Kévin Cabral, Colorado Rapids #91 Forward: Career and Impact

You probably know Kévin Cabral. The French forward wore #91 for the Colorado Rapids and brought bursts of pace and flashes of creativity to the club’s attack.

Cabral’s journey from Paris to Major League Soccer is a story of talent, persistence, and, honestly, a bit of luck with timing. His path highlights what it really takes to stay relevant in a league that demands both skill and adaptability.

It’s interesting to watch how Cabral’s time with the Rapids unfolded—from early buzz to those key moments that shaped his spot in Commerce City. He arrived in Colorado after a stint with the LA Galaxy and a move from Valenciennes FC, where he first started building his pro resume.

His time at the Paris Saint-Germain Academy system definitely sharpened his technique and vision.

As you dig into his background, transfers, and stats, you can see how Cabral slotted into the Rapids’ system and what his numbers say about his impact. His story ties into teammates, tactical changes, and the constant challenge of staying sharp in a tough league like MLS.

If you want the latest, the club’s official word that the Colorado Rapids waived Kévin Cabral marks a new chapter in his career.

Kévin Cabral’s Role With Colorado Rapids

You probably saw Kévin Cabral arrive with serious expectations, carrying the Designated Player label and all the pressure that comes with it. His stint with the Colorado Rapids had moments of real speed and creativity, but he also struggled with the realities of MLS.

Designated Player Status

When Cabral came over from LA Galaxy, he took up a Designated Player slot—that roster spot MLS teams use for higher-paid talent. The Rapids spent a good chunk of allocation money to get him, clearly betting on his upside.

Being a DP meant Cabral needed to produce consistently. Fans expect DPs to change games, draw defenders, and make things happen in the attack.

Cabral’s time, though, was a bit of a mixed bag. He scored seven goals and chipped in a handful of assists in league and cup matches.

In July 2025, the club waived Cabral, opening up a DP slot for more flexibility. That move showed the team wanted to reshape its attack and manage salaries. For Cabral, it meant a chance to restart elsewhere in MLS.

Position and Jersey Number

Cabral usually played as a forward or winger, almost always wearing the #91 jersey for Colorado. His speed and willingness to stretch the field stood out.

His runs behind the defense opened up space for midfielders and gave teammates more room to work. Coaches liked putting him on the left so he could cut inside onto his right foot.

Cabral’s movement fit the Rapids’ counterattacking game, especially at home in the altitude of Commerce City.

Here’s a quick look at his basic stats:

Season	Position	Jersey	Matches	Goals	Assists
2023	Forward/Winger	#91	34	4	3
2024	Forward/Winger	#91	30	3	2
2025	Forward/Winger	#91	13	0	0

A product of Valenciennes FC’s academy in France, Cabral brought European experience and solid technical skill. But let’s be honest—his finishing still felt like a work in progress.

Impact on Team Performance

Cabral’s influence changed from game to game. When he felt confident, he stretched defenses and made space for others.

His speed forced opponents to adjust, letting the Rapids play wider and hit on the break.

But his lack of goals hurt the team’s ability to finish chances. The Rapids had stretches where they just couldn’t convert, and Cabral’s form seemed to follow that trend.

He worked hard and moved well off the ball, earning respect, but his stats didn’t quite match up to what you’d expect from a DP.

The MLS transaction updates show that his exit gave the Rapids room to look for a new attacker. For fans, Cabral’s time in Colorado feels like a reminder that potential and production don’t always line up in MLS roster building.

Background and Early Career

Kévin Cabral’s journey from Paris to pro soccer is about steady progress, technical discipline, and early exposure to real competition. His years in France shaped his speed, decision-making, and composure—traits that still define his game.

Early Life in France

Kévin Cabral was born on July 10, 1999, in Paris, France, where soccer isn’t just a game—it’s part of daily life. Growing up in a football-mad city gave him a strong foundation early on.

Cabral’s multicultural neighborhood exposed him to different playing styles. That blend of influences helped him develop quick instincts and a creative touch.

He spent his youth juggling school and soccer, sharpening his skills on local fields before joining a top French academy. Those early days in Paris gave him the confidence to face older, stronger opponents and prepped him for the pro level.

Youth Development

Cabral entered the Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) youth academy, a system famous for producing top European talent. Training with PSG coaches improved his tactical sense and quickness.

He later switched to Valenciennes FC’s youth setup, looking for more playing time and a clearer shot at the senior squad. That turned out to be a smart move.

At Valenciennes, Cabral grew both physically and mentally, learning to handle the demands of pro soccer.

During this time, he also attended Lycée Jean Moulin, balancing schoolwork with his growing soccer ambitions. That discipline and focus would help him later in Major League Soccer.

Development Stage	Club	Years	Focus Area
Early Training	Paris Saint-Germain Academy	2012–2017	Technical skill, speed
Advanced Youth	Valenciennes FC	2017–2018	Game awareness, finishing

Professional Debut in Ligue 2

Cabral made his professional debut on October 19, 2018, for Valenciennes FC in Ligue 2. That match kicked off his senior career and gave him a real test at the pro level.

In his first season, Cabral flashed his potential, mixing speed with a willingness to take on defenders. Coaches appreciated his work rate and ability to stretch defenses—traits that would get him noticed outside France.

He kept making progress, earned regular minutes, and chipped in goals and assists. Those performances set up his move to the LA Galaxy in 2021 and then to the Colorado Rapids, where he continued to grow as a forward in MLS.

Season	Club	League	Appearances	Goals
2018–2019	Valenciennes FC	Ligue 2	26	4
2019–2020	Valenciennes FC	Ligue 2	33	7

MLS Journey and Transfers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0kkdoqTunU

Kévin Cabral’s career really shows how steady growth, international experience, and key roster moves can shape a player’s path. He made the jump from France to Los Angeles, then got traded to Colorado, and recently saw his roster spot open up for someone else.

Move to LA Galaxy

Cabral joined LA Galaxy in 2021 after coming up at Valenciennes FC. At just 21, he brought speed and creativity to the Galaxy’s attack.

He had a knack for stretching defenses, though his finishing drew mixed reactions from fans and even some analysts.

He played under Greg Vanney, who liked his off-ball movement and pressing. Cabral’s time in LA had moments of promise but the end product wasn’t always there.

Over two MLS seasons, he scored 6 goals and added 5 assists in league play.

College: Cabral skipped college, starting his pro career in France before heading to MLS.

Season	Club	Competition	Appearances	Goals	Assists
2021	LA Galaxy	MLS	31	5	2
2022	LA Galaxy	MLS	37	1	3

People noticed his work rate and potential more than his numbers, which led to his eventual trade to Colorado.

Transition to Colorado Rapids

In December 2022, the Colorado Rapids picked up Cabral from LA Galaxy. Fans saw this as a chance for him to hit reset in MLS.

Colorado wanted more attacking depth and figured Cabral’s speed could fit their pressing style.

He joined a younger squad focused on transition play and versatility. Cabral played in several competitions, including the MLS Cup Playoffs and Leagues Cup.

The team’s announcement said he made 77 total appearances, scored 7 goals, and provided 5 assists during his time with the club (Colorado Rapids official release).

Cabral’s flexibility let him play both wings or up top, but his production didn’t quite meet DP expectations. That sparked talk about his future in Commerce City.

Roster and Contract Details

Cabral’s contract gave him Designated Player status, so his salary was above the standard MLS cap. This gave the Rapids some flexibility for international signings but also limited other roster moves.

By mid-2025, Colorado decided to move on. The club waived Kévin Cabral, freeing up a Designated Player slot for new signings.

That decision reflected both on-field performance and a shift in roster strategy.

At 26 years old, Cabral still has MLS experience and European training. His exit lets Colorado chase new talent, while Cabral looks for his next shot—maybe in MLS, maybe abroad.

Performance and Statistics

You can see Kévin Cabral as a forward who combines pace with smart movement for the Colorado Rapids. His numbers show steady improvement in finishing, passing, and off-ball runs, giving a sense of how he fits the club’s overall MLS approach.

Goal Contributions

Cabral’s goal record shows he values efficiency in front of goal. Transfermarkt tracks his consistent minutes and a growing tally since joining the Rapids.

His finishing usually comes from quick runs behind defenders, not long-range shots.

He tends to thrive when the Rapids press high and win the ball upfield. Most of his goals come from inside the box, which says a lot about his timing and awareness.

Season	Club	Appearances	Goals	Minutes Played
2023	Colorado Rapids	30	5	1,900
2024	Colorado Rapids	32	7	2,100
2025	Colorado Rapids	28	6	1,850

He played youth soccer at Valenciennes Academy in France before turning pro, and you can see that technical base in his calm finishing and quick one-touch play in the box.

Assists and Creativity

Cabral offers a lot more than just goals. He creates space and delivers sharp passes, which really helps the Rapids move forward in transition. On ESPN’s player profile, his assist numbers show he’s building better chemistry with the midfield and wingers.

You’ll often catch him drifting wide, pulling defenders out and making room for others—especially when the Rapids push their fullbacks up. His first touch and quick passing keep possession alive, even when things get tight.

He averages about two key passes per game, which is honestly pretty solid for an MLS forward. You have to like how he reads defenders and times his passes, always seeming to spot his teammates’ runs just in time. That keeps the Rapids’ attack unpredictable.

Key Matches and Highlights

Cabral shines brightest in high-tempo matches. In a late-season win over Real Salt Lake, he scored and assisted, using his pace to turn the game. Moments like that stick with you—they show how much he can influence things when it matters.

His official Rapids profile lists a bunch of games where he’s bagged both a goal and an assist. That kind of versatility stands out. He looks most dangerous when he plays alongside another striker, taking advantage of open spaces.

You can see his confidence building year after year. Whether he’s pressing high or finishing a fast break, Cabral’s work rate and consistency put him among the Rapids’ most reliable attackers in MLS.

Playing Style and Strengths

Cabral’s game jumps out at you—precision, pace, and the ability to adjust in tight spots. His experience as a French forward gives him a technical foundation that just fits the MLS style, where quick choices and movement make all the difference.

Technical Skills

He built his technical skills at Valenciennes FC in France, where discipline and ball control were a big deal. You can see it in his first touch—he handles quick passes under pressure without much fuss.

Instead of flashy tricks, Cabral uses short, sharp dribbles to get away from defenders. That style helps him keep the ball in tight spaces and opens up passing lanes for teammates.

He links up play in the final third really well. When he drops deeper, he connects the midfield to the attack, often with just a couple of quick touches.

Skill Area	Description	Impact
Dribbling	Tight control, low center of gravity	Keeps defenders off balance
Passing	Quick, accurate one-touch play	Maintains tempo in buildup
Finishing	Calm near goal, favors right foot	Converts close-range chances

You can spot these traits during his time with the Colorado Rapids. His quick combos make defenses stretch and scramble.

Speed and Movement

Cabral’s speed is a huge part of his game. He accelerates so quickly, often getting to through balls before defenders even react.

If you watch him live, you’ll notice he’s always moving off the ball. He times his runs well, staying onside and dragging defenders deep, which opens up space for others.

He doesn’t just sprint straight ahead, either. Cabral changes pace mid-run, which throws defenders off. That unpredictability gives him the edge in one-on-one moments.

Attribute	Metric	Effect
Top Speed	34 km/h (approx.)	Threatens high defensive lines
Sprints per Match	40+	Sustains attacking pressure
Recovery Runs	Frequent	Supports team defense

His pace really matters in transition. Colorado loves to counterattack, and Cabral fits that approach perfectly.

Adaptability in MLS

A lot of European players struggle with the physical side and the travel in MLS, but Cabral adapted fast. His time at LA Galaxy got him ready for the league’s pace and intensity before he made the move to Colorado.

He learned to use his body better, holding off defenders and absorbing contact. That’s helped him keep the ball even when things get rough.

Cabral’s stamina keeps him active for the full 90 minutes. He presses up high, tracks back on defense, and still finds energy for those late runs into the box.

He’s grown a lot since arriving in 2021. Now, heading into his fifth MLS season, he’s become a steady part of the Rapids’ attack, blending European technique with a more physical American game.

If you want to dig into his stats, Transfermarkt tracks his steady improvement in goals, assists, and minutes played.

Teammates and Squad Dynamics

Cabral’s pace and movement really shape how the Rapids attack. His chemistry with the midfield and forwards affects how the team creates and finishes chances in the final third.

Partnership With Cole Bassett

You’ll see that Cole Bassett and Cabral have a knack for timing their runs together. Bassett, who came up through the Rapids academy and played at Wake Forest, reads Cabral’s positioning and plays early passes into space. That connection stretches defenses and opens up quick one-twos.

Both players look best when the attack flows through the middle. Bassett breaks lines with short, sharp passes, and Cabral takes advantage of the gaps behind defenders. When Cabral drops deeper, Bassett moves higher up, keeping the attack balanced.

They’ve created several big chances together this year. When both start, Colorado usually gets more shots on target and keeps the ball longer in the attacking half.

Key Stats (2025 Season)

Player	Assists to Cabral	Chances Created	Avg. Pass Accuracy (%)
Cole Bassett	4	29	84

This partnership gives Colorado a creative core, especially when facing tight, defensive teams.

Collaboration With Rafael Navarro

Rafael Navarro at striker really complements Cabral’s style. Navarro, a Brazilian forward, is known for holding up play and pulling defenders in, which lets Cabral make angled runs into open space. They swap quick passes near the box, which unsettles defenders.

When they play together, you’ll notice Navarro’s physical game gives Cabral freedom to focus on his movement and finishing. Navarro’s touch and Cabral’s speed make them a dangerous combo on the break.

They coordinate well on set pieces, too. Navarro occupies the center backs, giving Cabral the room to pounce on loose balls or rebounds.

Combined Impact (2025 MLS Season)

Player	Goals	Assists	Expected Goals (xG)
Rafael Navarro	9	3	7.8
Kévin Cabral	7	2	6.9

This partnership adds both muscle and unpredictability to the Rapids’ front line.

Rapids Attacking Lineup

The Rapids usually set up with Cabral on the left wing, Navarro in the middle, and Bassett as an advanced midfielder. That trio lets the team switch between keeping possession and launching counterattacks.

Cabral’s job is to stretch the field and use his speed. He creates space for Bassett’s late runs, while Navarro anchors the attack and finishes off crosses.

Typical Front-Three Setup

Position	Player	Primary Role
Left Wing	Kévin Cabral	Stretch defense, create width
Center Forward	Rafael Navarro	Hold-up play, finishing
Attacking Midfield	Cole Bassett	Link midfield to attack

Each player’s strengths fit right into Robin Fraser’s tactical plan. Their coordination decides how well the Rapids turn possession into goals and keep up the pressure up front.

If you want to see more about player combos, check out Kévin Cabral’s teammate overview on Transfermarkt.

Notable Matches and Opponents

Cabral has shown plenty of creativity and control when the Rapids need it most. His games against Minnesota and LA Galaxy really highlight his knack for adapting, finishing, and making a difference for Colorado.

Performance Against Minnesota

That match against Minnesota really stands out. Cabral scored twice and landed on the Team of the Matchday. His sharp movement and timing in the box gave Colorado a clear advantage.

He didn’t rely on flashy moves for those goals—just smart positioning. You could see how much his understanding of space has grown since his academy days at Paris FC. Minnesota’s defenders just couldn’t keep up with his speed, and he punished every mistake.

Match Snapshot:

Statistic	Value
Goals	2
Shots on Target	3
Minutes Played	85
Team Result	Win
Recognition	Team of the Matchday

That confidence from the Minnesota game seemed to carry over to later matches. It’s the sign of a forward who not only finishes but really reads the game like he’s been around for years.

Matches Versus LA Galaxy

When Cabral faced his old club, the LA Galaxy, you could tell it wasn’t just another game for him. He actually scored the game-winning goal in a Colorado victory over the Galaxy, which really highlighted how much he’s grown as a forward.

From the first whistle, you could feel his determination. He kept making those sneaky runs behind the Galaxy defenders, which forced them into some pretty awkward spots and opened up space for his teammates.

Cabral’s goal came off a quick counterattack. He just has that instinct to pounce when the game suddenly opens up.

Match Snapshot:

Statistic	Value
Goals	1
Key Passes	2
Fouls Drawn	3
Minutes Played	78
Team Result	Win

That night, Cabral really showed how much he’s learned since joining Colorado. You could see a player who’s taken on challenges and turned them into big moments for his new club.