Rapids sign F Mamadou Billo Diop

The Colorado Rapids signed forward Mamadou Billo Diop to a first-team contract through the 2027-28 season.

The deal includes options for the 2028-29 and 2029-30 seasons.

"We're excited to add Billo to our first-team group," Rapids Sporting Director Fran Taylor said. "He's earned this opportunity through his production, and impact at the Next Pro Level. We believe he has the ability to impact the game at the first team level."

Diop was selected by the Rapids as the No. 6 overall pick in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft.

The 19-year-old from Senegal finished the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro season with 14 goals and two assists across 1,614 minutes for the Colorado Rapids 2, where he earned the team's Player of the Year and Golden Boot awards and helped the club to a Western Conference Final victory and its first-ever appearance in the MLS NEXT Pro Cup.

"Billo has impressed in his training exposure with the 1st team," Rapids Head Coach Matt Wells said. "He really caught the eye in the final pre-season fixture, combining his physicality with moments of high technical quality. He arrives in good positions in the penalty box and is becoming more decisive with each week."

--Field Level Media