Cameroon defender Olivier Mbaizo will begin searching for a new club after bringing an end to his lengthy association with Major League Soccer side Philadelphia Union.
The American club confirmed that the 28-year-old right-back has been waived, ending a relationship that stretched across eight seasons and saw him become one of the longest-serving African players at the club.
For Mbaizo, the departure closes an important chapter in a professional career that has included regular appearances in MLS and international football with Cameroon.
The defender first arrived in the United States in January 2018 when he signed for Bethlehem Steel, the reserve side affiliated with Philadelphia Union. His performances quickly earned him an opportunity with the senior team.
Mbaizo made his first-team debut on 23 September 2018 in a match against Sporting Kansas City and gradually established himself as a reliable option on the right side of defence.
Over the next eight years, he became a familiar figure in Philadelphia colours, contributing both defensively and in attack.
According to club records, Mbaizo made 156 appearances across all competitions during his time with the Union. He also registered 13 assists while accumulating 11,281 minutes on the pitch.
His consistency and versatility helped him become an important member of the squad during much of his stay in Philadelphia.
The Cameroonian leaves with a reputation for combining defensive solidity with an ability to support attacks from wide areas, qualities that made him a valuable member of the team over several seasons.
However, his role within the squad had diminished in recent years.
Competition for places increased with the emergence of Nathan Harriel and Frankie Westfield, making regular playing opportunities harder to secure.
That trend was particularly evident during the 2026 season.
Mbaizo featured in only two matches out of a possible 19 league fixtures, playing a total of 149 minutes. The reduced game time ultimately signalled a changing of the guard within Philadelphia’s squad.
Despite having a contract that was due to run until 31 December 2026, the club decided not to continue with the experienced defender as it looks toward the future.
His departure marks the end of one of the longest-serving tenures by an African player at the club.
For Cameroon, Mbaizo remains a recognised international who has represented the Indomitable Lions while competing in one of North America’s top leagues.
His exit from Philadelphia now raises questions about the next stage of his career.
At 28, the right-back still has several years ahead of him and brings considerable experience gained from nearly a decade in MLS.
His record of more than 150 appearances at Philadelphia is likely to attract interest from clubs seeking an experienced defender capable of contributing at both ends of the pitch.
While Philadelphia Union moves in a new direction, Mbaizo departs having left a significant mark on the club after eight seasons of service.
For the Cameroonian defender, the focus now shifts to finding a new challenge and beginning another chapter in a career that has already taken him from Cameroon to the United States and onto the international stage.
