LEESBURG, Va. – Loudoun United FC announced on Wednesday the club had signed defender Bolu Akinyode through the 2026 season, with a club option for 2027. The transaction was completed prior to the USL Championship Roster Freeze on Monday, Sept. 8.

Akinyode joins the Red-and-White after mutually parting ways with Miami FC earlier this month. The 31-year-old center back captained the USL Championship side this season, tallying 21 appearances for Miami in regular-season play. In total across all competitions, Akinyode made 97 appearances for Miami FC from 2021-2023, with a 30-appearance season with El Paso Locomotive in the 2024 season, before returning to Miami FC at the start of the 2025 campaign.

“I’m extremely excited to be joining Loudoun United. This is a great group, and I’m proud to be a part of it”, said Akinyode. “The team has done very well so far this year, and I’m here to help make it even better as we enter the final push of the season.”

Akinyode brings a great amount of USL Championship experience with him to Loudoun United, ranking seventh in league history with 266 regular-season appearances. Prior to joining Miami in 2021, Akinyode spent seasons with Birmingham Legion FC (2020), Nashville SC (2018-2019), North Carolina FC (2017), Bethlehem Steel FC (2016), and New York Red Bulls II (2015).

“We are excited to welcome Boluwatife (Bolu) Akinyode to Loudoun United. Bolu brings proven experience, athleticism, and leadership to our team”, said Head Coach Ryan Martin. “He can play multiple roles, and his presence and quality on both sides of the ball will be a tremendous asset as we continue our push this season.”

The Nigerian-born defender made his professional debut on April 18th, 2015, for Red Bulls II in a 1-1 draw against Charleston Battery. That same season, Akinyode scored his first professional goal, a match-winning header against Louisville City FC. Before turning pro, Akinyode played four seasons collegiately for the Seton Hall Pirates of the Big East Conference, tallying 33 appearances, four goals, and four assists. Akinyode came up through the New York Red Bulls youth academy.