FC Cincinnati has secured the services of Zimbabwean defender Teenage Hadebe, signing him to a contract that runs through the 2025 season, with an option for 2026. The club finalized the deal by trading their natural first-round pick in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft and a conditional $50,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) to LA Galaxy in exchange for the Right of First Refusal for Hadebe.
Hadebe, 28, recently played in 11 matches for Konyaspor in Turkey’s Süper Lig during the 2023/24 season. He previously made 51 appearances in Major League Soccer (MLS) with Houston Dynamo FC from 2021 to 2023. Internationally, Hadebe has earned 31 senior caps for Zimbabwe, contributing two goals. He was recently called up for Zimbabwe’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Kenya and Cameroon in September.
Chris Albright, FC Cincinnati’s General Manager, praised Hadebe’s MLS experience, defensive quality, and international pedigree, expressing confidence in his ability to strengthen the team’s backline. Hadebe, in turn, expressed his eagerness to join FC Cincinnati and contribute to the club’s ambitions this season.
Hadebe began his professional career in Zimbabwe with Bantu Tshintsha Guluva Rovers, later playing for Highlanders FC and Chicken Inn FC before moving to Turkey’s Süper Lig, where he distinguished himself at Yeni Malatyaspor. Across nearly 170 professional appearances, Hadebe has scored six goals and provided five assists.
Hadebe’s addition is expected to enhance FC Cincinnati’s defensive options as they pursue their goals for the current and future seasons.
