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Photo Credit: John Jacques
Badibanga Crosses Battle Lines, Signs For Inter Toronto FC
By After spending a year frozen out of the Forge FC roster, Beni Badibanga is crossing 905 Derby battle lines to sign with Inter Toronto FC. Surely, there’s no love lost Badibanga and his former side.
His move to Inter Toronto FC comes on a one-year deal – this time, no club options.
Here’s Why: The Curious Case Of Beni Badibanga
The 29-year-old forward had been an absolute dynamo for Forge FC since arriving un the summer of ’23, where his audacious goal in the CPL Final showcased the flair he brought to the club en route to Forge’s playoff championship victory.
His first full CPL season in 2024 saw him rack up eight goals and four assists, even scoring against MLS side Toronto FC in the Canadian Championship semi-finals. Forge picked up a regular season championship, but bowed out in Calgary’s playoff grand final. He was nominated for the CPL’s Player of the Year award that season.
It was there where things fell apart: Forge announced that they had triggered a club option for 2025, with Badibanga instead saying his contract was terminated. We broke the transfer saga of Beni Badibanga that ultimately saw him go through 2025 making no professional appearances amidst the contract dispute.
Now clear of any under-contract claims for 2026, Beni Badibanga has turned to Forge’s rival Inter Toronto FC in what will surely go down as one of the spiciest transfers seen in the league.
“Beéni brings a strong mix of experience, quality and professionalism to our group,” says Inter Toronto FC boss Mauro Eustaquio. “He has played in different countries, won trophies, and understands what it takes to compete in high-pressure situations. His profile fits well with what we’re building, and we believe he can add important depth and leadership to our attacking options.”
Badibanga’s professional career began with Standard Liege in the Belgian top flight, with Badibanga making 36 appearances for the club between 2015-2018. He had loan spells to Roda JC Kerkrade and Lierse SK during his time there, and spells with SK Beveren, Excel Mouscron, Raja CA, and Louviere afterwards.
The former Belgian U-21 international has shown fast feet and a great eye for goal, establishing himself as one of the league’s brightest before his dispute with Forge FC left him sidelined for ’25.
While the league introduced roster rules last year that indicate international athletes will count as domestic players after three seasons on a standard professional contract, it seems Badibanga’s contentious 2025 will have one last sting: the CPL confirmed to Northern Tribune that he will still count as an international player for 2026.
The Pasquel Brothers are kickstarting the Inter Toronto FC era of their club with strong gusto in the transfer market, adding former CPL MVP Ollie Bassett and Liga MX veteran Raul Lopez, amongst others.
Header Image Photo Credit: John Jacques
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