Commerce City, CO– The Colorado Rapids announced today that Homegrown forward Darren Yapi has signed a new contract keeping the Green Valley Ranch native in Colorado through the 2028-29 MLS season, with an option for 2029-30. Yapi had a breakout year in 2025, and he has continued to do so in 2026; he is now rewarded for his efforts. The contract comes with a significant pay rise, along with a new U22 initiative tag. Yapi looks to be locked down in Colorado for the foreseeable future.
This is an important one for the Rapids to get done. In a transfer window where Colorado sent homegrown players away left and right, keeping the faith in at least one is important. It isn’t just because of his homegrown status; Yapi has deserved this extension. After a slow start to life with the first team, Yapi has found his footing and proved to be one of the best Rapids homegrown players in club history. A fan favorite is staying in Colorado.
Record Breaker
From the start, he was breaking records. He was the youngest player in club history at the time to sign a professional contract when he joined the First Team at 16 years, 104 days old in 2021. He is also the youngest player in club history to score a brace after his two-goal performance against Minnesota in 2025. Yapi currently ranks second in goals (13) among Rapids Homegrown players in club history.
His first goal for the first team was electric and is still a shining moment for him and the club. Yapi broke out in 2025, scoring eight goals and assisting twice in a limited role. He has continued this production in 2026, scoring three and assisting two in eleven appearances so far. All from a position that is not his usual. Yapi has had to put the team first, and has a “want to help the team in any way he can” mindset this season.
This hasn’t gone unnoticed by Matt Wells, as the Rapids head coach said, “Darren has made a really positive start to the season and continues to grow into a more complete front-line player for us. He’s shown a top mentality to embrace our football, has made big steps in his physical development, and is consistently impacting the game in attacking positions. He has the right level of ambition, and we believe he has so much more growth to come, so we’re looking forward to continuing to work with him.”
Whether it was the Rapids Academy, the Switchbacks, Rapids 2, or even the USYNT, Darren Yapi has made his mark on the game.
What Does This Extension Mean Now?
In the best way possible, Darren Yapi is a headache. He is far too good to keep on the bench, use as a super sub. But Rafa Navarro is too important to this team to be on the bench. Matt Wells doesn’t use a two-striker system. This has pushed Yapi out wide, into a winger position that is not his natural role. It has paid dividends this season, but might not be the long-term plan for the Rapids.
The easy answer after Yapi’s new contract is that Rafa Navarro will most likely get a big-money move away from the club. Rumors are always swirling about him going back to Brazil for a hefty sum. This would free up the striker spot for Darren Yapi to be the main guy up front. He would bring a different game to the number nine role than Rafa. Adjustments will have to be made. Colorado has given the faith to Darren Yapi, and it will be his name to lead this team through the 2029-30 MLS season at least.
4-1 victory over LA Galaxy. Photo Credit: Spencer Baldwin
It’s also important to the winger room. It’s a group that has been added to quite a lot in the recent transfer windows. Georgi Minoungou and Dante Sealy cost over $4 million GAM total. Alexis Manyoma has his loan expiring this summer, Colorado will have to decide that. Ted Ku-DiPietro will be back from that shoulder surgery. Alex Harris is an up-and-coming name. All of these guys will have their minutes reduced until Yapi either drops off or takes full control of the striker role. Depth is good to have, and Colorado has some great depth out wide. But moves will be made, and decisions will be made to get Darren Yapi on the field.
This one’s a little more personal for me. I played with Darren Yapi when he joined the U12 team during the 2016-17 season. It’s my claim to fame. It was pretty obvious that he was special when he joined the team. At 12-years-old, he was already a dominating presence on the field. Standing not too far away from the height he is now. He would consistently play up a year or two.
Despite all of this, he was just a good guy. He was a good team guy, willing to suffer for the team. Humble and unselfish as can be. He has been rewarded for all the work he has put in over the years, and he is deserving of it. To many more years of Darren Yapi in Colorado.
TRANSACTION: Colorado Rapids signed Homegrown forward Darren Yapi to a multi-year contract as a U22 Initiative player through the 2028-29 MLS Season, with a club option for 2029-30.
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Eamon Shaw 