Lalas Abubakar Bio
Alhassan “Lalas” Abubakar (born 25 December 1994) is a Ghanaian professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Major League Soccer club FC Dallas. Standing 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) tall, he is recognized for his aerial presence, positioning, and consistency in central defense. Abubakar began his career in Ghana before moving to the United States on a college scholarship and eventually establishing himself as a reliable defender in Major League Soccer. He has earned multiple Defender of the Year awards across different competitions during his career.
Early Life and Background
Alhassan Abubakar was born on 25 December 1994 in Kumasi, Ghana, and raised in the Ghanaian capital of Accra. Growing up in a football-loving country, he developed an early interest in the sport and played at the youth level before progressing into organized club environments. He attended the University of Ghana, where he played for the university team and built the foundation of his defensive game.
In 2013, after one of his teammates at the University of Ghana was selected to join the Dayton Flyers program in the United States, Abubakar was also offered a place following his friend’s recommendation. Despite having several offers from clubs in Europe, he chose to pursue a college pathway in the United States and enrolled at the University of Dayton in Ohio. This decision would shape the next phase of his career, exposing him to a high level of collegiate competition.
Path to Professional Soccer
During his three seasons with the Dayton Flyers, Abubakar appeared in 61 matches, scoring four goals and recording six assists. In 2015, he won the Atlantic 10 Championship with Dayton and helped the team reach the second round of the NCAA Tournament. His development during this period caught the attention of professional scouts.
In 2016, Abubakar was named the Defensive Player of the Year and earned a place in the A-10 Men’s Soccer All-Conference First Team. He balanced his college schedule by playing for Premier Development League clubs during the offseason, which allowed him to gain senior-level experience. By the end of his time at Dayton, he had positioned himself as one of the top collegiate defenders in the country.
Lalas Abubakar Career
Early Career (2015–2016)
Abubakar made his first significant mark in senior football with the Charlotte Eagles of the Premier Development League. The team went undefeated during the 2015 season, and Abubakar was named to the Eastern Conference team of the season. He was also a finalist for the PDL’s Young Player of the Year award, eventually losing out to Timothy Mueller.
The following season, in 2016, Abubakar joined the Michigan Bucks and appeared in 17 matches. He helped the Bucks win the Premier Development League title, featuring in the 3–2 victory over Calgary Foothills in the final on 6 August. Following the season, he was named the PDL Defender of the Year and selected to the All-League Team, cementing his reputation as a top young defender.
Charlotte Eagles and Michigan Bucks Era (2015–2016)
Abubakar’s time with the Charlotte Eagles and Michigan Bucks served as a crucial bridge between his college career and professional soccer. With Charlotte, he played a key role in an undefeated campaign and earned individual recognition. With Michigan, he became a central figure in a championship-winning side, contributing to one of the most successful seasons in the club’s history.
Columbus Crew SC Era (2017–2019)
On 13 January 2017, Abubakar was selected by Columbus Crew SC in the first round of the 2017 MLS SuperDraft as the fifth overall pick. During his first season, he split time between Columbus and the Pittsburgh Riverhounds in what is now the USL Championship, making a total of 15 appearances. He scored his first professional goal on 19 August 2017 during a 1–1 draw against Orlando City.
In 2018, Abubakar featured in 23 matches and scored one goal, but inconsistent performances led to a reduced role under new head coach Caleb Porter in 2019. After one appearance for Columbus in 2019, he was loaned to the Colorado Rapids in exchange for $125,000 in Targeted Allocation Money. With the Rapids, he appeared in 22 matches, earned the team’s Defender of the Year award, and helped the club mount a late playoff push that ultimately fell short.
Colorado Rapids Era (2020–2024)
Following the 2019 season, Abubakar was permanently traded to the Colorado Rapids on 20 November 2019 in exchange for $400,000 in General Allocation Money and a 2020 international roster spot. He made his permanent debut on 29 February in a 2–1 away victory over D.C. United, starting next to Drew Moor. He finished his first full season with 18 appearances, all starts, and one goal, including a dramatic stoppage-time equalizer against the Houston Dynamo on 9 September. He also earned the Colorado Rapids Defender of the Year award for the second consecutive season.
On 15 December 2020, Abubakar signed a new contract keeping him at the club through 2024. During the 2021 season, he scored his second Rapids goal on 21 July in a 2–0 home win against FC Dallas, and added another against the Houston Dynamo in a 3–1 away victory on 14 August. He continued to be a regular starter and a key figure in the Rapids’ defensive structure, earning the Defender of the Year award again in 2021.
FC Dallas Era (2024–Present)
Abubakar joined FC Dallas on 19 December 2024 on a two-year contract with a one-year club option. He reunited with the club he had previously faced as an opponent, bringing veteran experience and leadership to the Dallas back line. His move marked a new chapter in his MLS career as he continues to play at a high level into his thirties.
Playing Style and Strengths
Abubakar is known for his aerial ability, physical presence, and composure on the ball from the centre-back position. He excels in one-on-one duels and reads the game well, allowing him to anticipate opposition attacks. His ability to perform consistently across multiple seasons and earn repeated Defender of the Year honors reflects his reliability and professionalism.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among his career highlights are the 2016 PDL championship with the Michigan Bucks, his fifth overall selection in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft, and consecutive Defender of the Year awards with the Colorado Rapids in 2019 and 2020. His stoppage-time equalizer against the Houston Dynamo in 2020 stands as one of the most memorable moments of his MLS career.
Lalas Abubakar Career Wins
Alhassan Abubakar has collected a number of team and individual honors since turning professional. He won the Atlantic 10 Championship with the Dayton Flyers in 2015 and the Premier Development League title with the Michigan Bucks in 2016. He has also been recognized as Defensive Player of the Year at both the college and professional levels.
College and PDL Highlights
With the Dayton Flyers, Abubakar won the A-10 Championship in 2015 and was named the Defensive Player of the Year in 2016. With the Charlotte Eagles, he was part of an undefeated 2015 season and earned Eastern Conference honors. With the Michigan Bucks, he helped win the 2016 PDL title and was named PDL Defender of the Year.
Other Performances
Abubakar was drafted fifth overall in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft by Columbus Crew SC and has since become a long-serving MLS defender. He has represented Ghana at the under-20 international level, adding an international dimension to his résumé.
Lalas Abubakar Family
Family Background and Soccer Lineage
Alhassan Abubakar was born and raised in Ghana, where football is a central part of community life. His decision to move to the United States for college soccer was supported by connections made through the University of Ghana and his Dayton Flyers teammates. He has often credited his upbringing in Ghana and his college pathway in Ohio for shaping his professional career.
Personal Life
Abubakar goes by the nickname “Lalas,” which is widely used in football circles and on his social media profiles. He is known for his dedication to the sport and his disciplined approach to his career. Limited public information is available regarding his marital status or children.
2025 Season Performance
Following his December 2024 move to FC Dallas, Alhassan Abubakar entered the 2025 season as a veteran centre-back and an important piece of the club’s defensive plans. His experience from years in the Colorado Rapids system was expected to bring stability and leadership to the FC Dallas back line. The two-year contract with a one-year club option reflects the club’s long-term confidence in his abilities.
Throughout 2025, Abubakar was positioned as a regular starter alongside the club’s other central defenders, contributing in aerial duels and set-piece situations. His familiarity with the Western Conference and MLS opposition provided a smooth transition into the squad. He continued to demonstrate the consistency that earned him multiple Defender of the Year awards in previous seasons.
Looking ahead, Abubakar remains under contract with FC Dallas through 2026, with the potential for an additional year. His role as a senior defender and mentor for younger players is expected to remain central to the club’s ambitions in the seasons ahead.