LEESBURG, Va. – Loudoun United FC announced on Tuesday the club had signed midfielder Pacifique Niyongabire to a one-year contract for the 2026 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.
Niyongabire joins the Red-and-White after most recently competing in the USL Championship with Tampa Bay Rowdies, where he recorded one goal, three assists and 43 chances created in 37 appearances across the past two seasons.
A Burundi international, Niyongabire has represented his country in the FIFA World Cup qualifying and Africa Cup of Nations qualifying, making his senior national team debut in 2022. He scored his first official international goal in 2023 in a friendly against Indonesia.
“I’m really grateful for this opportunity, I’m ready to get to work and do everything I can to contribute in bringing success to the team and whole Loudoun community,” said Niyongabire.
Born in Burundi and raised in Australia, Niyongabire spent his formative years developing in the Australian youth system before signing his first professional contract with Adelaide United, earning a scholarship with the club’s academy before making his professional debut for Adelaide’s first team in the A-League Men. The 25-year-old recorded 20 appearances for Adelaide before moving to fellow A-League Men side Perth Glory, where he made 17 appearances in the 2021-22 season.
Niyongabire then headed across the Pacific Ocean, joining Valour FC of the Canadian Premier League for the 2023 campaign. He recorded one goal and three assists in 25 appearances for the side before joining the Rowdies ahead of the 2024 USL Championship campaign.
“Pacifique is an attack-minded player whose explosive speed allows him to get forward quickly and create goal-scoring opportunities,” said Loudoun Head Coach Anthony Limbrick. “His pace and direct style make him a constant threat in the final third. He brings valuable experience from the USL Championship, having made a number of appearances for the Tampa Bay Rowdies. His experience and quality will be a strong addition to the squad here at Loudoun United FC.”