COLUMBUS – Prior to the 2026 Major League Soccer Roster Freeze deadline on Oct. 9, the Columbus Crew signed Crew 2 forward Kevin Gbamblé to a First Team contract through June 2029 with Club options through the 2030-31 season. Gbamblé – the 12th player in Club history to earn a First Team contract after competing with Crew 2 – will occupy an international roster slot.
The Crew also today announced that the Club has acquired a 2026 International Roster Slot from the Portland Timbers in exchange for $75,000 in 2027 General Allocation Money.
“Kevin has earned a First Team contract through his work ethic, dynamic style of play and continued development since joining our Cub,” said Crew General Manager Issa Tall. “He has consistently demonstrated his ability to make an impact on matches, making the most of his opportunities with the First Team while producing strong goal contributions with Crew 2. We look forward to seeing him continue to build on that progress as a member of the Black & Gold.”Â
GbamblĂ© made his First Team debut in the Crew’s Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 matchup against One Knoxville SC on April 29, registering 15 minutes. He also featured in the Black & Gold’s Leagues Cup Phase One tilt against Pumas UNAM on Aug. 11, tallying nine minutes.Â
Signed by Crew 2 from Ivoire Académie on April 24, 2025, Gbamblé was named to the MLS NEXT Pro Best XI on Oct. 8 after earning 23 goal contributions (12 goals and 11 assists), tied for a league-best, in 27 matches (23 starts) during the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro season. Gbamblé became only the third player in league history to reach double digits in both goals and assists. Starting in 10 of his 14 appearances in 2025 for Crew 2, the forward registered six goals and three assists.
In a corresponding move, the Club has waived midfielder Cole Mrowka.Â
TRANSACTION: Prior to the 2026 Major League Soccer Roster Freeze deadline on Oct. 9, the Columbus Crew signed Crew 2 forward Kevin GbamblĂ© to a First Team contract through June 2029 with Club options through the 2030-31 season, announced on Oct. 12, 2026. The Crew also announced that the Club has acquired a 2026 International Roster Slot from the Portland Timbers in exchange for $75,000 in 2027 General Allocation Money. In a corresponding move, the Club has waived midfielder Cole Mrowka.Â
Name: Kevin Gbamblé
Pronunciation: bahm-BLEE
Position: Forward
Born: Dec. 31, 2006, in Adzopé, Ivory Coast
Citizenship: Ivory Coast
Acquired: Signed by Columbus Crew on Oct. 12, 2026
Previous Experience: Ivoire Académie (2018-25); Columbus Crew 2 (2025-26)
