The Colorado Rapids are adding French midfielder Youssef Maziz to bolster their attack. It’s Colorado’s first signing of the summer transfer window.
The 28-year-old is coming to Colorado on a free transfer from the Belgian Pro League, with his contract expiring at OH Leuven this July. Maziz is signed through the 2027-28 season, with a club option for 2028-29. The club will have to wait on his Visa approval before he can see the field for Colorado.
“Youssef is a player who brings creativity and football intelligence that we believe will have a real impact on our attack,” said Rapids president Pádraig Smith. “He has the vision and technical quality to unlock opposition defenses, create chances for those around him, and elevate the players alongside him. Combined with his experience at a high level in Europe, he is an excellent fit for the way we want to play, and we’re excited to welcome him to Colorado.”
Maziz bounced around France, playing for Le Mans and Metz before moving to OH Leuven, where he has spent the last three seasons. In 114 appearances for the Belgian side, he has scored 15 goals and assisted 16.
Smith said the Rapids have always had to look for diamonds in the rough. Maziz is widely seen as a good complement to Paxten Aaronson in the midfield. If the move can unlock the $8 million Aaronson, it could be worth every cent.
While the transfer cost was zero, Maziz comes to Colorado as a Targeted Allocation Money signing, which means he will be making a good chunk more than most of the Rapids’ roster. In a salary cap league, this is a big investment. This investment also suggests Maziz will start in the Rapids midfield.
A big reason Maziz is considered a good complement to Aaronson is that Aaronson can now move back to his more natural central midfield position. Maziz can take responsibility for creating chances and being the attacking midfielder, while Aaronson can stay back and do what he does best. A midfield of Hamzat Ojediran as the holding midfielder, with Aaronson and Maziz above, gives the Rapids an attacking edge that they desperately need.
And an attacking boost is just what the Rapids need. After starting the season near the top of the goal-scoring charts in the MLS, Colorado has just scored five goals in its last nine MLS matches. The Rapids have been on a slide recently, winning just twice in their last ten MLS matches. It has been a tough stretch for Rapids head coach Matt Wells and Co.
“Youssef is the exact type of character we have been looking to bring to the club. He has fantastic experience playing in high-level games and will be a great addition to our young midfield group,” said Rapids coach Matt Wells. “He is a very creative player; always looking to make and score goals but, crucially, he combines this with high-intensity pressing out of possession. For these reasons, he is a perfect fit for our style of play, and we are delighted to have secured his signature.”
Wells has been vocal about bringing in players with the quality to play his style. Wells inherited a team when he moved to the United States. It was a team in disarray, and while he made some signings, the roster has yet to become a Wells-made roster. Maziz coming in brings him closer to the team and locker room he wants to build. The Rapids will remain active in the summer transfer window. Wells said he expects two attacking transfers. Expect more moves from the Colorado Rapids soon.
