Louisville City FC and Amadou Dia have agreed to a new contract extending the standout defender’s tenure in purple through 2024, it was announced Wednesday.
The updated deal, which is pending league and federation approval, followed a stellar debut year for Dia with LouCity, which he led last season with a career-high eight assists.
“We are thrilled to be able to extend Amadou’s contract,” said coach Danny Cruz. “Throughout last season he played a key role for one of the best defenses in the league while contributing to our attack at a high level.
“He is a player who is hard on himself in pursuit of becoming better every day, and that is a trait that is important to us here at Louisville City. I am looking forward to continuing our work together as we look to push for another USL Championship title.”
Dia, 29, arrived in Louisville after stints with USL Championship Western Conference power Phoenix Rising FC (2017-2019) and Major League Soccer’s Sporting Kansas City (2020-2021).
He quickly established himself as LouCity’s left back of choice, starting in 31 of 32 appearances in 2022. Dia ranked second on the team in tackles won (31) at a 73.8 percent success rate, tied for second in interceptions (41), ranked second in key passes (41) and third in minutes played (2,723).
Dia’s first year in Louisville was memorable off the field as well. He and his girlfriend, Cara, welcomed their first child, daughter Coco, in late July.
“I want to win as many championships as I can before I retire,” Dia said. “I’m turning 30 in June, and I know I’ve still got it. I’m in my prime right now, and going into this year I didn’t want to worry about what’s going to happen next year. I want to be present and focus on a championship.
“The reason I signed a contract extension is, one, I love this place. It brings the best out of me on and off my field. And, two, I just want to win. That’s it.”
Dia is already in town for the club’s upcoming preseason, with Jan. 25 the first official day of training toward the 2023 campaign. LouCity kicks off March 11 at Orange County SC before hosting El Paso Locomotive FC on March 25 in its home opener at Lynn Family Stadium.
Find the full slate of games and more information on the season by visiting LouCity.com/2023-schedule.
