
FC Cincinnati Sign Forward Kenji Mboma Dem
July 5, 2025 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
FC Cincinnati News Release
FC Cincinnati have signed forward Kenji Mboma Dem to a contract through the 2025 MLS season, with club options for 2026, 2027 and 2028, the club announced today. Mboma Dem was selected by FC Cincinnati in MLS SuperDraft 2024 out of the University of Dayton and has spent the past two seasons with FC Cincinnati 2 of MLS NEXT Pro. He will occupy a slot on the Supplemental Roster, as well as an International Slot.
Mboma Dem, 23, made his first team debut on February 26 against FC Motagua in the second leg of the opening round of the Concacaf Champions Cup and his MLS Regular Season debut against Philadelphia Union on March 1. Mboma Dem has been selected to the FC Cincinnati matchday roster four times this season.
"We're proud to sign Kenji to the first team," said General Manager Chris Albright. "Since being drafted in 2024, Kenji has established himself as a key piece for FC Cincinnati 2. He's earned this opportunity through his consistency in training, hunger to improve, and performances on the field. We're excited to see FC Cincinnati 2 continue to play a vital role in the FC Cincinnati player pathway as we look to develop and promote talent within the club."
After being selected with the No. 56 overall selection in MLS SuperDraft 2024 by FC Cincinnati, Mboma Dem signed an MLS NEXT Pro contract with FC Cincinnati 2 ahead of the 2024 season. Mboma Dem scored seven goals and five assists across 18 appearances, 17 of which were starts, in his first season with the team.
Mboma Dem's 2024 numbers were tied for a team high, and his 12 total goal contributions led FCC 2. Mboma Dem has made six appearances in 2025 and shares a team lead in goals scored (3) and has two assists on the season.
FC Cincinnati selected Mboma Dem from the University of Dayton where the Mantes-la-Jolie, France native scored nine goals and registered three assists in 15 matches in 2023. Mboma Dem led all Flyers in goals scored that season.
TRANSACTION: On July 5, 2025, FC Cincinnati sign Kenji Mbomba Dem to a contract through the 2025 season with club options for 2026, 2027 and 2028.
#35 KENJI MBOMA DEM
Pronunciation: KEN-jee em-BOW-muh DEM
Position: Forward
Height: 6-1
Birthdate: January 22, 2002 (23)
Birthplace: Mantes-la-Jolie, France
Nationality: French
How Acquired: Via signing to a first-team contract, drafted with the No. 56 overall selection in MLS SuperDraft 2024
Mboma Dem and the Orange and Blue return to TQL Stadium tonight, Saturday, July 5 to take on Chicago Fire FC. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET and the match will air on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. Radio will be carried on iHeart Media ESPN 1530 in English and in Spanish locally on La Mega 101.5 FM.
Stay up-to-date and connected with FC Cincinnati! Select your schedule of choice to receive the latest match details, events and other relevant messages directly to your digital calendar. For up-to-the-minute information about FC Cincinnati, visit the team's official website at fccincinnati.com, or follow the team on X/Twitter, Instagram and Facebook at @FCCincinnati. Additionally, fans are encouraged to download the team's official mobile app on iOS or Android for instant access to mobile tickets, team content and match notifications.
Major League Soccer Stories from July 5, 2025
- Messi Magic Leads the Way for Inter Miami CF in Road Win Against CF Montréal - Inter Miami CF
- RSL Continues Three-Game Unbeaten Run with Thrilling 3-2 Win Over St. Louis - Real Salt Lake
- Chicago Fire FC Falls 2-1 against FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium - Chicago Fire FC
- Nashville SC Stretches Unbeaten Streak to 14 with 1-0 Win over Philadelphia Union - Nashville SC
- CF Montréal Fall to Messi, Inter Miami CF - Club de Foot Montreal
- Messi Magic Leads the Way for Inter Miami CF in Road Win against CF Montréal - Inter Miami CF
- Nashville SC Uses Late Penalty Kick to Down Philadelphia Union 1-0 - Philadelphia Union
- D.C. United Tie 0-0 against Atlanta United FC at Audi Field - D.C. United
- Atlanta United Plays to 0-0 Draw at D.C. United - Atlanta United FC
- Pep Biel and Bill Tuiloma each contribute two goal contributions; CLTFC returns home with draw - Charlotte FC
- Clip Notes: Split Points Leaves Sour Taste - Charlotte FC
- Charlotte FC Adds Defender Jack Neeley on a Short-Term Agreement - Charlotte FC
- Sounders FC Hosts the Columbus Crew on Sunday Afternoon at Lumen Field - Seattle Sounders FC
- LAFC Road Match against Austin FC Postponed to Later Date - Los Angeles FC
- Austin FC vs. LAFC Postponed to Later Date - Austin FC
- Earthquakes Face New York Red Bulls at Paypal Park Tonight at 7:30 p.m. PT - San Jose Earthquakes
- FC Cincinnati Sign Forward Kenji Mboma Dem - FC Cincinnati
- Match Preview: Charlotte FC vs. Orlando City SC - Charlotte FC
- LA Galaxy Earn 3-0 Shutout Victory Over Vancouver Whitecaps FC at Dignity Health Sports Park on the Fourth of July - LA Galaxy
- Minnesota United Earns Three Points On The Road After 2-1 Win Against Fc Dallas - Minnesota United FC
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Other Recent FC Cincinnati Stories
- Hell Is Real Comes to Cincy as the Orange and Blue Look to Continue Win Streak against Columbus Crew
- FC Cincinnati Look to Take Confidence and Commitment to the Process into Hell Is Real as Preparations Begin for Rivalry Derby
- Matchday Guide: FC Cincinnati vs Columbus Crew - Hell Is Real
- Despite Injury, Absence from the Field, Obinna Nwobodo's Influence Will be Felt by FC Cincinnati
- FC Cincinnati Acquire Venezuelan Winger Ender Echenique as U22 Initiative Player

