Ariel Mbumba (born 24 September 2001) is a Congolese professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for MLS Next Pro club The Town FC.
Mbumba was born in Kinshasa, Mbumba moved with his family to San Jose in the United States.
Mbumba joined the youth setup of Major League Soccer club San Jose Earthquakes in 2015 before joining Silicon Valley Soccer Academy, then Juventus Sport Club later that year. He stayed with Silicon Valley SA until 2018 when he briefly joined the Portland Timbers youth academy. He then returned to the Bay Area and joined De Anza Force.
Mbumba joined National Independent Soccer Association club Oakland Roots prior to the 2020 Spring Season and played in their opening match against Chattanooga FC. He came on as a substitute in the 1âÂÂ1 draw. Following the club's move to the USL Championship, Mbumba was re-signed prior to the 2021 season. In the club's opening match of the season on 8 May 2021 against Phoenix Rising, Mbumba came on as a 78th minute substitute in the 3âÂÂ0 defeat.
On 2 June 2021, Mbumba scored his first goal for Oakland Roots during their 3âÂÂ3 draw against Sacramento Republic.
Mbumba transferred to MLS Next Pro side Columbus Crew 2 on August 12, 2022. Mbumba was the last remaining player on Roots SC from their first season.
Mbumba joined the USL League One team, Spokane Velocity, for its inaugural season in April 2024. Spokane opted not to renew his contract following their 2024 season.