On a busy Friday afternoon, FC Cincinnati announced a pair of players would be returning to the squad for 2026 after a successful 2025. One somewhat new face confirming his long-term stay, and another familiar face continuing on with his long-time club.
First announced, The Orange and Blue’s imposing forward Ayoub Jabbari will be returning to the squad for the 2026 season, the club announced on Friday, finalizing the completed transfer option on the loan that brought him to Cincy earlier this year and keeping him on a permanent deal through 2028 with an option for 2029.
Later in the afternoon, Alvas Powell was announced as returning to FC Cincinnati on a one-year deal with an option for 2027, returning to FC Cincinnati for a sixth season.
In eight appearances with FC Cincinnati on loan from French club Grenoble in 2025, the Moroccan forward became a key attacking piece and added a new dynamic to the group. With both size and pace and a high-energy approach to defending the ball, Jabbari’s impact, particularly late in games, became very valuable to FCC. Most notably, it was Jabbari’s ability to control a lofted pass into the box, pick it out of the air, shield off a defender and lay off a pass to Samuel Gidi that ultimately led to a game-winning goal in Game 3 of Round One in the MLS Cup Playoffs, securing victory over the Columbus Crew.
“We’re excited to bring Ayoub back in 2026,” Chris Albright, FC Cincinnati General Manager, said in a press release. “He’s a strong, dynamic forward, and his ability to stretch defenses and hold up play are important qualities for our group. We look forward to his continued progression with the club next season.”
Alvas Powell returns to FC Cincinnati after an option for 2026 was initially declined, but the club and player continued to work together and eventually reached a new deal. The Jamaican defender, who comes into the 2026 season as fifth all-time in FC Cincinnati appearances at 142, made 34 appearances in 2025 and has been a key piece of FC Cincinnati's success over the last four years.
“Alvas’ experience and versatility have been so important to our group,” Albright said in the announcement of Powell’s return. “He’s a relentless worker, an excellent teammate, and a big part of our success these past seasons. We’re happy to welcome him back.”
“I’m really happy to stay in Cincinnati," said Powell in a press release. "I’m proud to play for this club, and it’s an honor to fight for these fans. I look forward to getting back to work next season.”
Jabbari on his return
Jabbari, 25, has now been added to an FC Cincinnati forward group that includes Kévin Denkey, Stef Chirila and Kenji Mboma Dem, diversifying the talent pool and adding a more prominent second forward to the group alongside Denkey.
After his first season, in a sit-down with FCCincinnati.com, Jabbari expressed his desire to continue on with the team and build on what was done in 2025 for 2026.
“I really enjoyed this season. It helped me grow a lot and understand the style, the level and the expectation of the club,” Jabbari said. “I'm really motivated for next season. Now that I'm fully adapted, I am confident I can bring even more quality and impact to the team. I am excited to keep building on everything we started this year.”
Now signed on with the Orange and Blue, Jabbari will have a full preseason to continue acclimating to the club and become ingrained with the staff. That full preseason run is one that several newcomers to the squad have said they are excited to undertake, as it allows for a more team-focused approach to training that allows them to learn, rather than the intensity of joining mid-playoff run, where the intensity is ramped up to a higher level, like Jabbari did this season
“I appreciate all the support from the staff and environment around me. I feel good, I feel confident, and I'm ready for a big next season,” Jabbari added. “I am excited to get back with the group and work hard for the team in 2026.”
FC Cincinnati kicks off its preseason in January, training briefly in Cincinnati before departing for Florida for a full build-up to the 2026 season. They will open the season in the Dominican Republic, taking on O&M FC in Concacaf Champions Cup play before returning to Cincinnati to open the 2026 MLS season at home against Atlanta United FC on February 21.