Ethiopian attacking midfielder Surafel Dagnachew has traversed an exciting path from his local league to professional football in the United States. Born in 1997, the playmaker first showed flashes of his potential back in 2016 while suited up for Adama City. However, his true ascent began following his move to Fasil Kenema two years later.
The golden years with The Emperors
His tenure at Fasil Kenema turned into a fairytale, with Dagnachew racking up nearly 100 appearances and netting 10 goals. In his very first season, he was named Ethiopia’s Player of the Year, a clear testament to his quality. With the club known as The Emperors, he lifted the league title, the Cup, and the Super Cup, establishing himself as a vital engine in the midfield.
A new chapter in the USA
After an emotional farewell to the fans in his homeland in 2024, Surafel decided to seek a new challenge across the ocean. He signed a two-year contract with Loudoun United, where he quickly proved his worth. In his U.S. Open Cup debut in March 2025, the midfielder immediately made an impact with an assist in the victory over West Chester United, proving that his adaptation to the American style of play is well underway.
A pillar for the national team
Beyond his club success, Dagnachew is a key figure for the Ethiopia national team. He made his international debut in 2019 during a dramatic clash against Djibouti and was featured in the Ethiopia squad for the prestigious Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.
