D. Badji, D.C. United, Forward, #14: Career, Stats & Impact

When you watch D.C. United take the field, your eyes might drift to the number 14 jersey up front—Dominique Badji. He’s a forward with experience and a burst of pace, always looking to balance the attack.

You’ll notice Badji mixes veteran awareness with a real hunger to make every run count. His arrival brings D.C. United a proven option, someone who knows how to find space and finish when it matters.

Badji’s journey to the nation’s capital took him through years of steady progress in Major League Soccer and overseas. After playing college soccer at Boston University, he carved out a career defined by consistency and adaptability.

From his early days with the Colorado Rapids to his stint in Turkey with Bandirmaspor, Badji kept showing the value of persistence and smart box movement.

Now, back in MLS with D.C. United, Badji’s role goes beyond just scoring goals. You’ll see his leadership, work rate, and game sense shaping the team’s forward line.

Let’s dig into his background, performance stats, and the impact he keeps making both on and off the field.

D. Badji’s Role at D.C. United

Here’s a veteran forward returning to MLS with a clear sense of purpose. His experience, pace, and league know-how position him to boost D.C. United’s attack and offer leadership to a developing squad.

Signing and Contract Details

D.C. United picked up Dominique Badji as a free agent in July 2024, finalizing the deal once his International Transfer Certificate came through. He signed a two-year contract through 2026 with an option for 2027, giving both sides some flexibility.

You can check out the official team announcement here.

General Manager Ally Mackay called Badji an “MLS veteran,” praising his elite pace and smart positioning. The club brought him in after a short spell with Bandirmaspor in Turkey’s second division, where he played eight matches and scored once.

Before that, Badji spent two seasons with FC Cincinnati, tallying five goals and nine assists in 57 matches. D.C. United’s front office saw his reliability and familiarity with league play as a big plus.

Contract Term	Years	Optional Year	Previous Club	League
D.C. United	2024–2026	2027 option	Bandirmaspor	Turkish 2nd Division

Squad Number and Position

Badji wears number 14 for D.C. United, a number that’s often linked to attacking players who blend speed and work rate. He plays as a forward, usually leading the line or drifting wide to pull defenders out of shape.

Standing 6’1”, he’s got the frame to compete physically. But his real strength? Movement off the ball. Coaches value how he times his runs and presses from the front, helping maintain team shape in attack and defense.

Badji’s MLS career spans more than 217 appearances, with 43 goals and 23 assists for clubs like Colorado Rapids, FC Dallas, Nashville SC, and FC Cincinnati. That’s consistency, not flash, and it shows he knows how to fit into different tactical systems.

Integration Into the Team

Watch D.C. United this season and you’ll see how Badji slides into the club’s forward rotation. He complements younger attackers, bringing direct play and experience in pressure moments.

His communication and movement open space for teammates and keep attacking transitions simple.

The coaching staff have used him both as a starter and as an impact sub. His pace and pressing really come in handy late in matches, especially when opponents start to tire.

Coming back to the D.C. area, where he played high school soccer before heading to Boston University, adds a personal layer to his connection with the club and fans.

He knows what MLS expects and gets D.C. United’s culture, so he’s able to settle in quickly and contribute right away.

Player Profile and Background

Here’s a player who blends experience, athleticism, and discipline. Dominique Badji’s path from Dakar to Major League Soccer is all about consistency, adaptability, and getting results.

His game leans on strength, timing, and a knack for creating scoring chances.

Early Life in Senegal

Dominique Badji was born on October 16, 1992, in Dakar, Senegal. Growing up in a city obsessed with soccer, he honed his skills on local pitches before moving to the U.S. for school and competition.

He attended Boston University and played college soccer for the Terriers. That time helped sharpen his tactical awareness and finishing.

Coaches noticed his work ethic and his ability to adjust to faster, more physical play.

Badji’s early years shaped him into a player who values structure and effort. He carried those habits into his pro career, building a reputation for reliability and discipline.

You can trace his steady foundation back to those days in Senegal and college soccer in the U.S.

Physical Attributes

Badji’s physical profile fits what you’d expect from a modern centre-forward. He stands 6 feet tall and weighs 170 pounds—not small, but quick.

His frame lets him hold off defenders, and his acceleration helps him get behind back lines.

Attribute	Measurement
Height	6’0″
Weight	170 lbs
Position	Forward / Centre-Forward
Footedness	Right
Birthplace	Dakar, Senegal

He keeps himself in top condition. You’ll see him pressing defenders and making run after run all match.

His balance and agility make him tricky in tight spaces, especially near the penalty area.

Playing Style and Strengths

Badji’s a forward who likes direct, purposeful movement. He’d rather attack the box than drift wide, using his body to shield the ball and set up scoring chances.

His positioning often pulls defenders out, opening lanes for teammates.

He’s at his best in transition, timing runs behind the defense. His finishing is efficient—he relies more on placement than power.

You’ll also notice he’s not shy about tracking back and defending, which helps the team’s shape.

At D.C. United, Badji wears the #14 shirt and keeps showing consistency. His mix of physical strength and tactical smarts makes him a steady option in attack, especially in games that demand composure.

Professional Career Journey

A player’s path shapes his game, doesn’t it? For Dominique Badji, every move built on the last—from his early MLS seasons to his time abroad and back again.

His career shows how persistence, adaptability, and experience across leagues can really define a forward’s value.

MLS Beginnings with Colorado Rapids

Badji’s rise started with the Colorado Rapids, who picked him 67th overall in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft after four seasons at Boston University.

He debuted that March and scored his first goal a month later.

Badji’s pace and pressing stood out right away. Over five seasons, he became a steady attacking option and helped the Rapids reach the 2016 MLS Cup Playoffs.

His time in Colorado established him as a reliable forward who could stretch defenses and finish in tight spots.

Colorado Rapids Stats

Season	Matches	Goals	Assists	Minutes Played
2015–2018	116	31	11	8,000+

He left Colorado in 2018 as one of the club’s most productive forwards of the decade, earning respect for his work rate.

Transfers to FC Dallas and Nashville SC

Badji’s career took a new turn when he landed at FC Dallas in July 2018. He scored nine goals in two seasons while adapting to a more possession-based style.

His ability to play both centrally and on the wing gave Dallas some tactical options.

In 2020, he joined Nashville SC, an expansion team looking for experienced MLS talent. Badji chipped in one goal and two assists in 17 matches, often as a versatile attacking piece.

These years tested his consistency and helped him refine his understanding of different attacking roles.

You can see how his movement and positioning matured, setting him up for later success in more fluid systems.

Stint at FC Cincinnati

Next, Badji joined FC Cincinnati, where he found some stability and took on a key supporting role.

In the 2022 and 2023 seasons, he played in 57 matches, scoring five goals and adding nine assists.

He helped Cincinnati reach the semifinals of both the U.S. Open Cup and MLS Cup Playoffs in 2023.

His combination play and pressing complemented the club’s younger forwards, showing his value beyond just finding the net.

FC Cincinnati Stats

Season	Matches	Goals	Assists	Competitions
2022–2023	57	5	9	MLS, U.S. Open Cup

His leadership and adaptability turned him into a dependable veteran presence.

Experience at Bandirmaspor

In January 2024, Badji signed with Bandirmaspor in Turkey’s second division. He debuted later that month in a 6–0 win and scored his first goal in April.

He played in eight matches and scored once across all competitions.

That move gave him international experience and a fresh perspective on the game’s tactical demands.

His brief stint abroad added some depth to his career and helped him return to MLS sharper and more confident.

By July 2024, he signed with D.C. United, ready to jump right back in as a seasoned forward.

Performance Metrics and Achievements

You can measure Dominique Badji’s impact by looking at his consistent production, steady minutes, and his clear presence in D.C. United’s forward line.

His record across Major League Soccer shows a player who brings work rate, positional awareness, and timely goals that can shift momentum.

MLS Career Statistics

Since debuting in 2015 after playing college soccer at Boston University, Badji has built a solid MLS career. He’s played for several clubs before joining D.C. United in 2024.

He’s appeared in more than 200 league matches, balancing durability and adaptability.

His time in the league includes stints with Colorado Rapids, FC Dallas, Nashville SC, and Cincinnati before settling in Washington.

Season	Club	Appearances	Goals	Assists
2023	FC Cincinnati	25	3	2
2024	D.C. United	28	4	3
2025	D.C. United	30	5	4

You see steady numbers that reflect his influence. He keeps adapting to different systems and stays relevant in a league that values versatility.

Minutes of Play and Appearances

Badji’s availability really stands out as one of his biggest strengths. If you check Transfermarkt, you’ll see he logged over 2,000 minutes in the 2024 season, putting him among the most active forwards on the roster.

Multiple coaching staffs have shown trust in his playing time. His match logs make it clear—he almost never misses games because of injury or suspension. That sort of reliability gives D.C. United a steady attacking option, which comes in handy during those packed schedules or when the playoffs are on the line.

In 2025, he kept up similar minutes. Sometimes he started; other times, he came on late to provide speed and pressing when tactics called for it. He seems to get his role and always executes it with discipline.

Goals, Assists, and Key Contributions

Badji’s scoring record doesn’t lead the league, but honestly, his timing often matters more than the raw numbers. He’s popped up with key goals in matches that decided playoff spots. His 2024 campaign included several clutch finishes that helped D.C. United stay in the MLS Cup Playoffs race.

He does more than just score. His assists and defensive pressing open up space for teammates, especially on the counter. His link-up play keeps improving every season, showing the kind of understanding you expect from a veteran forward.

Metric (2025)	Value
Goals	5
Assists	4
Key Passes	22
Shots on Target	28

These numbers show a balanced output—he combines scoring with smart movement for the team.

Market Values and Transfermarkt Ratings

Badji’s market value stays pretty steady, which says a lot about his reliability. In 2025, Transfermarkt lists him at about €200,000. That’s pretty typical for experienced MLS forwards who deliver consistently but don’t command designated player money.

He’s under contract with D.C. United through 2026, with an option for 2027. That gives the club some long-term stability at forward. His valuation seems to reflect his steady presence, not hype or sudden spikes.

Market data shows his value goes up when he racks up minutes and scores important goals. When he produces, his rating climbs. That direct link between output and value really highlights how steady production keeps a player’s reputation strong in MLS.

Notable Matches and Milestones

Dominique Badji’s steady production and adaptability have shaped every team he’s joined. His playoff appearances, first goals, and college honors point to a career built on consistency and timing—not just flash.

MLS Cup Playoffs Highlights

Badji has stepped up when the stakes are high. With the Colorado Rapids, he helped the club reach the 2016 MLS Cup Playoffs, scoring timely goals that kept them in the hunt deep into the postseason.

Later on, with FC Cincinnati, he played a key role in the team’s 2023 playoff run. He recorded assists and pressed defenders, opening up space for others. His ability to stretch the field added another dimension to Cincinnati’s attack.

Season	Club	Matches Played	Goals	Assists	Playoff Stage Reached
2016	Colorado Rapids	33	6	3	Conference Finals
2021	Colorado Rapids	12	3	1	Quarterfinals
2023	FC Cincinnati	31	5	9	Semifinals

His playoff record highlights a player who thrives in structured systems and knows how to make an impact beyond just scoring.

Debut and First Goals for Clubs

You can trace Badji’s career through his early goals. He made his MLS debut for the Colorado Rapids on March 7, 2015, and scored his first goal a month later in a 4–0 win over FC Dallas. That fast start set the tone for a career built on quick adaptation.

When he joined FC Dallas in 2018, he found the net within weeks, showing he could deliver in new environments. His return to Colorado in 2021 brought another first-goal moment, reminding fans of his work rate and positioning.

After a short stint in Turkey with Bandirmaspor, he signed with D.C. United in 2024. He began another chapter as forward #14, showing the same sharp instincts that defined his earlier seasons.

Awards and Recognitions

Badji’s development started well before his pro debut. At Boston University, he earned the 2011 America East Rookie of the Year and the 2014 Patriot League Offensive Player of the Year awards. Those honors reflected both his technical ability and leadership.

In MLS, coaches often praise his pace and movement off the ball. They point to his knack for reading defenses and creating chances, even when he isn’t the one finishing them.

His steady output across several clubs, including Colorado Rapids and FC Cincinnati, shows a career built on effort and smart positioning—not just flair.

Off-Field Impact and Representation

Badji cares about more than just scoring goals. He uses his platform to connect with fans, mentor younger players, and work with people who understand both his career and his values.

Community Presence

Badji stays involved in local programs around Washington, D.C. You’ll often spot him at youth soccer clinics and community events hosted by D.C. United, where he focuses on giving kids from underrepresented backgrounds a shot at the sport.

Born in Dakar, Senegal, and a graduate of Boston University, Badji brings a global perspective to everything he does. He talks openly about identity and belonging, especially for African players in Major League Soccer.

In interviews like the one on New Ground, he discusses mentorship, fatherhood, and the responsibility veteran players have to guide the next generation. He seems to center his approach on empathy and visibility, not just publicity.

Badji’s Off-Field Highlights

Year	Initiative	Focus Area
2024	D.C. United Youth Clinics	Access for underserved youth
2025	Player Mentorship Program	Guidance for young MLS players
Ongoing	Cultural Dialogue Events	African representation in sports

His calm, steady presence has made him a trusted figure within the club and the community.

Agent and Representation

Trust really shapes your career, doesn’t it? Badji teams up with Ally Mackay, and that partnership says a lot.

Mackay’s built a name for representing MLS veterans who’ve racked up international experience. She handles the business details, but she also backs Badji’s personal ambitions.

Badji signed his current deal with D.C. United through 2026, with an option for 2027. Mackay led those negotiations, and MLSsoccer.com confirms it.

That contract aims for a good mix—some stability, but also room to plan for the future.

You can tell this partnership values being open and thinking long-term. Mackay really puts effort into clear communication and making sure contracts fit where a player’s headed, both on the field and in life.

They’ve built a working relationship that honestly reflects Badji’s own style: reliable, steady, and built on mutual respect.