Abubakar (M) football journey has been one of resilience
Ghanaian centre-back Alhassan “Lalas” Abubakar has built a steady career in Major League Soccer, but one dream still eludes him: representing Ghana at senior international level.
Despite earning call-ups to the U-20 national team in his teenage years, the Kumasi-born defender has yet to don the Black Stars jersey.
Now, as he nears 200 MLS appearances, the 30-year-old FC Dallas player hopes his consistent performances will finally earn him recognition.
Since joining Dallas in late 2024, Abubakar has become a defensive anchor, helping transform the team’s backline with his strength, leadership, and game-reading ability.
“Honestly, I came here to win, and if I keep pushing myself and my teammates, we’re going to get there,” he said in an RG interview. “Champions…that’s the word that drives me.”
While his immediate focus is guiding Dallas into the MLS playoffs, Abubakar has not hidden his ambition of a maiden Black Stars call-up.
His experience and physical presence could offer valuable depth in defence, with Ghana nearing qualification to the 2026 World Cup to be co-hosted in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Raised in Kumasi before moving to Accra, Abubakar’s football journey has been one of resilience, from early struggles to buy boots in Ghana to becoming a mainstay in one of the world’s fastest-growing leagues.
Whether his name is eventually added to the list of Ghana internationals remains to be seen, but his performances in the United States continue to strengthen his case.
