PAWTUCKET, R.I. – Rhode Island FC announced on Monday it had signed 18-year-old forward Mathieu Ndongo from Cameroonian academy club Academie Ngahane FC on a multi-year deal. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

The young attacking talent comes stateside following his first-ever professional season with Bahraini Premier League side Al Riffa SC in 2024/25.

“Mathieu is a powerful, strong forward who will bring energy and youthful enthusiasm to our group,” said Rhode Island FC Head Coach and General Manager Khano Smith. “With a year of professional experience already under his belt, we think he has strong potential and look forward to watching him develop.”

After coming up as a youth prospect in his native Cameroon, Ndongo signed his first professional deal with Al Riffa FC ahead of the 2024/25 Bahraini Premier League season. He trained with the first team during a successful season for the club that saw it finish fourth in the Bahraini Premier League with a 11-5-6 record.

Ndongo’s introduction to the USL Championship will bring him to the United States for the first time, where he will get the chance to develop in a first-team environment on a regular basis.