CHESTER, Pa.— While the Philadelphia Union are on break, that has not stopped the club from making moves ahead of its restart to the MLS season on July 22. On Wednesday, the club waived defender Olivier Mbaizo.

The 28-year-old Cameroon international joined Philadelphia in April 2018, having signed with then-USL side Bethlehem Steel FC prior to the start of the 2018 season after playing in Cameroon for Rainbow FC and Union Douala.

Early in his Philadelphia Union career, Mbaizo spent time between the USL and MLS, earning his first start with the first team on September 23, 2018, in a 2–0 victory over Sporting Kansas City.

Over his nine seasons in Philadelphia, he made more than 150 appearances across all competitions, including 122 MLS matches (96 starts), recording 13 assists. Additionally, Mbaizo appeared in and started six MLS Cup Playoff matches.

His best statistical season came in 2021 when Olivier appeared in 30 MLS matches and made 28 starts, tallying a career-high four assists while playing 2,489 minutes.

In 2022, following Philadelphia’s run to the MLS Cup Final, Mbaizo was selected to Cameroon’s 2022 FIFA World Cup squad. However, he did not see any playing time during the tournament in Qatar.

Following the 2023 season, in which he tallied his second-highest total of appearances and minutes in an MLS season, his role began to diminish, with Nathan Harriel earning the nod more often than Mbaizo.

In November 2024, then-Sporting Director Ernst Tanner signed Mbaizo to a new contract through 2026, with options for 2027 and 2028.

“Olivier has been a consistent contributor to our backline since joining us in 2018” said Philadelphia Union Sporting Director, Ernst Tanner at the time during a club statement. “His speed and agility, along with his increasingly accurate passing percentage, continue to make him a valuable asset to the team and we are happy to have come to an agreement.”

However, in 2025, with the emergence of Frankie Westfield, the arrival of new head coach Bradley Carnell, and Harriel still in the picture, Mbaizo’s role continued to decrease. Then, in 2026, despite making $502,875 in compensation according to the MLSPA, he appeared in only one league match, totaling just 59 minutes.

“We want to thank Olivier for his time spent with the club,” said Philadelphia Union Sporting Director, Jon Scheer per the club’s press release. “We are grateful for his dedication, professionalism, and impact on the organization and wish him all the best going forward.”

While Olivier’s next stop remains unknown, the club can now look at options to back up or pair with Westfield, Harriel, and Philippe Ndinga during the upcoming transfer window. It could also open up opportunities for Giovanny Sequera and Jordan Griffin as they continue their rise through Union II.

Time will tell what the club’s plans are moving forward with incoming and outgoing transfers this summer. One thing is certain: Olivier Mbaizo’s time in Philadelphia has come to an end.

Main article photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Union