Forge FC captain Kyle Bekker officially announced his retirement from professional soccer Thursday morning.
The 36-year-old midfielder was Forge’s first-ever signing ahead of the Canadian Premier League’s inaugural 2019 season. Over eight years in Hamilton, he captained the club to seven titles—four CPL Championships (2019, 2020, 2022, 2023) and three CPL Shield regular-season titles (2021, 2024, 2025).
He also led Forge through major runs in the TELUS Canadian Championship and regional Concacaf competitions.
“When we started this journey in 2019, I don’t think I could have imagined what the next eight years would bring or how much this club and this city would come to mean to me,” said Kyle Bekker, via a club statement Thursday. “Hamilton became home, and being trusted to captain Forge from day one is something I have never taken for granted.
“I’ve known for some time that this would be my final season, and I can close this chapter proud of what we built and the standards we established, knowing that we’ve left the shirt in a better place for the next generation.”
Record number of appearances for Forge FC
Bekker leaves as one of the most decorated players in league history. He made 239 total appearances for Forge with 27 goals and 32 assists. Bekker was named the 2020 CPL Player of the Year, and finished as runner up five times.
Before joining Forge, the Oakville, Ontario native starred at Boston College, was selected third overall in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft by Toronto FC. He played four seasons in MLS with Toronto, FC Dallas, and the Montreal Impact.
“Kyle helped build this club and the CPL from day one,” said Scott Mitchell, Managing Partner & CEO, Hamilton Sport Group. “He believed in what Forge FC and the league could become, and he backed that belief with his play and leadership. His contribution to Forge and to the growth of professional soccer in Canada is lasting and we know that his impact will be felt for years to come.”
Bekkef’s final season has been difficult. After overcoming a testicular cancer diagnosis and surgery early in the year to return in May, a season-ending ACL injury in September ultimately cut his final campaign short. Despite being on the inactive roster, he remains with the group as team captain for the rest of the year.
Forge FC will honor Bekker in front of the home crowd during their regular-season home finale against Inter Toronto on Monday, Oct, 12 at Hamilton Stadium.
