Kevin Kelsy Explained

Kevin Kelsy
Full Name:Kevin Jesús Kelsy Genez
Birth Date:27 July 2004
Birth Place:Valencia, Venezuela
Height:1.93 m
Currentclub:FC Cincinnati
(on loan from Shakhtar Donetsk)
Clubnumber:19
Position:Forward
Youthclubs1:Mineros de Guayana
Years1:2021–2022
Clubs1:Mineros de Guayana
Caps1:33
Goals1:5
Years2:2023
Clubs2:Boston River
Caps2:0
Goals2:0
Years3:2023–
Clubs3:Shakhtar Donetsk
Caps3:27
Goals3:7
Years4:2024–
Clubs4:FC Cincinnati (loan)
Caps4:15
Goals4:5
Nationalyears1:2022–
Nationalteam1:Venezuela U20
Nationalcaps1:8
Nationalgoals1:0
Nationalyears2:2024–
Nationalteam2:Venezuela U23
Nationalcaps2:5
Nationalgoals2:2
Club-Update:1 August 2024
Nationalteam-Update:4 May 2024

Kevin Jesús Kelsy Genez (born 27 July 2004) is a Venezuelan professional footballer who plays as a forward for Major League Soccer club FC Cincinnati, on loan from Shakhtar Donetsk. Kelsy also represents the Venezuela U23 national team.

Club career

Having broken into the first team at Mineros in 2021, Kelsy went on to establish himself in the 2022 season, scoring his first goals for the club.[1]

On 31 January 2023, Shakhtar Donetsk announced the signing of Kelsy from Boston River on a contract until the end of December 2027.[2] He signed with the Ukrainian club during the Russian invasion of Ukraine.[3]

On 23 February 2023, Kelsy was a substitute during the Europa League Playoff 2nd Leg against Rennes. In the penalty shootout he scored the deciding goal that took Shakhtar Donetsk to the Round of 16.[4]

On 30 April 2024, MLS side FC Cincinnati announced Kelsy's acquisition via loan for the remainder of the 2024 season with an option to buy as part of the MLS U-22 initiative program.[5] On May 11, 2024, Kelsy scored his first goal for the club as part of a 2-1 win over the Columbus Crew in the Hell is Real Derby.[6]

Career statistics

Club

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
ClubSeasonLeagueCupContinentalOtherTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Mineros2021Venezuelan Primera División90000090
20222450000245
Total3350000335
Shakhtar Donetsk2022-23Ukrainian Premier League145003100176
2023-24132205100193
Total277208200379
FC Cincinnati2024 (loan)Major League Soccer15510165
Total155000010165
Career total75172082108619

Honours

Shakhtar Donetsk

2022–23, 2023–24

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Kevin Kelsy agarra un »avioncito» para mejorar como delantero. Kevin Kelsy grabs a »little plane» to improve as a striker. 27 July 2022. 9 October 2022. pasionxeldeporte.com. Spanish.
  2. Web site: Kevin Kelsy joins Shakhtar . shakhtar.com . FC Shakhtar Donetsk . 31 January 2023 . 31 January 2023.
  3. News: 23 February 2023. 23 February 2023. English. Ukraine war: UN condemns Russian invasion ahead of anniversary. BBC News.
  4. News: 23 February 2023. 23 February 2023. English. Rennes 2-1 Shakhtar Donetsk. UEFA.
  5. FC Cincinnati acquire Kevin Kelsy on loan from Shakhtar Donetsk (https://www.fccincinnati.com/news/fc-cincinnati-acquire-kevin-kelsy-on-loan-from-shakhtar-donetsk) 30 April 2024.Retrieved 30 April 2024.
  6. Web site: Columbus Crew 1-2 FC Cincinnati (May 11, 2024) . 2024-05-12 . ESPN . en.