MLS Golden Boot leader Christian Benteke agrees contract extension with D.C. United

Benteke, after consistently impressing for the Black and Red, has been rewarded with a new deal. The Belgian forward will retain his designated player status and stay in the nation's capital until at least the end of next season, the club announced. Benteke is enjoying his best MLS season yet, having found the net 17 times in 22 appearances.

DCU's start man has improved year-by-year since moving to the U.S. midway through the 2022 campaign. After finding the net just once to round out the season, he enjoyed a successful 2023 - scoring 14 and adding three assists. He is on pace to eclipse the 20-goal mark this year, and is set to battle it out with Real Salt Lake's Cristian Arango for the Golden Boot.

D.C. United General Manager Ally Mackay expressed his delight at wrapping up a new contract in a club statement: "Christian is an incredible playmaker and he has consistently demonstrated that he is one of the best forwards in MLS... It was pivotal for us to keep Christian at the club for both his on-field talent and his leadership in the locker room. We are very excited to keep Christian with us for another season and we look forward to him continuing to make an impact at this club."

The striker is set to lead the D.C. playoff push in the coming months. Benteke's side are bottom of the eastern conference, but just two points out of the last playoff spot. They have won two of their last three in MLS, and play eight-placed Toronto on Saturday night.