A Decade of Dreams in Orange and Blue: FC Cincinnati's Journey and What Lies Ahead
Dear FC Cincinnati Family,
Let’s face it—building a legacy isn’t easy. But here’s where it gets inspiring: thanks to your unwavering support, FC Cincinnati has not only become a force on the field but a cornerstone of our community. As we reflect on our 10th anniversary season, I’m humbled and energized by how far we’ve come together. This letter is my heartfelt thank you to each of you for believing in what this club can continue to become.
A Historic Run and Lessons Learned
This year, we made history as the first Cincinnati professional sports team to reach the Playoffs for four consecutive seasons, advancing in three of those post-seasons. The thrill of defeating our rivals, Columbus Crew, in the Hell is Real Playoff series was unmatched—two victories that ignited our city. Yet, falling short against Messi and Inter Miami in our quest for the MLS Cup was a reminder of the heights we’re still striving to reach. But here’s the part most people miss: every setback is a setup for a comeback, and we’re far from done.
A Decade of Growth, On and Off the Field
From our humble beginnings in the USL to competing among the elite in Major League Soccer, our journey has been nothing short of remarkable. We’ve raised our standards, redefined our identity, and built more than a team—we’re crafting a legacy that honors Cincinnati and inspires the next generation to dream in Orange and Blue. This wouldn’t be possible without you, our fans, partners, and community, whose devotion fuels our every step.
2025 Highlights: Excellence in Action
This year was a testament to the excellence you help create. Let’s dive into a few standout moments:
- Dominance in MLS: FC Cincinnati earned the most points in the league over the past three seasons (193), solidifying our place among the best.
- National Recognition: Nine FCC players were called up to their respective national teams, including Miles Robinson and Roman Celentano representing the U.S. Men’s National Team.
- Record-Breaking Performances: Evander shattered the club record for goals in a season (22), while Roman Celentano’s MLS Save of the Year and Nick Hagglund’s MLS Comeback Player of the Year awards showcased individual brilliance.
- Community Impact: Kévin Denkey was named Procter & Gamble Humanitarian of the Year, reflecting our commitment to making a difference off the field.
- Developing Talent: Our second team, FC Cincinnati 2, clinched a second consecutive MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs berth, and nine Academy players made their professional debuts—a testament to our player pathway’s effectiveness.
Our City, Our Responsibility
Cincinnati is a city on the rise—vibrant, creative, and full of momentum. At FC Cincinnati, we know our success on the field is amplified by our impact off it. Through the FC Cincinnati Foundation, we’ve touched the lives of over 80,000 children annually, using soccer as a tool for positive change. Our $50 million Community Benefits Agreement continues to transform the West End, and initiatives like these (full list here: 2025 Community Initiatives) ensure we’re reaching every corner of our region.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Is it enough? As we celebrate our achievements, we must ask ourselves: How can we do more? How can we ensure every child in Cincinnati has access to the opportunities soccer provides? I invite you to join this conversation and share your thoughts in the comments.
What’s Next: A New Decade of Ambition
As we turn the page on our first decade, we’re already hard at work preparing for 2026. Fine-tuning our roster, deepening partnerships, and expanding our global presence are just the beginning. The 2026 FIFA World Cup presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to grow the game and unite a new wave of supporters. Together, we’ll prove that soccer belongs in Cincinnati—and that our fans, our city, and our club belong on the global stage.
Gratitude and a Call to Action
I’m deeply grateful to God, our incredible staff, leadership team, fans, community, partners, and owners for making this journey possible. To our fans: you are the heartbeat of this club. Your chants, cheers, and unwavering support inspire us every day. To our community: thank you for believing in us and investing in our shared vision.
As we look ahead, I leave you with this thought-provoking question: What does FC Cincinnati’s legacy mean to you? How can we work together to make it even greater? Let’s continue this conversation in the comments—your voice matters.
With profound gratitude and excitement for the future,
Carl H. Lindner III
Controlling Owner & Co-CEO
FC Cincinnati
P.S. I hope your Thanksgiving was as joyous as ours. Here’s to many more victories—on and off the field!
