LAFC talisman Denis Bouanga entered the MLS record books during Matchday 35, earning him MLS Player of the Matchday presented by Michelob Ultra honors.
Bouanga notched a hat trick for the second time in three games, powering a 4-1 victory over Real Salt Lake and equaling Inter Miami CF superstar Lionel Messi with 22 goals atop the Golden Boot presented by Audi race.
The Gabon international also became the first player in MLS history to score at least 20 goals in three consecutive seasons. He is the second player in league history to score at least 20 goals in three different seasons, following Bradley Wright-Phillips (2014, '16, '18).
With his latest star showing, Bouanga became the eighth player in league history to record two hat tricks in a three-game span. He is the first since former Columbus Crew forward Cucho Hernández in September 2023.
This is the fourth time Bouanga has been named Player of the Matchday, and the first since Matchday 14 in 2024. He joins FC Cincinnati midfielder Evander as the only players to win a Player of the Matchday award in each of the last three seasons.
Bouanga and LAFC travel to face St. Louis CITY SC on Saturday, looking to maintain momentum as the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs approach (8:30 pm ET | MLS Season Pass).
The MLS Player of the Matchday presented by Michelob Ultra is selected each matchday of the regular season through both media and fan voting in a process conducted by MLS Communications. A panel of journalists from the North American Soccer Reporters (NASR) comprises 75 percent of the vote, while an Instagram fan vote represents the remaining 25 percent of voting. NASR consists of members of print, television, radio, and online media.
