PHOENIX – Phoenix Rising FC announced on Monday it had re-signed defender Pape Mar Boye to a multi-year contract ahead of the 2026 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

Boye returns for his third year in Phoenix after first signing with the club ahead of the 2024 season. The Dakar, Senegal, native currently has four goal contributions (2 goals, 2 assists) across 54 appearances (44 starts) in all competitions since joining the club.

In 51 appearances in the USL Championship, the 22-year-old has recorded 226 clearances, 136 recoveries, 48 interceptions and 21 blocked shots while winning 234 duels at a 60 percent success rate and 31 tackles at a 63.3 percent success rate.

Named Rising’s captain ahead of the 2025 season, Boye wore the armband in each of his 12 starts, including both of the club’s playoff matches.

“Having our captain back is massive toward our objectives and goals we want to reach as a club,” said Rising Head Coach Pa-Modou Kah. “[Boye] grew so much as a person and leader last season. We are looking forward to him having a great season in 2026.”

A product of the Galaxy Football Academy in Senegal, Boye moved to the United States to attend Montverde Academy before continuing his career at Clemson University. There, he led the Tigers to the 2023 NCAA men’s soccer title, earning College Cup Defensive MVP honors in the process. 

Boye has helped Rising keep 16 clean sheets in his first two seasons. He is now one of four defenders returning for another season in the Valley. 

“I am glad to be back with the team,” Boye said. “[Rising] feels like home and I believe in what we’re building together.”