Atlético Ottawa Signs Canadian Forward Ballou Tabla to a Multi-Year Deal

January 22, 2024 – Canadian Premier League (CPL) – Atletico Ottawa News Release

Atlético Ottawa forward Ballou Tabla (left) and Head Coach Carlos González celebrating 2022 CPL Regular Season title
(Atletico Ottawa, Credit: Matt Zambonin / Freestyle Photography)

OTTAWA, ON – Kicking off Soccerlude 2024, a celebration of the Beautiful Game in Ottawa, Atlético has today confirmed the blockbuster return of Canadian forward Ballou Tabla on a three-year contract, joining from Turkish side Manisa FK in an undisclosed deal.

The electric winger proved to be one of the brightest sparks in the 2022 Canadian Premier League season as Atlético Ottawa was crowned Regular Season Champions. That year, Tabla was the second-highest goal scorer for Ottawa (7 goals) and led the team in assists (4) on the way to Players’ Player of the Year and Player of the Year nominations in his inaugural CPL campaign.

“We’re are thrilled to announce the return of Ballou Tabla to Atlético Ottawa,” said Fernando Lopez, CEO, Atlético Ottawa. “His ability makes him the kind of player who is worth the admission fee alone, as was evident during our title-winning campaign in 2022. Ballou perfectly embodies Atlético’s ambition in Ottawa and the top-tier talent we’re always seeking to attract. Players that elevate the level of the Canadian Premier League. He has a special bond with the supporters of this team, and openly expresses the joy he felt playing in front of the electric crowd here at TD Place. Players thrive in places where they find happiness, and that’s what you get when Ballou is in Ottawa. You can expect the thousands of fans who come through our gates this season to be on the edge of their seats with Ballou on this team.”

Ballou Tabla in action at TD Place – Canadian Premier League, 2022 (Credit: Matt Zambonin / Freestyle Photography)

Speaking on his move to Atlético, Tabla said: “I had options, but Ottawa was my first choice. It was the only choice in my head. On a personal level, I had a fantastic season but I have so many great memories here, with the club, the staff and the fans. My family is close by in Montréal. Overall, there wasn’t a better choice for me. It is a decision based on love and affection and I didn’t hesitate for a second when the opportunity revealed itself.”

Following his thrilling season in the CPL, Ballou caught the eye of many teams in North America and in Europe and the 24-year-old decided to take the next step in joining Manisa FK in Turkey during…