DC United's Christian Benteke has announced he will depart the club this winter. Benteke took to social media to indicate that he will be leaving, despite the club's hopes to sign him to a new deal. The Belgian star and 2024 MLS Golden Boot winner expressed his gratitude to the fans, teammates, staff, and the city for their support during his three years with the club. Benteke has scored 49 goals for DC United since arriving in 2022 and has been a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing era. He has led MLS in aerial duels won since his first full season in 2023. DC United still hopes to convince Benteke to return, despite his announcement, a source with knowledge of the situation said. Benteke is out of contract this winter and can sign within MLS or abroad on a free transfer. He is eligible for MLS free agency. Benteke's departure comes after a significant step back in production, with nine goals in 1,883 minutes in 2025. According to MLS Players Association data, he was the 11th-highest-paid player in MLS in 2025, with guaranteed compensation of $4.9 million. DC United missed the playoffs again in 2025. Benteke turns 35 this week. His time with DC United has been marked by impressive aerial dominance, including 309 aerial duels won in 2024. The pre-Benteke record was 174. Benteke's decision to leave DC United will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the club's future. And with his contract option declined, it seems unlikely that he will return. But DC United still holds out hope that they can convince him to stay. So the question remains, what's next for Christian Benteke and DC United?