Mahala Opoku #7’s wildest move had Montreal fans rolling on the floor laughing!
You spot the name on the back of the jersey, but it’s the way Kwadwo “Mahala” Opoku moves that really keeps you watching. Wearing number 7 for CF Montréal, the Ghanaian attacker brings pure pace, sharp control, and just this knack for finding the net.
Opoku gives you a blend of creativity and directness that can flip a match on its head in a heartbeat.
Born in Accra, Ghana, and coming up through the Attram De Visser Soccer Academy, Opoku scored 29 goals in 64 matches before he ever set foot in Major League Soccer. He joined LAFC in 2020, helped them win the Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup in 2022, then made a midseason jump to CF Montréal in July 2023 for a hefty $1.75 million in General Allocation Money.
He didn’t take the usual U.S. college route, which makes his quick rise even more impressive.
Since landing in Montréal, he’s adapted fast, scoring in big moments and showing exactly why the club put their chips on him. From his debut in a Leagues Cup shootout win over Pumas UNAM to his growing influence in the attack, Opoku has settled in as a regular starter.
The story behind his path, his performances, and the way he impacts matches? That’s something you want to keep an eye on.
Contents
Player Profile and Background
You get the real feel for a player when you know where he started, how he plays, and what that number on his back means. Mahala Opoku’s journey from Ghana to MLS shows just how much he’s grown and how quickly he can adapt at the top level.
Full Name and Personal Information
His full name is Kwadwo Opoku, but across MLS, everyone calls him Mahala. Born July 13, 2001 in Accra, Ghana, he grew up in a football-mad culture that prizes technical skill and fast thinking.
He kicked off his career at the Attram De Visser Soccer Academy in Ghana. There, he put away 29 goals in 64 matches and built a reputation as a clinical finisher.
Opoku made the jump to the United States in 2020, signing with Los Angeles FC. He debuted in MLS on October 12, 2020, helping LAFC beat Seattle 3-1. His career took another turn when he joined CF Montréal in July 2023.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kwadwo Opoku |
| Nickname | Mahala |
| Date of Birth | July 13, 2001 |
| Birthplace | Accra, Ghana |
| Height | 1.65 m (5 ft 5 in) |
| College | Did not attend college |
Playing Position and Style
You’ll usually see Opoku as a forward, but he’s flexible enough to play anywhere across the front line. At CF Montréal, he’s often out on the right wing, cutting inside to make things happen.
He uses his burst over short distances and tight ball control to get past defenders. That low center of gravity lets him stay upright under pressure.
Opoku’s game is all about direct runs and quick passing. He attacks the gaps instead of slowing things down or holding up play.
That approach made him a big part of LAFC’s title run in 2022 and now gives CF Montréal a real edge.
Jersey Number Significance
Opoku rocks number 7 for CF Montréal. In football, that number usually lands on a creative or speedy attacker—someone you count on to make a difference up front.
By taking 7, you’re basically announcing you want the ball and you want to make things happen. For Opoku, it fits his attacking mindset and his job as a wide forward who can also finish.
The number 7 has a history at CF Montréal with players who bring flair and attacking style. Opoku keeps that tradition alive and gives the shirt his own stamp.
Club Career Overview
You can follow Mahala Opoku’s rise from a youth prospect in Ghana to a mainstay attacker in MLS by looking at how he’s stepped up at every level. His path runs from standout moments in Ghana, to a big move to LAFC, and then a high-value trade to CF Montréal.
Early Career at Attram De Visser Soccer Academy
Opoku’s name first pops up in Ghana with the Attram De Visser Soccer Academy, a place known for churning out technically sharp players.
He played 64 matches there, scoring 29 goals. That’s a solid strike rate, and with his speed and off-the-ball runs, he was always a threat.
The academy drilled tactical discipline and positional sense into him. That foundation helped him adjust quickly when he turned pro.
By the time he left Ghana, scouts from outside the country had already taken notice. His showings in youth tournaments showed he could mix creativity with efficiency—something that translates well at higher levels.
Transfer to LAFC and MLS Debut
Opoku signed up with Los Angeles FC in late 2020, joining a squad built to win in Major League Soccer. He made his MLS debut on October 12, 2020, in a 3-1 win over Seattle.
LAFC used him mostly as a winger, stretching defenses and opening space for their main attackers. His work rate and pressing ability fit right into Bob Bradley’s system.
A big moment came in 2022, when LAFC won both the Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup. Opoku wasn’t the leading scorer, but his contributions off the bench and in rotation added real depth to a championship team.
| Season | Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | LAFC | 6 | 1 | 0 |
| 2021 | LAFC | 25 | 3 | 2 |
| 2022 | LAFC | 34 | 4 | 3 |
Move to CF Montréal
On July 5, 2023, LAFC traded Opoku to CF Montréal for $1.75 million in General Allocation Money—a pretty big deal by MLS standards. You can check his profile at CF Montréal’s official site.
He made his Montréal debut in a Leagues Cup match against Pumas UNAM, helping the team win on penalties. The move handed him a bigger role in the attack, usually starting on the right wing.
His speed and ability to take on defenders one-on-one have made him a regular in the starting eleven. At 24, with experience in both Ghana and MLS, he’s still growing into a more complete forward.
Performance at CF Montréal
You’ve watched Kwadwo “Mahala” Opoku hit the ground running in Montreal, bringing pace and a direct edge to the attack. His impact comes through in clutch goals, relentless pressing, and a bigger part in the club’s tactical plans.
Key Matches and Goals
Opoku’s biggest moment so far? Scoring the winner in a 2-0 victory over Charlotte FC at Stade Saputo. That goal showed his knack for slipping into defensive gaps and finishing under pressure.
He also turned in a strong shift against Pumas UNAM in the Leagues Cup, playing 77 minutes and creating chances from the right.
In his first MLS season with CF Montréal, Opoku has already proven he can tilt close games. His earlier success with LAFC, including a goal in the 2022 Western Conference Final, adds to his rep as a guy who steps up in big moments.
Selected Stats (CF Montréal 2023 debut season):
| Competition | Matches | Starts | Minutes | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MLS Regular | 2 | 2 | 121 | 1 | 0 |
| Leagues Cup | 1 | 1 | 77 | 0 | 0 |
Role in Team Tactics
You’ll mostly find Opoku out wide as a right winger, but he can also play through the middle when needed. His speed pulls defenses apart and opens up space for midfielders and overlapping fullbacks.
In Wilfried Nancy’s setup, wide players press high and break forward fast. Opoku fits that perfectly, using his energy to win the ball back upfield.
He often drifts inside to link up with the striker, which opens passing lanes for the midfield. That movement forces defenders to react quickly, and sometimes they just can’t keep up.
His training at the Attram De Visser Soccer Academy in Ghana shows in his technical ability and calmness on the ball. That foundation lets him contribute in more ways than just scoring.
Contract Details and Transfer Value
CF Montréal picked up Opoku from LAFC on July 5, 2023, sending $1.65 million in 2023 General Allocation Money and $100,000 in 2024 GAM the other way.
He signed a new contract through the end of 2026, with an option for 2027. That gives Montréal long-term control over a player who’s just hitting his prime.
At 24 and with MLS Cup experience, his market value has climbed. According to Transfermarkt, Opoku’s worth sits around €1 million, reflecting both what he’s done and what’s still ahead.
If he keeps up his production and keeps delivering in big games, that value should only go up.
Achievements and Honors
You can follow Kwadwo “Mahala” Opoku’s career by looking at the big moments where he’s come through. His LAFC days brought major team trophies, and his playoff and cup games showed he can handle the heat.
MLS Cup and Supporters’ Shield with LAFC
Before joining CF Montréal, Opoku played a part in LAFC’s best season ever in 2022. That year, LAFC took home both the MLS Cup and the Supporters’ Shield—not something you see every season in MLS.
Opoku, who came up at the Attram De Visser Soccer Academy before heading to MLS, chipped in as a flexible forward. His pace and ability to open up space made him a valuable piece, whether starting or coming off the bench.
Key Honors with LAFC:
| Year | Competition | Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | MLS Cup | Winner |
| 2022 | Supporters’ Shield | Winner |
Winning both trophies in the same season puts him in a pretty exclusive group in MLS history.
MLS Cup Playoffs Contributions
In playoff soccer, you want players who can flip a game on its head in a hurry. Opoku’s direct approach and quick decisions gave LAFC, and later CF Montréal, a real spark in knockout matches.
With LAFC, he played in several playoff games, including the 2022 run when the club finally lifted the MLS Cup. His knack for stretching defenses often made opponents scramble, opening up space for his teammates.
He didn’t always score the big goals in the postseason, but his relentless work rate and pressing up front helped his teams control the tempo and mess with the other side’s buildup. That kind of impact doesn’t always show up on the stat sheet, but it’s crucial when the stakes are high.
Leagues Cup Appearances
Opoku’s also gotten minutes in the Leagues Cup, that cross-league showdown between MLS and Liga MX clubs. These games gave him a chance to test himself against a mix of defensive styles.
The tournament moves fast, with barely any time between matches. Opoku’s fitness and adaptability let him stay sharp and dangerous. He kept making those runs behind the backline and took on defenders one-on-one, which created chances—even against some of the best Liga MX teams.
For CF Montréal, these Leagues Cup appearances became a showcase for his growth since leaving LAFC. You could almost see these matches as a preview for what he might do in other international club competitions.
International Career
Opoku built his foundation as a player back in Ghana, where his speed and direct play started turning heads. His time with national youth teams gave him a taste of tougher competition and helped him adapt against stronger opponents.
Youth National Team Experience
Opoku earned call-ups to Ghana’s youth national programs after impressing scouts at the Attram De Visser Soccer Academy. These games gave him a shot at facing top prospects from all over Africa.
He usually played as a winger, using bursts of speed to break defensive lines. His job often meant stretching the field and opening up space for the guys in the middle.
During qualifiers and training camps, he looked comfortable in one-on-one situations. Coaches liked how hard he worked off the ball, which balanced out his attacking instincts.
Youth National Team Stats
| Level | Years Active | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ghana U-20 | 2019–2020 | 8 | 2 |
| Ghana U-23 | 2021 | 5 | 1 |
These stats only cover competitive matches, not friendlies or training games.
Notable International Tournaments
Maybe you remember Opoku’s run in the 2020 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations qualifiers. Ghana didn’t make the final rounds that year, but his speed and pressing still caught scouts’ attention.
In 2021, he suited up for Ghana’s U-23s during Olympic qualifying. He played both home and away legs, chipped in a goal, and set up a few key chances.
Those tournaments, even if there weren’t a ton of games, taught him a lot about tactical discipline. Going up against organized defenses forced him to tweak his decisions and timing in the final third.
Experiences like these helped him handle the physical and mental side of pro soccer, making his jump to CF Montréal from LAFC in 2023 a bit smoother.
Notable Matches and Statistics
You really get a sense of Mahala Opoku’s influence when you look at his key matches and steady output in Major League Soccer. His games show off his technical skills, his cool head under pressure, and his consistency across a long season.
Performance Against Pumas UNAM
That 2023 Leagues Cup match against Pumas UNAM stands out for its nail-biting finish. Opoku, who came up through the Attram De Visser Soccer Academy in Ghana, had just joined CF Montréal from LAFC on July 5, 2023.
Even in his first game, he looked confident on the ball and linked up well in transition. He didn’t score, but his movement pulled the Pumas defense out of shape and gave his teammates room to work. The match went to penalties, and Montréal came out on top—so Opoku started his stint with a win.
He adapted to Montréal’s system almost immediately. His speed and pressing already started giving Pumas problems, which hinted at how he’d fit into Montréal’s attack in MLS.
Seasonal Goal and Assist Records
Opoku’s made a name for himself in MLS by showing up in more ways than one. Sure, you can check his goal totals, but he’s also got a knack for finding teammates in good spots.
He uses his speed and vision to cause problems—sometimes bursting forward on the counter, other times slipping through tight spaces.
Selected MLS Season Stats
| Season | Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | CF Montréal | 12 | 2 | 1 | 865 |
| 2024 | CF Montréal | 30 | 6 | 5 | 2,315 |
If you look at the numbers, you’ll spot a steady climb in both goals and assists from 2023 to 2024.
That jump probably comes from more minutes and a stronger connection with his attacking partners.
Playing as a right winger, Opoku often cuts inside to shoot or slides in sharp passes into the box.
If you want to dig deeper into his stats or check out his current market value, here’s his player profile on Transfermarkt.
