Inter Toronto FC announced Monday that the club has signed winger Béni Badibanga, who joins on a deal through the 2026 Canadian Premier League season.
Badibanga, a 29-year-old Belgian attacker, returns to Canada after previously standing out for Forge FC. He played for the Hammers across two seasons, winning the 2023 CPL championship as well as the CPL Shield in 2024.
He played 44 games in total for Forge, scoring eight goals and providing four assists. Badibanga provided plenty of memorable moments in his previous stint in the CPL, including his long-range goal to equalize the 2023 CPL Final in extra time, as well as his chip from inside his own half against Toronto FC in the 2024 TELUS Canadian Championship.
"I'm really grateful to [Inter Toronto] for giving me this opportunity," Badibanga told CanPL.ca. "It's a new project, so it's always exciting to start new things, and to bring some joy and some fun to the fans, because that's what I play for."
Prior to arriving in the CPL in 2023, Badibanga had played most of his career in Belgium, including stints at top-flight clubs Standard Liège, Waasland-Beveren, Excel Mouscron and RAAL La Louvière. He also played a season in Morocco for Raja Casablanca.
The dynamic winger explained that he's excited to return to the pitch in the CPL after not playing in 2025. Motivated by a new challenge, Badibanga said he's hoping to make a significant impact for Inter Toronto and be a true star for the club.
He did stress, however, that there won't be much particular motivation when he plays against his former club Forge.
"People who watch know that when I have a target, I try to hit it," Badibanga said. "I have a couple of games that I really like to play because there's some electricity in the air. But it's always about fun, and finding my target. I don't really put too much emotion on those kind of things; it can be Calgary, Forge, Halifax, when the game looks good I'm the kind of player who wants to play."
Nonetheless, Badibanga will add a lot of extra firepower to Toronto's attack.
“Béni brings a strong mix of experience, quality and professionalism to our group,” said Inter Toronto's head coach Mauro Eustáquio. “He has played in different countries, won trophies, and understands what it takes to compete in high-pressure situations. His profile fits well with what we’re building, and we believe he can add important depth and leadership to our attacking options.”
Badibanga is one of several high-profile new signings announced by the club recently, following their earlier splash with former CPL Player of the Year Ollie Bassett. Inter Toronto have also added significant experience with Mexican international defender Raúl López, as well as Ecuadorian winger Ariel Almagro.