcoming him to Chicago at the best time of his career. »

“I am very excited to join Chicago Fire FC as the Club faces a pivotal moment,” said Bamba. “The direction the team is taking, both on and off the field, is very promising, and I look forward to contributing to its future success.” I am ready for this new challenge and look forward to working with my new coaches and teammates to achieve great things together. »

Bamba, 28, joins the Fire after having played 338 matches in different competitions in Europe, including in the professional leagues of France, Belgium and Spain, as well as the Coupe de France, the Champions League of UEFA, the Europa League and the Copa del Rey. During this period, Bamba scored 50 goals and made 53 assists for club. He has also won three major trophies in his career, including the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations, the 2021-22 Champions Trophy and the 2020-21 Ligue 1 championship.

Bamba began his professional career with Saint-Étienne in Ligue 1 in France, having played in the club’s youth and reserve teams. During his time in the region he was loaned to Paris FC in Ligue 2, Sint-Truiden in the Belgian Jupiler League and Angers SCO in Ligue 1.

After his stay at Saint-Étienne, Bamba signed with LOSC Lille, where he played 200 matches and scored 29 goals while providing 35 assists. At Lille, Bamba won the Ligue 1 title and the Champions Trophy. His best individual season came during the victorious 2020-21 Ligue 1 campaign, where he recorded six goals and eleven assists in the league.

Bamba joined Celta de Vigo in July 2023, where he played 42 matches, scoring six goals and three assists in La Liga and the Copa del Rey. Most recently, he played 53 minutes, scored a goal and earned a penalty against Spanish giants Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey on January 16.

Bamba was born in Alfortville, France, and has dual French and Ivorian nationality. After representing France at the U-16 to U-21 levels, he was included in the Ivory Coast national team roster for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. He has ten caps to his name with Ivory Coast national team and was part of the team that won the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations with a 2-1 victory over Nigeria.

Transaction : Chicago Fire FC acquire winger Jonathan Bamba as a Designated Player via a transfer from Celta de Vigo.

Nom : Jonathan Bamba
Then: Winger
Size : 1,75 m
Weight : 72 kg
Date of birth : 26 mars 1996
Christmas villas: Alfortville, France
Nationality : France, Ivory Coast
Former Club: Celta de Vigo