FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The New England Revolution have signed midfielder Wilfrid Kaptoum (pronounced WILL-frid kap-TOOM). The 24-year-old Cameroonian arrives in New England after six professional seasons in Spain with FC Barcelona and Real Betis, most recently featuring on loan for Unión Deportiva Almería in Spain’s Segunda División.

“Wilfrid Kaptoum is a talented central midfielder who has been developed in an excellent soccer culture. He will bring a great work ethic and experience to our team,” Revolution Sporting Director and Head Coach Bruce Arena said. “Wilfrid’s pace and passing ability will help strengthen our midfield. We believe he will be a quality addition to the Revolution, and we look forward to his arrival in Foxborough.”

Kaptoum owns more than 100 professional appearances across all competitions with FC Barcelona, Real Betis, and UD Almería, including stints with Barcelona B and Real Betis B. The Douala, Cameroon native made three appearances with Barcelona’s first team – including a start in the 2015-16 UEFA Champions League – after developing for several years in La Masia, the club’s legendary academy system. He also made two appearances for Barça en route to winning the 2015-16 Copa del Rey title, scoring his debut goal in the semifinals.

Kaptoum joined Barcelona’s youth ranks in 2008 at age 12 and earned promotion to the second team in 2014. He featured extensively for Barcelona B in Spain’s Segunda División B during his time with the club, scoring six goals with three assists over 46 appearances from 2014-17.

In January 2018, the midfielder signed with Spanish side Real Betis, where he made 15 appearances in La Liga. The right-footed midfielder made his first team debut with Betis on Oct. 4, 2018 in the group stage of the 2018-19 UEFA Europa League, and also featured in four Copa del Rey contests. With Real Betis B, Kaptoum played in 12 games during the 2017-18 season, and added five starts in 2018-19.

Most recently, Kaptoum was loaned to second-flight Spanish side Almería in January 2020 for the remainder of the season. He made nine appearances, with seven starts, in the Segunda División this past season.

On the international stage, Kaptoum represents his native Cameroon and has received multiple call-ups to the senior national team. He was a regular on the bench during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations tournament, and previously featured for Cameroon’s Under-20 side.

TRANSACTION: New England Revolution signed midfielder Wilfrid Kaptoum on Dec. 23, 2020.

WILFRID KAPTOUM AT A GLANCE:

• 24-year-old Cameroonian midfielder developed in FC Barcelona’s academy before six-year professional career with Barcelona, Real Betis, and UD Almería.
• Has earned more than 100 professional caps including appearances La Liga, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, and Copa del Rey action.
• Joined Barcelona Academy at age 12 and made pro debut with Barcelona B in 2014.
• In 2015-16 with Barcelona, competed in the UEFA Champions League and helped lift the Copa del Rey trophy.
• Made 15 La Liga appearances with Real Betis from 2018-19.
• Represents Cameroon on international stage and was a regular in the matchday squad during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

WILFRID KAPTOUM
Full Name:                   Wilfrid Jaures Kaptoum
Pronunciation:             WILL-frid kap-TOOM
Position:                      Midfielder
Height:                         5-9
Weight:                        160
Date of Birth:               July 7, 1996 (Douala, Cameroon)
Hometown:                  Douala, Cameroon
Nationality:                  Cameroon
Last Club:                    Real Betis (ESP); UD Almería (On Loan)
Previous Experience: FC Barcelona (2014-17), Real Betis (2018-20), UD Almería (2020)
How Acquired:             Signed by New England on Dec. 23, 2020