2026 Player Signing

Forward Madison Sign Goalkeeper, Kevin Flores, on Academy Contract for 2026 Season

Flores Carves Path Through FMFC Academy To First Team 

MADISON, WI: Forward Madison FC has signed Keeper, Kevin Flores, to an Academy Contract, pending league and federation approval. At only 17-years-old, Flores has shown incredible quality throughout his time within the FMFC Youth Academy system that led to his signing. 

“Kevin has been part of our pathway since the launch of the Forward Futures program in 2023,” said Forward Madison FC Academy Director, Aaron Hohlbein. “From the beginning, he demonstrated high levels of talent, ambition and discipline, quickly earning him opportunities to train with the first team at just 15-years-old. It’s incredibly exciting to see a Madison-native progress through our Futures Program and Youth Academy pathway into the first team. Kevin is not only a talented goalkeeper with a bright future, but also a young man who represents the character and values we strive to develop in our Club.”

Flores’ youth career has flourished in the Madison-area. Participating in the Forward Futures Program in 2023, Flores’ talent was immediately recognized and he has been invited to train with the first team since 2024. In 2025 he was named Player of the Year with Sun Prairie West High School. He has also competed at the MLS NEXT level with SC Wave for the past three years, captaining the U-17 team. 

Flores now becomes the first player to make his way through the Forward Madison Youth Academy system to ultimately sign with the FMFC first team. 

“Kevin embodies the player development pathway we’re building at Forward Madison,” said Forward Madison FC Head Coach & Technical Director, Matt Glaeser. “As a local Madison talent, he has maximized every opportunity within our youth academy to earn his place in the first-team environment. After a standout year of growth and professional training at just 15-years-old, we are thrilled to see his continued maturation and bright future with the Club.”

Finding success outside of Wisconsin as well, Flores played the full 90 minutes with Liga MX club, Querétaro FC, keeping a clean sheet against Pumas UNAM as well as trialing with Atlético San Luis Academy in 2025. 

“Kevin’s highly deserving of this moment,” Matt Cairns, Forward Madison FC Sporting Director, said. “His work ethic and continued progress on the field made this an easy decision for our Club. We’re excited to continue developing him and know he’ll be ready for his opportunity when it comes”.

Furthermore, Flores will continue to maximize his development by also being available to play matches with the Forward Madison FC Academy teams in conjunction with his first team duties.

“I’m most proud of becoming the first academy player from Madison to sign a contract with the first team,” said Flores. “It means a lot to represent where I came from and hopefully inspire younger players in the area to chase the same dream. I’m also really excited to experience the atmosphere in the stadium and feel the energy the fans bring this time as a player on the field.” 

Families can learn more about the Forward Madison FC youth programs here. Fans can now support the first team and purchase 2026 Season single game and season tickets with the Home Opener slated for May 16th against Detroit City FC in the Club’s first Prinx Tires USL Cup match at Breese Stevens Field. 

About Forward Madison FC: Forward Madison FC is a charter member of USL League One, launched in the Spring of 2019. The Flamingos were a USL League One playoff team in 2019, 2023, 2024, and have made an international name for themselves with a fun-loving, flamboyant brand. More information and registration for the team’s weekly newsletter is available at www.forwardmadisonfc.com. Follow the team on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Forward Madison FC Signs Striker, Stephen Annor Gyamfi, For 2026

Forward Madison FC has signed Forward, Stephen Annor Gyamfi, pending league and federation approval. Already massively successful, the 22-year-old Annor adds a major attacking threat to FMFC this season. 

“We’re very excited to have Stephen at Forward Madison,” said Forward Madison FC Head Coach & Technical Director, Matt Glaeser. “Stephen is a naturally talented striker who is direct, vertical and threatening. He can finish in a variety of ways and his dynamic movement will be difficult for opposition to cope with. He’s keen to come in and endear himself to our fanbase with his work rate and ability and we have high hopes for him to help our squad greatly during this campaign.”

Originally from Accra, Ghana, Annor began making waves in the North American soccer scene early on, honing his skills at the Montverde Academy in Florida. While there, he excelled playing in the United Premier Soccer League with OFC Barca, becoming the top goal-scorer in the league in 2020 with 20 goals in nine matches. He was also named MVP of the prestigious 2022 Montverde Academy Soccer Tournament after a six goal campaign. 

Annor continued to find success in the UPSL and began garnering more high-profile attention, training with the Canadian National First Team and participating in trials with Philadelphia Union (MLS NEXT) and Las Vegas Lights FC (USL Championship), before committing to the University of Virginia in 2023. 

“We’re delighted to add Stephen to the team for 2026,” said Matt Cairns, Forward Madison FC Sporting Director. “His all action, dynamic, attacking style will excite the fans from minute one and we believe he can score a lot of goals for Forward Madison. He has a fantastic personality with a great heart and I know he’ll quickly become a popular part of the Madison community.”

Logging one extremely successful season with the Virginia Cavaliers, Annor was named ACC Freshman of the Year after starting in 18 of 19 matches and scoring 10 goals, including five game-winners. Annor received several other major accolades including being named to the ALL-ACC first-team, the United Soccer Coaches All-South Region first-team, Top Drawer Soccer Freshman Best XI first-team and ranking  No.4 on Top Drawer Soccer’s Midseason Top-100 Freshman list.

Annor’s dominance was noted by Houston Dynamo, who picked him up in the first round of the 2024 MLS SuperDraft. The 6” striker comes to Madison after spending the last two seasons playing for Houston Dynamo II, logging 45 matches, nine goals and one assist. 

“I’m fired up for the opportunity to come to Madison and compete for a championship,” Annor said. “From everything I’ve seen, this is an organization that’s serious about winning, and that’s exactly the kind of environment I want to be part of – doing whatever it takes to help bring a winning culture to Madison. I can’t wait to get to work with the guys, earn the trust of the locker room, and give the fans a team they can be proud of.”

Annor has been training with Forward Madison this pre-season, scoring one goal in the Mingo’s 4-0 win over Chicago Fire II. He will travel with the team to Knoxville next month as they kick off their 2026 USL League One season on the road. The Mingos will host their Home Opener on May 16th against Detroit City FC in the Club’s first Prinx Tires USL Cup match at Breese Stevens Field. Fans can support the club and explore season ticket options as well as flex plan ticket offerings for the 2026 season. 

About Forward Madison FC: Forward Madison FC is a charter member of USL League One, launched in the Spring of 2019. The Flamingos were a USL League One playoff team in 2019, 2023, 2024, and have made an international name for themselves with a fun-loving, flamboyant brand. More information and registration for the team’s weekly newsletter is available at www.forwardmadisonfc.com. Follow the team on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Forward Madison FC Signs Defender, Kevin Carmichael, For 2026

2024 MLS SuperDraft Pick Joins FMFC

MADISON, WI: Forward Madison FC has signed former MLS NEXT Pro Defender, Kevin Carmichael, pending league and federation approval. The 23-year-old Defender has already built an impressive career over his collegiate and professional campaigns, most recently playing for Huntsville City SC at the MLS NEXT Pro level.

“We’re delighted to add Kevin to the FMFC roster for 2026,” said Forward Madison FC Sporting Director, Matt Cairns. “He embodies what we look for in a player with his leadership, mentality, physicality and technical skill. Having spent time with him in Huntsville, he quickly became a primary target for us in the off season and fits our system perfectly. He’s got a personality that guys in the locker room will gravitate toward and he’ll be a fantastic addition to the community.”

Originally from Thousand Oaks, California, Carmichael began his soccer development playing for Real So Cal Soccer Club within the youth organization of MLS club, LAFC. From there, he launched his collegiate career with UC Berkeley in 2021. 

The 6’2” Defender found immediate success with the Golden Bears, starting in 13 matches and tallying 1,061 minutes his freshman year. Over the next three years, Carmichael remained a constant in the backline, starting in 52 of 53 matches, scoring five goals and contributing two assists over 4,564 minutes. 

“We’re very excited to add Kevin to our 2026 roster,” said Forward Madison FC Head Coach & Technical Director, Matt Glaeser. “Kevin was one of our earliest targets this offseason and is a dynamic, skilled and confident player who we feel can bring the correct mentality and leadership qualities to our back line. Kevin has a ton of potential and we feel he will have a fantastic campaign with us.”

Carmichael picked up several accolades during his college career, notably an All-Pac-12 First Team selection as a junior and an All-ACC Second-Team honor after an ironman senior season, starting in all 18 matches.  

“I’m looking forward to playing with a group of young and hungry guys just trying to prove themselves in the professional soccer world,” Carmichael said. “I can’t wait to also play in front of the Flock and bring them home some silverware. Madison is a great city and I can’t wait for what is ahead.” 

Following his time at Cal, Carmichael was drafted 50th overall in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft by Nashville SC. He then signed his first professional contract in 2025 with the club’s reserve team, Huntsville City FC.

During his sole season with Huntsville last year, Carmichael put up solid numbers appearing in 21 matches and scoring two goals in 1,617 logged for the Club. FMFC will look to the Defender to remain a steady presence in the backline for the Mingos this season. 

Carmichael will travel with the team to Knoxville next month as they kick off their 2026 USL League One season on the road. The Mingos will host their Home Opener on May 16th against Detroit City FC in the Club’s first Prinx Tires USL Cup match at Breese Stevens Field. Fans can support the club and explore season ticket options as well as flex plan ticket offerings for the 2026 season. 

About Forward Madison FC: Forward Madison FC is a charter member of USL League One, launched in the Spring of 2019. The Flamingos were a USL League One playoff team in 2019, 2023, 2024, and have made an international name for themselves with a fun-loving, flamboyant brand. More information and registration for the team’s weekly newsletter is available at www.forwardmadisonfc.com. Follow the team on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Forward Madison FC Signs Keeper, JT Harms, For 2026 Season

MLS NEXT Pro Goalie Makes Move Back To Wisconsin

MADISON, WI: Forward Madison FC has signed Wisconsin-native Goalkeeper, JT Harms, pending league and federation approval. Originally from Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin, the 23-year-old has already shown incredible promise through his young career as a Keeper.  

“We’re excited to add JT to the group for 2026. He excelled playing in big games throughout his college career at Indiana and earned valuable professional minutes with North Texas SC last season,” said Forward Madison FC Sporting Director, Matt Cairns. “He has all the technical skills we look for in a goalkeeper, combined with the personality needed to play the position at a high level.”

Harms trained with MLS club, Columbus Crew SC, in 2019 while he played for their academy team. In his first campaign with the academy, he started in all 11 matches and saved 85% of shots faced. Similarly, the following year he started in all 23 matches, finishing with a .920 save average. 

Harms’ excellence between the sticks garnered him an invitation to the Generation Adidas International MLS Elite Goalkeeper Program in Germany as well as inclusion in the U.S. Youth National Team system. 

“JT is a solid goalkeeper with professional experience and a great college background,” Forward Madison FC Head Coach and Technical Director, Matt Glaeser, said. “He’s steady, dependable and offers a terrific presence and personality to our backline. It’s great to bring a Wisconsin guy home to our state’s professional soccer organization and we look forward to big moments from him this season.”

In 2020 Harms began attending Duke University. He appeared in five matches for the Blue Devils over his freshman and sophomore years. He started in four matches, tallying two shutouts and one combined shutout. 

Following his time at Duke, Harms transferred to Indiana University in 2022 where he dominated for three years, captaining the team in his final two. He started in 62 of 63 appearances for the Hoosiers, recording a .97 goals-against average, contributing to 19 clean sheets and tallying 165 saves. He led his team to becoming the NCAA College Cup winners, the Big Ten Tournament Champions, two-time Big Ten Regular Season Champions and earning himself two-time All Big Ten Second-Team honors. 

Harms signed his first professional contract with MLS NEXT Pro club, North Texas SC, in 2025. He played the full 90’ in 16 matches and helped lead his team to the MLS NEXT Pro playoffs. With these crucial professional minutes under his belt and his career on the rise, Harms stands to anchor the FMFC backline in the 2026 season. 

“Wisconsin is my DNA— it’s where I fell in love with the game,” said Harms. “The opportunity to come home and represent my friends, family, and state is an incredible privilege. I will give everything I have to the club and I am looking forward to sharing many special nights at Breese Stevens with our fans!”

Harms will travel with the team to Knoxville next month as they kick off their 2026 USL League One season on the road. The Mingos will host their Home Opener on May 16th against Detroit City FC in the Club’s first Prinx Tires USL Cup match at Breese Stevens Field. Fans can support the club and explore season ticket options as well as flex plan ticket offerings for the 2026 season. 

About Forward Madison FC: Forward Madison FC is a charter member of USL League One, launched in the Spring of 2019. The Flamingos were a USL League One playoff team in 2019, 2023, 2024, and have made an international name for themselves with a fun-loving, flamboyant brand. More information and registration for the team’s weekly newsletter is available at www.forwardmadisonfc.com. Follow the team on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Forward Madison FC Signs Attacking Midfielder, Roman Torres, For 2026 Season

Top 2025 MLS SuperDraft Pick Joins FMFC

MADISON, WI: Forward Madison FC has signed former Minnesota United FC II Midfielder, Roman Torres, pending league and federation approval. A rising prospect with significant professional experience, Torres brings further quality to the FMFC offense in 2026. 

“We’re delighted to add Roman to the roster for 2026,” said Forward Madison FC Sporting Director, Matt Cairns. “He’s a well-rounded midfielder who will set the tone with and without the ball. He showed his quality in the USL Championship and MLS NEXT Pro last season, and we believe he’ll quickly establish himself as a top midfielder in USL1.”

The 23-year-old Dallas, Texas-native has already logged a wide range of experience across a multitude of clubs and soccer landscapes. Starting off in the FC Dallas Academy in 2021, Torres made his way through several clubs, including an international stint with Borussia Neunkirchen in Germany, before beginning his collegiate career in 2023.

Torres spent his freshman year with the Iowa Western Reivers where he made 12 appearances, scoring four goals and contributing two assists. In 2024, Torres transferred to Creighton University, notching three goals and two assists in his sole season with the Bluejays.  

“Roman is a very solid two-way midfielder with experience across multiple levels,” said Forward Madison FC Head Coach & Technical Director, Matt Glaeser. “His technical ability and awareness will allow us to progress and attack in our style and his ability to cover ground and read situations will be valuable against the ball. We’re very pleased to add him to our group this season.”

Torres was drafted 25th overall in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft by Minnesota United FC. Following the draft, he signed his first professional contract with Minnesota United FC II before being immediately loaned out to USL Championship club, Birmingham Legion FC. During his time with Birmingham, he connected for two assists over 13 matches. 

Most recently, in August of 2025 Torres was recalled to the Loons where he finished out the season with MNUFC2, appearing in nine matches, including three in the MLS NEXT Pro playoffs. With his professional career on the rise, FMFC is excited to add Torres to the squad in his prime.

“I’m looking forward to making an impact within the team and working as a collective to give The Flock a lot of reasons to cheer this season,” said Torres. 

Torres will kick off the 2026 Forward Madison FC season on the road next month in Knoxville. The Mingos will host their 2026 Home Opener on May 16th against Detroit City FC in the Club’s first Prinx Tires USL Cup match at Breese Stevens Field. Fans can support the club and explore season ticket options as well as mini plan ticket offerings for the 2026 season. 

About Forward Madison FC: Forward Madison FC is a charter member of USL League One, launched in the Spring of 2019. The Flamingos were a USL League One playoff team in 2019, 2023, 2024, and have made an international name for themselves with a fun-loving, flamboyant brand. More information and registration for the team’s weekly newsletter is available at www.forwardmadisonfc.com. Follow the team on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Forward Madison FC Signs Right-back, Aaron “AJ” Edwards, For 2026 Season

Experienced USL Championship Defender Becomes A Flamingo

MADISON, WI: Forward Madison FC has signed former Sacramento Republic FC Defender, AJ Edwards, pending league and federation approval. With experience at both the MLS Next Pro and USL Championship level, Edwards stands to bring a wealth of skill to the Mingos. 

“AJ is a player we’ve been tracking who we feel adds dynamism and final product to our group immediately,” said Forward Madison FC Head Coach & Technical Director, Matt Glaeser. “He’s a skilled player who’s athletic and versatile which are all attributes we value greatly. We’re very excited to have him with us and look forward to his contributions for a productive season.”

A San Jose, California-native, Edwards began his soccer journey with the San Jose Earthquakes Academy where he became the top-ranked Forward and No.2-ranked player overall in Northern California per TopDrawerSoccer. Edwards began his collegiate career in 2021 playing NCAA Division 1 soccer with UCLA. Spending two years with the Bruins, he logged 39 appearances and contributed two goals and five assists.

“We’re delighted to add AJ to the group. He’s got an exciting style of play combining speed, power and goal contributions from out wide,” said Forward Madison FC Sporting Director, Matt Cairns. “Having tracked him closely over the last couple of seasons where he’s had success in both USLC and MLSNP, we’re confident he’s about to play the best soccer of his career in a Forward Madison jersey.” 

Edwards signed his first professional contract in 2023, joining the San Jose Earthquakes II at the MLS NEXT Pro level. He put up a solid rookie season with 18 appearances, notching three assists and reaching the MLS NEXT Pro Quarterfinals. In 2024 when the club rebranded to, “The Town FC”, Edwards had a breakout season scoring seven goals, contributing four assists and being named Team MVP. 

Most recently, Edwards spent 2025 in the USL Championship league playing for Sacramento Republic FC. Making 23 appearances across all competitions, Edwards logged 442 minutes and one goal. 

“I’m extremely excited to feel the energy and hear our fans during our home games,” said Edwards. 

Edwards and Forward Madison FC will kickoff their 2026 season on the road next month in Knoxville. The Mingos will host their 2026 Home Opener on May 16th against Detroit City FC in the Club’s first Prinx Tires USL Cup match at Breese Stevens Field. Fans can support the club and explore season ticket options as well as mini plan ticket offerings for the 2026 season. 

About Forward Madison FC: Forward Madison FC is a charter member of USL League One, launched in the Spring of 2019. The Flamingos were a USL League One playoff team in 2019, 2023, 2024, and have made an international name for themselves with a fun-loving, flamboyant brand. More information and registration for the team’s weekly newsletter is available at www.forwardmadisonfc.com. Follow the team on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Forward Madison FC Signs Defender, Jaylen Shannon, For 2026 Season

Former Chicago Fire II Defender Becomes A Flamingo

MADISON, WI: Forward Madison FC has signed steady backline Defender, Jaylen Shannon, ahead of their eighth USL League One season, pending league and federation approval. With experience at both the MLS Next Pro level and within the USL framework, Shannon will make a smooth transition to Forward Madison. 

“We’re very pleased to add Jaylen to our roster for 2026,” said Forward Madison FC Head Coach & Technical Director, Matt Glaeser. “ He’s a quality defender with professional experience who embodies many of the qualities we look for in Forward Madison players. Jaylen is keen to come in and prove himself in our environment and is hungry to contribute.” 

Originally from St. Joseph, Michigan, the 25-year-old center-back found early success in his soccer career playing for Western Michigan University. During his time as a Bronco, Shannon started in 68 of 77 appearances, racking up 6,064 minutes of play, three goals and seven assists. In 2023, Shannon was named the Missouri Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Year and picked up a United Soccer Coaches All-American Second Team selection. 

“We’re thrilled to add Jaylen to the roster for the 2026 season,” Matt Cairns, Forward Madison FC Sporting Director, said. “He’s a fantastic competitor who will set great standards and lead by example each day.  He’s got the attributes needed to be a commanding center back in USL League One and we’re confident he’ll hit the ground running in a Forward Madison jersey.”

Complementing his college career, Shannon got experience in the USL landscape playing for USL League Two clubs, the South Bend Lions in 2022 and the Flint City Bucks in 2023. Following college, Shannon signed his first professional contract with MLS Next Pro club, Chicago Fire FC II, in 2024. He logged 2,095 minutes with Fire II that season, starting in all of his 24 appearances including their 2-0 win against Forward Madison FC in the U.S. Open Cup. 

“I’m very excited to be joining the club and can’t wait to get started,” Shannon said. “Looking forward to playing in front of the amazing fans and giving everything for the team!”

Shannon made his MLS debut in July of 2024 starting for Chicago Fire FC in the Leagues Cup against Sporting Kansas City. Most recently, he made another move to USL League Two in 2025 playing for Kalamazoo FC. 

Forward Madison FC will host their 2026 Home Opener on May 16th against Detroit City FC in the club’s first Prinx Tires USL Cup match at Breese Stevens Field. Fans can support the club and explore season ticket options as well as mini plan ticket offerings for the 2026 season. 

About Forward Madison FC: Forward Madison FC is a charter member of USL League One, launched in the Spring of 2019. The Flamingos were a USL League One playoff team in 2019, 2023, 2024, and have made an international name for themselves with a fun-loving, flamboyant brand. More information and registration for the team’s weekly newsletter is available at www.forwardmadisonfc.com. Follow the team on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Forward Madison FC Signs Québécois Defender, Kerfalla Toure, For 2026 Season

Canadian Defender Makes Move To Madison

MADISON, WI: Forward Madison FC has signed 6’4” Defender, Kerfalla Toure, for the 2026 season, pending league and federation approval. Originally from Dorval, Québec, the 24-year-old spent most of his life as a two-sport athlete, excelling in both soccer and hockey. 

“We’re excited to add Kerfalla to the team. He has elite level traits with his size and speed and made great progress in the last couple of seasons at FAU,” said Forward Madison FC Sporting Director, Matt Cairns. “He shows a great willingness to learn and we’re confident our environment can maximize his potential and develop him into a superb defender.”

Growing up in Canada, Toure picked up sports at a young age, soccer when he was three and hockey at seven. He grew up playing and loving both and had to make the tough decision to pursue just one at the age of 18 when he began playing junior hockey for the Central Canadian Hockey League. However, when he was recruited by Elmira College in 2022, he was presented with the unique opportunity to become a two-sport athlete again, bringing soccer back into his life. 

During his time at Elmira College in New York, Toure played in 35 matches tallying 2,957 minutes and picked up a myriad of accolades including EC Male Rookie of the Year and two Empire 8 First Team All-Conference selections. In 2023, Toure helped lead the Soaring Eagles to victory in the Empire 8 Championship Finals. 

“Kerfalla has a tremendous upside with his physical attributes and ambitious mentality,” said Forward Madison FC Head Coach & Technical Director, Matt Glaeser. “We feel that he will grow exponentially this season in our environment and feel that he can be a solid performer in USL and potentially beyond. Welcome, Kerfalla!”

In 2024, Toure transferred stateside to Florida Atlantic University where he hung up his skates and focused solely on soccer. During his two years at FAU, Toure started in 20 out of 31 appearances, played all 90-minutes in 14 matches, scored two goals and notched three assists. During his senior year in 2025, he helped lead the Owls to win their first-ever American Conference Tournament championship, qualifying them for the program’s first NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer Championship appearance. 

“As a Canadian international coming out of FAU, I’m incredibly grateful for the journey so far and excited for this next step,” Toure said. “I’ve been fortunate to win championships everywhere I’ve played, and that winning mentality is something I’m bringing with me to Forward Madison. I’m looking forward to embracing the culture here, competing every day, and starting my professional career in a city and club that clearly cares about success. Can’t wait to meet everyone and get started. Go Mingos!!!” 

Toure enters his first professional soccer contract with Forward Madison FC this season. His addition to the 2026 roster further strengthens the FMFC defense ahead of their eighth USL League One season. Toure and Forward Madison FC will host their 2026 Home Opener on May 16th against Detroit City FC in the club’s first Prinx Tires USL Cup match at Breese Stevens Field. Fans can support the club and explore season ticket options as well as mini plan ticket offerings for the 2026 season. 

About Forward Madison FC: Forward Madison FC is a charter member of USL League One, launched in the Spring of 2019. The Flamingos were a USL League One playoff team in 2019, 2023, 2024, and have made an international name for themselves with a fun-loving, flamboyant brand. More information and registration for the team’s weekly newsletter is available at www.forwardmadisonfc.com. Follow the team on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Forward Madison FC Signs Attacking Threat, Claudel N’goubou, For 2026

French Forward Makes Move To Madison

MADISON, WI: Forward Madison FC has signed towering 6’ 5” Forward, Claudel N’goubou, for the 2026 season, pending league and federation approval. A 24-year-old Center-Forward originally from Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, N’goubou holds both Ivorian and French citizenship and has been making a name for himself across France and, most recently, the United States. 

“We’re delighted to add Claudel to the roster for 2026. His blend of skill, size and strength is a unique combination and one we feel confident can have major success in USL League One,” said Forward Madison FC Sporting Director, Matt Cairns. “He’s had a great soccer education growing up in France, mixed with a couple of years adjusting to the US game in college. As he enters his prime years, we’re excited to see the success he can have with Forward Madison.”

Growing up in Auray, France, N’goubou found success playing for several French clubs including Auray FC before making the move to Vannes Olympique Club in 2021. In 2022, Vannes OC made a tremendous run in the Coupe de France tournament, the premier knockout tournament in French football, fighting through to the Round of 16 where they faced off against Paris Saint-Germain FC. Vannes fell to PSG 4-0 thanks to a hat trick from Kylian Mbappe and a lone goal from Presnel Kimpembe. However, N’goubou looks back on the match fondly. 

“It was an absolutely incredible experience playing against world champions and Champions League winners in front of nearly 6,000 fans at our home stadium, even with the restrictions due to Covid,” N’goubou said. “The intensity of the football was exceptional; you could really see what the best teams in Europe look like up close. For me, it truly felt like a childhood dream come true, because as a kid you always imagine yourself playing in big matches like that against top players. It’s a moment that has stayed with me and continues to motivate me every day.”

“We’re very pleased to add Claudel to our team for 2026. We feel that he has elite potential with his soccer qualities, physical characteristics and versatility,” said Forward Madison FC Head Coach & Technical Director, Matt Glaeser. “He can play-make and score goals which provides us with chance creation and goal contribution. Claudel will fit into our system nicely.”

In 2023, N’goubou made the move stateside to attend Limestone University in South Carolina where he appeared in 40 matches, notching 12 assists and scoring 18 goals (seven of which were game-winners.) In 2024, N’goubou played during the summer for Lionsbridge FC in USL League Two, helping lead his team to their third consecutive Chesapeake Division title and reaching the Eastern Conference Final. Ahead of his senior year,  N’goubou transferred to the University of Central Florida where he started in 17 of 19 appearances for the Knights, tallying 1,294 minutes, scoring four goals and adding six assists. N’goubou picked up numerous honors throughout his college career including being named to the Sun Belt Conference All-Tournament Team and twice to the All-SAC First Team.

“I’m really looking forward to joining this new group and building something special together this season,” N’goubou said. “Being part of such an exciting sporting project, and doing it in front of what I believe is the best fan base in the league, is incredibly motivating. I can’t wait to get started and give everything I have for the club and the supporters.”

N’goubou and Forward Madison FC will host their 2026 Home Opener on May 16th against Detroit City FC in the club’s first Prinx Tires USL Cup match at Breese Stevens Field. The Club’s first league match will take place on May 29th against USL League One newcomers, Corpus Christi FC. Fans can support the club and explore season ticket options as well as mini plan ticket offerings for the 2026 season. 

About Forward Madison FC: Forward Madison FC is a charter member of USL League One, launched in the Spring of 2019. The Flamingos were a USL League One playoff team in 2019, 2023, 2024, and have made an international name for themselves with a fun-loving, flamboyant brand. More information and registration for the team’s weekly newsletter is available at www.forwardmadisonfc.com. Follow the team on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.