Brief Introduction of Kenardo Forbes
Kenardo Forbes is a retired Jamaican professional footballer, celebrated for his exceptional career as a central midfielder in the USL Championship. Renowned for his vision, playmaking ability, and remarkable consistency, Forbes established himself as one of the most decorated players in the league’s history. Throughout his tenure in the United States, primarily with the Rochester Rhinos and most notably the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, he became a symbol of longevity and excellence. Forbes holds the all-time USL Championship records for regular-season assists, matches played, and minutes played, cementing his legacy as a true legend of the league. After a distinguished playing career that spanned nearly two decades, he transitioned into a coaching role, continuing to contribute his vast knowledge and experience to the sport. His impact on the clubs he represented, particularly in Pittsburgh, is marked by a period of unprecedented success and stability.
Kenardo Forbes Overview
| Full Name | Kenardo Forbes |
| Date of Birth | May 15, 1988 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 37 |
| Birthplace | Kingston, Jamaica |
| Profession | Former Professional Footballer, Coach |
| Husband/Wife | Not publicly available |
| Family | Has a daughter |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Information not disclosed |
| Net Worth | Not publicly available |
Early Life and Education of Kenardo Forbes
Kenardo Forbes was born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, where his passion for soccer ignited at a young age. His initial exposure to the sport came from watching his older siblings play. It was one of his older brothers who served as a significant source of inspiration and mentorship, encouraging him to pursue the sport seriously. His brother instilled in him the belief that with the right work ethic and mindset, he could achieve his goals. A pivotal moment in his childhood came at the age of 10, when he watched Jamaica’s national team, the “Reggae Boyz,” compete in the 1998 FIFA World Cup, their first-ever appearance in the prestigious tournament. This event solidified his dream of one day representing his country on the international stage. To turn this dream into a reality, Forbes dedicated himself to honing his skills, spending countless hours practicing and perfecting his craft. Information regarding his formal education is not publicly detailed, as his focus from a young age was on developing his football talents.
Kenardo Forbes’s Career
Kenardo Forbes’s professional career began in his native Jamaica as a teenager. At 18, he started playing for Naggo Head FC in the Jamaican National Premier League in 2006. He later moved to Waterhouse FC, a prominent club in his hometown of Kingston, playing with them from 2007 to 2011 and again briefly in 2014. During his time with Waterhouse, he served as captain and competed in the CONCACAF Champions League. His talent earned him a call-up to the Jamaican National Team, and he made his debut for the “Reggae Boyz” in 2010, earning three caps in total.
In 2011, Forbes made a significant move to the United States, initially showcasing his skills in the arena of indoor soccer with the Syracuse Silver Knights of the Major Arena Soccer League. He excelled in the indoor game for seven seasons, becoming the club’s all-time leading scorer and being named the team’s MVP for the 2016-17 season. His dual participation in indoor and outdoor soccer was a unique arrangement that kept him sharp year-round.
His prowess on the indoor pitch caught the attention of coach Bob Lilley, who signed him to the Rochester Rhinos of the USL Championship in 2015. This marked the beginning of a transformative phase in his career and a long-standing, successful relationship with Lilley. In his very first season with Rochester, Forbes was a key component of a dominant team that lost only once in the regular season. He fittingly assisted the game-winning goal in extra time of the 2015 USL Cup Final, helping the Rhinos secure the championship. He continued to be a standout player for the Rhinos, earning USL All-League Second Team honors in 2016 and 2017.
When the Rochester Rhinos went on hiatus after the 2017 season, Forbes followed Coach Lilley to Pittsburgh, signing with the Riverhounds SC in December 2017. His arrival in Pittsburgh heralded the most successful era in the club’s history. From 2018 to 2023, Forbes was the midfield engine and creative force for the Hounds. He was named to the USL Championship All-League team in every one of his seasons with Pittsburgh, earning First Team honors in 2019 and 2020. In 2019, his exceptional play, which included leading the Hounds to the best record in the Eastern Conference, made him one of three finalists for the league’s Most Valuable Player award.
Throughout his career, Forbes shattered numerous records. In August 2020, he became the USL Championship’s all-time leader in assists. He didn’t stop there, eventually retiring as the league’s undisputed record holder for regular-season assists (66), matches played (295), and minutes played (22,224). He also set club records for the Riverhounds, becoming their all-time leader in assists (55) and appearances (226). In 2023, his final full season as captain, he guided the Hounds to the USL Championship Players’ Shield, the club’s first official trophy, and became the first player in league history to record consecutive seasons with double-digit assists. On March 13, 2025, Kenardo Forbes, at the age of 36, announced his retirement from professional soccer, immediately transitioning into an assistant coaching role with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, ready to impart his wisdom to the next generation.
Kenardo Forbes Personal Life & Family
Kenardo Forbes has generally kept his personal life private, away from the glare of the public eye. While he is known to be a dedicated family man, specific details about his marital status, such as a husband/wife, are not publicly disclosed. It is known that he is a father and has a daughter. During his off-seasons, he has spoken about spending valuable time with his family, including cooking for the holidays and enjoying moments like helping his daughter open Christmas gifts. His move to Pittsburgh in 2018 became a long-term home for him and his family, indicating a deep connection to the city where he achieved much of his professional success. Forbes is often described by coaches and teammates as a humble, team-first individual, a personality trait that has defined both his on-field demeanor and his off-field life. His focus has consistently been on his team and his family, valuing these relationships above personal accolades.
Awards and Achievements of Kenardo Forbes
- USL Championship Players’ Shield Winner (2023 with Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC)
- USL Cup Winner (2015 with Rochester Rhinos)
- USL Championship All-League First Team (2019, 2020)
- USL Championship All-League Second Team (2016, 2017, 2018, 2021, 2022)
- USL Championship MVP Finalist (2019)
- Rochester Rhinos Team MVP (2016)
- Syracuse Silver Knights Team MVP (2016-17)
- USL Championship All-Time Regular Season Assists Leader (66)
- USL Championship All-Time Regular Season Appearances Leader (295)
- USL Championship All-Time Regular Season Minutes Played Leader (22,224)
- Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC All-Time Assists Leader (55)
- Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC All-Time Appearances Leader (226)
Kenardo Forbes Net Worth and Income
Information regarding Kenardo Forbes’s precise net worth and income is not publicly available. As a professional player in the USL Championship for a decade, his income would have been derived from his club contracts with the Rochester Rhinos and the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC. Salaries in the USL Championship are not as widely reported as in top-tier leagues like Major League Soccer, and specific player contract details are rarely disclosed. His transition to a coaching role with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC provides a new source of income, though these figures also remain private. Without verified financial statements or reports from credible financial publications like Forbes, any estimation of his net worth would be purely speculative. Therefore, Kenardo Forbes net worth remains undisclosed as of 2025.
Legacy and Influence
Kenardo Forbes, affectionately known as “King Kenny,” leaves behind an indelible legacy in the USL Championship as one of its greatest-ever players. His influence is defined by unparalleled statistical achievements, remarkable consistency, and a profound impact on the success of the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC. He retires as the league’s all-time king of assists, appearances, and minutes played, records that underscore his durability, availability, and creative genius on the field. For a decade, he set the standard for midfield play in the league. His coach, Bob Lilley, has lauded him for his calm demeanor on the ball and his exceptional game intelligence, rating him as one of the best players he has ever coached.
Beyond the numbers, Forbes’s legacy is intertwined with the rise of the Riverhounds. His seven-year tenure with the club coincided with their most successful period in history, marked by seven consecutive playoff appearances and the capture of the 2023 Players’ Shield. He was the centerpiece of this success, a captain who led by example. His teammates and coaches consistently praised his selfless, team-first mentality, always prioritizing collective wins over individual accolades. His transition directly into a coaching role upon retirement ensures his influence will continue, shaping the next generation of players in Pittsburgh and solidifying his status as a true club legend.
Interesting Facts about Kenardo Forbes
- He is the only player in USL Championship history to record back-to-back seasons with double-digit assists, achieving the feat in 2022 and 2023.
- For seven years, he maintained a dual career, playing professional outdoor soccer in the USL Championship during the summer and professional indoor soccer with the Syracuse Silver Knights in the winter.
- His inspiration to play for the Jamaican national team came at age 10 after watching them in the 1998 FIFA World Cup.
- He was named to a USL Championship All-League team seven times, more than any other player in the league’s history.
- The nickname “King Kenny” was reportedly coined by his long-time manager, Bob Lilley.
- Despite his extensive and durable career, he suffered only one notable injury during his time in Pittsburgh, which caused him to miss just four games.
- He became the USL Championship’s all-time assist leader in a 4-0 victory over Philadelphia Union II in August 2020.
Controversies
Throughout his long and distinguished career, Kenardo Forbes has maintained a clean public record. There are no widely reported controversies or scandals associated with him. His reputation is one of professionalism, leadership, and a quiet, humble demeanor both on and off the pitch.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram – Not publicly available
- Twitter – Not publicly available
- YouTube – Not publicly available
Final Words about Kenardo Forbes
Kenardo Forbes’s retirement from professional soccer marks the end of an era for the USL Championship and the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC. As a player, his career is a masterclass in consistency, skill, and leadership. He hangs up his boots not just as a club icon but as a league-wide benchmark, holding foundational records that may stand for years to come. His quiet, unassuming nature off the field stood in stark contrast to his dominant and creative presence on it, earning him universal respect from teammates, coaches, and opponents alike. His decision to immediately step into a coaching role with the Riverhounds is a testament to his deep connection with the club and the city of Pittsburgh. While his playing days are over, his journey in soccer continues, promising that the same intelligence and vision that made him a legendary midfielder will now be used to cultivate future talent, ensuring his legacy and influence endure for many seasons to come.
