MLS great Kei Kamara retires from soccer at age 41

Field Level Media|published: Tue 5th May, 13:42 2026

Jul 16, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; FC Cincinnati forward Kei Kamara (85) controls the ball against Inter Miami CF in the first half at TQL Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

Legendary MLS striker Kei Kamara has announced his retirement from professional soccer at the age of 41.

Kamar, ranked No. 2 in league history with 147 regular-season goals, announced his decision on social media.

"I never played for just one crest," he said in a video posted Monday on X. "I played for the love of the game."

Kamara's MLS career spanned 20 years with a league-record 12 teams. His 464 regular-season matches are tied for third behind Kyle Beckerman (498) and Dax McCarty (488). Only Chris Wondolowski (171) scored more goals.

The Sierra Leone native entered the league in 2006 as a first-round pick by the Columbus Crew and has also played for the Chicago Fire, Colorado Rapids, Houston Dynamo, Los Angeles FC, Minnesota United, CF Montreal, New England Revolution, San Jose Earthquakes, Sporting Kansas City, Vancouver Whitecaps and most recently, FC Cincinnati in 2025.

"From Sierra Leone to America, 20 years of chasing something bigger," Kamara said. "Goals fade, records fade. But what you carry forward, that stays."

Kamara was an MLS All-Star in 2015 and 2023 and made the MLS Best XI in 2015. He won the U.S. Open Cup with Sporting KC in 2012 and LAFC in 2024.

--Field Level Media

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