Toronto FC announced Saturday that the club has signed forward Molham Babouli. He becomes the 12th player in club history to sign for the first team from the Kia Toronto FC Academy.
“We are excited to sign Mo to the first team after a strong preseason. He continues to excel with the opportunities placed in front of him,” said Toronto FC General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko. “Mo is the first product of the full player pathway designed at Toronto FC, playing within our academy to signing professionally for TFC II and now the first team. We are very proud of his progression and know he will be a welcomed addition to the first team. We must also give special thanks to Greg Vanney, Jason Bent and Michael Stefano along with our other academy coaches for their important role in Mo’s development over the past two seasons.”
Babouli, 23, registered three goals with one assist in nine matches during Toronto FC’s 2016 preseason. He joins the Reds after most recently playing for the club's USL affiliate Toronto FC II. He appeared in 20 matches, starting in 18, registering four goals and four assists. Babouli registered his first professional goal on March 21 against the Charleston Battery and made his professional debut that same match for the young Reds.
Babouli originally joined the Kia Toronto FC Academy in January 2014. During the 2014 season, he played with the Senior Academy team in League1 Ontario. Babouli won both the 2014 League1 MVP and the Golden Boot award; while scoring 26 goals in all competitions. In addition, he was named to the League1 Ontario Top XI, and won Player of the Week honours three times (Weeks 3, 5, 14).
Babouli represented the Canadian national team at the 2015 Pan American Games and the U-23 Olympic qualifiers.
MOLHAM BABOULI #11
Position: Forward
Height: 5’8 Weight: 171 lbs
Birthdate: January 2, 1993
Birth Place: Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
Hometown: Mississauga, ON
Nationality: Canadian
Last Club: Toronto FC II
How Acquired: Signed with Toronto FC on Saturday, March 5, 2016
Pronunciation: “MO-HAM BAB-OU-LEE”
