KEI KAMARA, FC Cincinnati, Forward, #85: Career, Impact & Legacy

When you watch Kei Kamara step onto the pitch, you get the sense you’re seeing one of Major League Soccer’s most seasoned forwards. At 41, the FC Cincinnati striker still brings plenty of energy and precision to every match.

He’s a player who always seems to find ways to make an impact, drawing from experience and sharp instincts to shape the team’s attack.

Kamara’s journey started in Kenema, Sierra Leone, before he moved to college soccer at California State University, Dominguez Hills. His long MLS career really speaks to his persistence and adaptability.

His recent move to FC Cincinnati adds another chapter to a story that’s already spanned continents and clubs.

As you follow his 2025 season, you can’t help but notice how his leadership and presence influence both the locker room and the field. MLSsoccer.com and Transfermarkt track his stats, but honestly, numbers tell only part of the story.

What really stands out is how Kamara keeps redefining longevity and professionalism in a league that’s always chasing youth and speed.

Kei Kamara’s Role at FC Cincinnati

You see a veteran forward whose experience and scoring record bring both depth and reliability to FC Cincinnati’s attack. His leadership offers a proven finisher who can influence matches while guiding younger players through the grind of MLS.

Signing and Debut with FC Cincinnati

FC Cincinnati signed Kei Kamara through the 2025 season, with a club option for 2026, announcing the move in May 2025. The club slotted him into a Supplemental Roster Spot, balancing veteran presence with roster flexibility.

You can check out the details in the official club announcement.

Kamara arrived in Cincinnati after a season with LAFC, where he scored eight goals in 40 appearances. At 40, he joined his record 12th MLS club, and his debut for Cincinnati drew attention not just for his longevity but also for how quickly he adapted to a new system.

The Sierra Leonean forward, who played college soccer at California State University, Dominguez Hills, brought immediate credibility to the locker room. His presence reinforced the team’s ambition to stay among MLS’s top contenders.

Position and Playing Style as Forward

Kamara lines up as a central forward, often operating as a target man who thrives on aerial duels and clever positioning inside the box. At 6-foot-3, he’s a nightmare for defenders during set pieces.

He likes direct service from the wings and uses his strength to hold off defenders. Even at his age, his movement is still efficient, relying more on anticipation than raw speed.

He’s got a knack for converting crosses and second balls, making him a dependable option in tight matches.

Career MLS Regular Season Stats (as of 2025)

Category	Total	MLS Rank
Goals	147	2nd
Appearances	445	4th
Assists	47	—

Kamara’s consistency over 18 MLS seasons shows why clubs keep turning to him for experience and goals.

Significance of Wearing #85 Jersey

Kamara wears number 85 for FC Cincinnati, a nod to his birth year, 1985, and a symbol of his long journey in professional soccer.

The number connects his personal story with his identity as one of MLS’s most well-traveled players.

For fans, the jersey number is more than nostalgia—it marks his resilience and pride in representing Sierra Leone while still performing at a high level.

Cincinnati supporters have embraced the number as part of his legacy. When you see #85 on the field, it’s a milestone in Kamara’s career and a reminder of his commitment to the game.

Performance and Impact in the 2025 MLS Season

You’ve watched Kei Kamara bring veteran presence and serious aerial strength to FC Cincinnati’s attack. His experience across eleven MLS clubs and time at Cal State Dominguez Hills shaped a player who can still read the game with precision and composure.

Key Matches and Contributions

Kamara’s value really pops in tight matches. Early in the 2025 MLS season, he provided crucial hold-up play and drew defenders, opening up space for teammates.

Even when he didn’t score, his movement inside the box forced opposing back lines to constantly adjust.

In a late-spring fixture against the Columbus Crew, his former club, Kamara’s physical play helped Cincinnati keep possession in the final third. He didn’t score, but his pressing and link-up work led to a decisive assist sequence.

His leadership also showed up in the locker room. Younger forwards credited him for teaching them about positioning and timing on crosses.

At 40, he stayed fit enough to start multiple matches in quick succession, proving that experience can make up for declining pace.

Statistical Overview with FC Cincinnati

Kamara’s 2025 stats reflected a player shifting into more of a supporting role. According to FBref’s 2025 MLS scouting report, he averaged 1.6 shots per 90 minutes and posted an expected goals (xG) rate of 0.18 per 90.

His pass completion rate of 73% put him near the league median.

Category	Per 90	Percentile (MLS Forwards)
Non-Penalty Goals	0.00	3
Shots Total	1.60	9
Assists	0.00	6
xAG (Expected Assisted Goals)	0.19	79
Aerials Won	4.01	94

While his goal totals dipped, his aerial duel success and chance creation numbers stayed strong. He kept winning nearly every contested header, often extending plays or giving teammates second chances.

Influence on Team Dynamics

Kamara’s influence on FC Cincinnati went far beyond numbers. His presence steadied the attack when the team struggled to find rhythm.

He communicated well with midfielders and helped improve ball circulation and tempo.

Players mentioned that Kamara’s calm approach during pressure moments helped everyone stay focused. He often directed teammates during set pieces, using his experience to organize positioning.

In training, he modeled professionalism, arriving early and mentoring younger forwards, including Brandon Vazquez’s successors.

Cincinnati’s coaching staff valued his adaptability, using him both as a starter and a late-game substitute. His understanding of MLS travel, scheduling, and opponent tendencies gave the team subtle advantages that don’t always show up in the box score.

Career Achievements and Records

Kei Kamara’s long run in Major League Soccer shows off his consistency, skill, and adaptability. His name pops up across record books for goal scoring, longevity, and leadership, with numbers that put him among the most productive forwards in league history.

MLS All-Time Goal Scoring Milestones

Kamara’s scoring record stretches over a decade of MLS play. He’s scored for 11 different clubs, which is a feat no one else in league history has matched.

He played college soccer at California State University, Dominguez Hills, where his finishing instincts started to get noticed.

That foundation helped him reach elite status in MLS.

Here’s a quick look at some of his key MLS scoring milestones:

Season	Club	Goals Scored	Career Total
2006	Columbus Crew	2	2
2013	Sporting Kansas City	11	45
2015	Columbus Crew	22	75
2020	Minnesota United	4	130
2023	Chicago Fire	5	140
2025	FC Cincinnati	Ongoing	140+

His total puts him among the top two scorers in MLS history, which says a lot about his endurance and consistency.

Passing Landon Donovan on Goals List

One of Kamara’s biggest career moments came when he passed Landon Donovan on the league’s all-time goals list. That goal, celebrated across the league, cemented his place among MLS legends.

Kamara’s milestone came with a simple finish, but the meaning behind it was huge. Donovan had long been the benchmark for American soccer scoring, and Kamara’s rise above him marked a real shift in league history.

This achievement wasn’t about rivalry—it was about persistence. Kamara scored in different systems, with new teammates, and against all kinds of defenses.

He kept producing well into his late 30s and now early 40s, showing a commitment that’s honestly rare.

Notable Awards and Honors

Kamara’s career includes several individual honors that reflect both his performance and influence. He earned MLS Best XI recognition and multiple Player of the Week awards.

In 2015, he finished as runner-up for MLS MVP after leading Columbus Crew to the MLS Cup Final.

He’s also represented the Sierra Leone national team, adding international experience to his résumé.

Younger players often point to him as a mentor. You can find a list of his achievements and club history on Transfermarkt and his player profile on MLSsoccer.com.

These records capture a career defined by consistency, professionalism, and a rare ability to adapt across different eras of MLS.

Journey Across Clubs and Countries

Kei Kamara’s story is one of steady production and adaptability. His path shows how experience, leadership, and skill can keep a forward relevant across leagues and continents.

Previous MLS Clubs: Chicago, Colorado, Columbus Crew, LAFC, Inter Miami CF

Kamara’s MLS career stretches over a decade, with key stops at Chicago Fire, Colorado Rapids, Columbus Crew, LAFC, and Inter Miami CF. He built a reputation as a consistent scorer and an influential presence in the locker room.

At Columbus Crew, he hit his peak in 2015 with 22 goals, earning MLS Best XI honors. His time in Colorado brought veteran stability to a young roster, and he added double-digit goals across two seasons.

Kamara’s short spell at LAFC in 2024 included eight goals in 40 appearances, highlighted by a decisive goal in the U.S. Open Cup Final, as noted by FC Cincinnati’s official release.

His leadership continued at Chicago, where he mentored young forwards while still making an impact on the field.

Club	Years	Goals (Regular Season)
Columbus Crew	2015–2016	26
Colorado Rapids	2019–2020	17
Chicago Fire	2023	5
LAFC	2024	8
Inter Miami CF	2021 (brief stint)	1

International Experience: Sierra Leone, World Cup Qualifiers

Kamara has always valued representing Sierra Leone. He’s earned over 40 caps and scored seven goals for the national team.

He’s often served as captain during key matches, leading by example both on and off the pitch.

In the 2023–2025 World Cup Qualifiers, Kamara appeared against Egypt, Djibouti, and Burkina Faso, bringing experience to a squad still learning on the international stage.

He played a central role in motivating younger teammates during tough away fixtures.

His commitment to Sierra Leone’s program reflects both loyalty and pride in helping elevate football in his home country. That consistency matches the professionalism he’s shown throughout his club career.

Stints in Europe and Other Leagues

Let’s look past Kamara’s MLS days and check out his spells in England and Finland. In 2013, he joined Norwich City on loan. He even managed to score in the Premier League against Everton—no small feat.

Later, he signed with Middlesbrough in the Championship. He put away four goals in 25 matches, which is respectable for a guy adapting to a new league.

Kamara also suited up for HIFK in Finland’s Veikkausliiga in 2021. He kept finding the net and, honestly, seemed to thrive on the challenge of a different football culture.

His time abroad really sharpened his tactical sense. You can tell his movement off the ball got smarter with each move.

Kamara graduated from California State University, Dominguez Hills. He brought the same energy from college soccer into every pro stop.

His journey across continents? It’s a testament to how grit and adaptability keep a career alive in so many places.

Personal Background and Early Life

Kei Kamara’s story is full of perseverance, movement, and, honestly, a bit of luck and timing. His path from Sierra Leone to Major League Soccer speaks to hardship and sheer determination.

Those early experiences really set the stage for everything that came after.

Origin in Kenema, Sierra Leone

Kamara was born in Kenema, the third-largest city in Sierra Leone, on September 1, 1984. Growing up during the Sierra Leone Civil War meant he lived with instability and fear.

He saw violence firsthand and spent days hiding in the jungle before he finally found safety in a refugee camp in The Gambia.

As a kid, football became his escape. Imagine him out there, barefoot on rough fields, using the game as a way to forget what was happening around him.

That early love for football? It helped him cope with all the uncertainty.

Growing up in Kenema gave Kamara more than just athletic ability. It taught him discipline and a sense of perspective—qualities you see in his career even now.

Birthplace	Date of Birth	Height	Nationality
Kenema, Sierra Leone	September 1, 1984	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)	Sierra Leonean-American

Youth Career and Development

Kamara got his first taste of organized football with Kallon FC, one of Sierra Leone’s best youth programs. From 2001 to 2003, he worked on his positioning, strength, and finishing.

His coaches saw more than just raw talent—they noticed his focus and maturity, even as a teenager.

Those years laid the technical foundation that helped him later, especially when he moved abroad.

He played as both a winger and a striker, which turned out to be a key part of his game.

Kamara’s youth career didn’t last long, but it mattered. It set him up for the next chapter, where school and soccer would come together in a new country.

Move to the United States

At 16, Kamara and his family moved to the United States through a refugee resettlement program. They landed in Maryland first, then headed to Hawthorne, California, not far from Los Angeles.

In California, he enrolled at Leuzinger High School. He balanced classes with soccer, which isn’t easy, but he made it work.

His athleticism earned him a spot at California State University, Dominguez Hills. He played for the Toros from 2004 to 2005.

At Cal State Dominguez Hills, he scored 31 goals in 47 games and picked up All-American honors. Those stats show how fast he adjusted to American soccer.

College	Years	Appearances	Goals
Cal State Dominguez Hills	2004–2005	47	31

Honestly, that move changed everything for Kamara. It gave him an education, some stability, and a real shot at professional football in MLS.

Legacy and Influence in Cincinnati Sports

Kei Kamara joining Cincinnati just adds to the city’s rich sports culture. His jersey number, leadership, and connection with fans really show how Cincinnati loves athletes who bring both tradition and personality.

Tribute to Chad Johnson with #85

Kamara picked number 85 for a reason. In Cincinnati, that number means something—it’s tied to Bengals legend Chad Johnson, who was all about flair and confidence. Kamara wanted to honor that legacy and, at the same time, carve out his own.

The connection? It’s obvious. Both Kamara and Johnson have charisma, individuality, and a bit of showmanship—traits fans in Cincinnati seem to love.

Kamara, who played college soccer at California State University, Dominguez Hills, gets how a jersey number can turn into a symbol for a whole community.

At TQL Stadium, fans talk about how Kamara’s No. 85 acts like a bridge. It links Cincinnati’s football history with its growing soccer scene.

Choosing that number wasn’t about copying anyone. It was about keeping a tradition alive—a little nod to a player who once electrified the same fans, just in another sport.

Player	Sport	Jersey #	Notable Trait
Kei Kamara	Soccer (FC Cincinnati)	85	Veteran leadership
Chad Johnson	Football (Cincinnati Bengals)	85	Charismatic playmaking

Connection with Cincinnati’s Sports Community

Kamara’s influence goes way beyond what happens on the pitch. He’s become a real part of Cincinnati’s sports identity, getting involved with fans and supporting youth soccer programs around town.

People notice how approachable he is. Kamara shows up at community events, mentors young players, and pushes for more inclusivity in soccer.

That presence genuinely matters in a city where connection means as much as competition—maybe even more sometimes.

His veteran status and international background give him credibility with fans and teammates alike. Cincinnati’s sports culture thrives on authenticity, and honestly, Kamara fits right in.

When MLSSoccer.com reported his signing, it wasn’t just about scoring goals. People saw it as a move for leadership and real representation.

With his community work and steady professionalism, Kamara shows that a player can make a difference off the scoreboard too.

In a city that takes pride in its teams, his influence keeps growing—every match, every handshake.