From Ghana to MLS: The journey of defender Lalas Abubakar

Lalas Abubakar's professional football journey is a story of seizing an opportunity and building a steady career across the United States. Born in Kumasi and raised in Accra, Ghana, Abubakar's path to Major League Soccer began at the University of Ghana.His big break came when a teammate was recruited by the University of Dayton in Ohio. That teammate recommended Abubakar to the program, which led to a life-changing scholarship offer. In 2014, at 19 years old, Abubakar left Ghana for the United States, where he became a standout defender for the Dayton Flyers.His impressive college career paved the way for his professional entry. In 2017, the Columbus Crew selected him with the fifth overall pick in the MLS SuperDraft. After establishing himself as a reliable defender in Columbus, his career took a significant step forward with a move to the Colorado Rapids in 2019.It was in Colorado that Abubakar truly flourished. Over six seasons, he became a defensive pillar for the Rapids, making over 150 appearances and earning the club's Defender of the Year award twice. His consistent performances made him a fan favorite and a seasoned MLS veteran.In December 2024, Abubakar embarked on a new chapter, signing with FC Dallas. Now 30, he has quickly become a key figure in their defense, playing a crucial role in the team's push for the MLS Cup playoffs this season.Despite his success in the club arena, one dream remains unfulfilled: playing for the Ghana senior national team, the Black Stars. Having previously represented his country at the U-20 level, Abubakar continues to hold out hope that his performances in MLS will one day earn him that coveted senior call-up. Read Full Story