Donald Benamna Bio
Donald Ulrich Benamna (born 14 September 1996) is a Central African Republic footballer who plays as a forward for USL League One club Texoma FC. Standing 1.72 m tall, he is known for his movement along the front line and his willingness to test himself in leagues across the United States and abroad. He also represents the Central African Republic national team, where he has made appearances since 2020 in Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifying matches.
Early Life and Background
Donald Ulrich Benamna was born on 14 September 1996 in Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic. He grew up in his home country during his earliest years before moving to the United States when he was twelve years old. The relocation placed him in a new environment where he continued to develop his love for soccer, eventually joining youth setups in the Washington, D.C. area.
As a teenager in the United States, Benamna played for the ASA Milan BlackHawks and the Montgomery Blair Blazers, the latter through 2014. Those youth experiences gave him competitive structure and helped shape the forward he would become. Playing in organized youth sides also prepared him for the step up to the college game.
Path to Soccer
Benamna began his college soccer career at San Diego State University in 2014, where he spent one season with the Aztecs. He then transferred to San Jacinto College in 2015, playing for the San Jacinto South Coyotes, before moving again in 2017 to the University of Central Arkansas, where he joined the Central Arkansas Bears program.
Alongside his college path, Benamna gained senior-level experience during summers in the lower divisions of American soccer. In 2016 he featured for USL PDL side Ocean City Nor’easters, and from 2018 to 2019 he played for NPSL side Little Rock Rangers across both seasons. Those appearances helped him transition from the amateur ranks toward fully professional football.
Donald Benamna Career
Early Career (2016–2019)
Benamna’s first senior opportunity came in 2016 with Ocean City Nor’easters, where he played in the USL Premier Development League. The stint gave him a taste of senior football while he was still in college and allowed him to test himself against experienced players.
From 2018 to 2019, Benamna settled with the Little Rock Rangers in the National Premier Soccer League. He spent two seasons with the Arkansas-based club, building consistency in front of goal and sharpening his understanding of the forward position. Those two years laid the foundation for his move into higher-level professional soccer.
Stumptown Athletic Breakthrough (2019–2020)
In September 2019, Benamna signed for Stumptown Athletic ahead of the National Independent Soccer Association’s inaugural season. Joining a brand-new professional league marked his real entry into full-time professional football in the United States.
With Stumptown, he featured in NISA competition during the 2019–2020 stretch and continued to develop his game as a forward who could press high and link play. The experience also brought international attention, as he earned his first call-up to the Central African Republic national team during this period.
Maryland Bobcats Era (2022)
In 2022, Benamna joined Maryland Bobcats FC of the National Independent Soccer Association. The move kept him in the American third tier of professional football and offered another season of regular minutes as a forward. He also spent time that year with USL League Two side Charlotte Eagles, broadening his exposure across different league formats.
Northern Colorado Hailstorm Era (2023)
On 23 February 2023, Benamna signed with USL League One side Northern Colorado Hailstorm after a successful trial. The move represented a step up to a fully professional league at a higher level than his previous clubs.
He spent the 2023 season with Hailstorm, contributing as a forward in USL League One competition. His performances in Colorado helped raise his profile and prepared him for his first move abroad.
Amal Tiznit Era (2024)
Following his time with Northern Colorado Hailstorm, Benamna moved abroad to Morocco, joining US Amal Tiznit of the Moroccan third tier for the 2024 campaign. The move marked his first spell outside the United States at senior level.
Playing in Morocco gave Benamna experience of a different football culture and a new style of play. The short overseas chapter added variety to a career already shaped by constant movement between teams and leagues.
Texoma FC Era (2025–Present)
In 2025, Benamna returned to the United States and joined Texoma FC of USL League One ahead of the club’s inaugural season. The signing reunited him with the third tier of American professional soccer and gave him a leading role in a brand-new franchise.
Joining a startup club allowed Benamna to play a part in building a squad identity from scratch. His path through Texoma FC represents the latest chapter in a career built on adaptability across leagues, countries, and playing styles.
Driving Style and Strengths
As a forward, Benamna is shaped by his movement off the ball and his willingness to take on new challenges. His career path, which has included college soccer, multiple U.S. lower-division sides, and an overseas stint in Morocco, reflects a player comfortable adapting to different tactical setups. He has built his game around physical resilience, link-up play, and finishing chances created by his teammates.
Notable Events and Milestones
A defining milestone came in October 2019, when Benamna received his first senior call-up to the Central African Republic for a friendly match against Niger. His official debut followed in 2020 in a 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualification Group E match against Morocco. He has since continued to feature for his national team in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches, cementing his place as a regular international forward.
Donald Benamna International Career
In October 2019, Benamna was called up for the first time by the Central African Republic for a friendly match against Niger. He made his senior debut in 2020 in a 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualification Group E fixture versus Morocco. Since then, he has continued to be named in the Central African Republic squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, contributing as a forward at international level.
Donald Benamna Family
Personal Life
Born in Bangui, Central African Republic, Benamna moved to the United States when he was twelve years old. He has spent the bulk of his adult life in the U.S., balancing college studies with a steady climb through the American lower divisions of professional soccer.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marks a fresh start for Benamna, who joined Texoma FC ahead of the club’s inaugural USL League One campaign. As one of the more experienced forwards on a newly formed roster, he is expected to play a central role in shaping the team’s attacking identity. His prior stints in NISA, USL League One with Northern Colorado Hailstorm, and the Moroccan third tier with Amal Tiznit have prepared him for the demands of a season built around constant competition for points.
Heading into the year, the outlook for Benamna revolves around consistency in front of goal and leadership for a Texoma FC side learning the ropes of the league. With international duty still on his schedule through Central African Republic World Cup qualifying, balancing club and country will be a key part of his 2025 storyline.