Gelson Dala

Gelson Dala Dala (born 13 February 1996) is an Angolan professional footballer who plays as a forward for Turkish club Çaykur Rizespor and the Angola national team.

Club career

Dala began his career with Progresso Sambizanga in his native Angola. In 2016, he moved to Portugal to join Primeira Liga club Rio Ave. He made his debut for the club on 14 August 2016, in a 3–1 defeat to Moreirense. Dala scored his first goal for Rio Ave on 20 November 2016, in a 2–1 win over Vitória Guimarães.

In the 2017–18 season, Dala was a regular starter for Rio Ave, scoring 11 goals in 30 league appearances. His performances earned him a move to English Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion in August 2018.

Dala made his debut for Brighton on 26 August 2018, in a 3–1 defeat to Manchester United. He scored his first goal for the club on 29 September 2018, in a 2–1 win over Burnley.

In the 2019–20 season, Dala was loaned out to Portuguese club Sporting CP. He made 15 league appearances for the club, scoring two goals.

In the 2020–21 season, Dala was loaned out to Turkish club Çaykur Rizespor. He made 28 league appearances for the club, scoring four goals.

International career

Dala made his debut for the Angola national team in 2016. He has since made 28 appearances for the team, scoring six goals.

Dala was part of the Angola squad that competed at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. He played in all three of Angola's matches at the tournament, scoring one goal.

Playing style

Dala is a pacey and powerful forward who is good at dribbling and finishing. He is also a good header of the ball.

Personal life

Dala is the son of former Angolan international footballer Gelson Dala Sr.