Forward Madison FC has re-signed veteran forward Derek Gebhard for the 2026 season, pending league and federation approval. The deal marks Gebhard’s sixth year with the club, extending his tenure as the longest-serving player in team history. In 2025 he became the first player to make 150 appearances for the club, earning him the title “Mr. Mingo” among fans.
Gebhard is coming off a strong 2025 campaign in which he started 25 matches, scored 11 goals—a new single-season record for the club—and became Forward Madison’s all-time leading scorer with 29 career goals. His performance earned him a spot on the 2025 USL League One All-League Second Team. He also contributed one assist, created 24 chances, and served as captain for more than half of the season.
“Derek’s coachability and adaptability have made him a consistent performer for us over the last five seasons and he exudes the kind of mentality and professionalism we covet at Forward Madison FC,” head coach Matt Glaeser said in a statement.
“I’m delighted that Derek has extended his contract with Forward Madison FC,” Sporting Director Matt Cairns said in a statement. “He’s been a standout player in USL1 for a number of years now and I have no doubt he’ll continue to lead by example in 2026.”
Gebhard began his professional career in 2018 with El Paso Locomotive FC in the USL Championship, and later played for Oklahoma City Energy FC and Charlotte Independence before joining Forward Madison in 2021.
Forward Madison will hold its annual off-season town hall Wednesday evening at the Forward Club at Breese Stevens Field. League competition will begin in March, but the 2026 schedule has not yet been released.
