Kei Kamara Explained
Kei Ansu Kamara (; born 1 September 1984) is a Sierra Leonean professional footballer who plays as a striker for Major League Soccer club Los Angeles FC. He is one of 11 players to have scored 100 goals in MLS history, achieving the landmark in 300 appearances. He is currently second on MLS's all-time scoring list, scoring for 11 different MLS clubs.[2] [3]
Early life and education
Kamara was born and raised in Kenema, Sierra Leone's second-largest city, and began his career playing for Kallon F.C. from 2001 to 2003. At age 16, Kamara and his family migrated to the United States through a refugee program, initially moving to Maryland,[4] before settling with relatives in Hawthorne, California, near Los Angeles.[5] He became an American citizen.[6]
Kamara played college soccer at California State University, Dominguez Hills, where, in his second year, he was named third-team All-American.[7] Kamara also spent two seasons with Orange County Blue Star in the USL Premier Development League.
Club career
2006–2009: Early MLS career
Kamara was chosen by Columbus Crew in the first round ninth overall at the 2006 MLS SuperDraft. He spent two seasons there, making 36 appearances and scoring 5 goals.
Prior to the 2008 season, he was traded to San Jose Earthquakes in exchange for Brian Carroll.[8] However, he spent only the 2008 season there, making 12 appearances and scoring 2 goals.
On 24 July 2008, Kamara was traded to Houston Dynamo for a first-round pick in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft and allocation money.[9] On 30 September 2008, Kamara scored two goals for MLS champion Houston Dynamo against Mexican club UNAM Pumas in a CONCACAF Champions League match.
Sporting Kansas City
On 15 September 2009, Kamara was traded to Sporting Kansas City for Abe Thompson and allocation money.[10] Kamara had several productive seasons with Kansas City which saw him become one of the most imposing wingers in the league.[11]
Loan to Norwich City
Kamara was a transfer target of Norwich City of the English Premier League during the winter 2013 transfer window,[12] following an unsuccessful trial at Stoke City earlier in the off-season. It was announced on 30 January 2013 that Kamara was signed on loan by Norwich for the remainder of the 2012–13 Premier League season. Norwich had the option for a pre-negotiated permanent transfer or to return Kamara to Sporting at the end of the season, in which case Kamara would miss the first 10 matches of the MLS season. As part of the deal, Kamara's contract with Major League Soccer was extended.[13] Norwich City announced on 5 February that Kamara was granted a visa, making him legally eligible to play for the club.[14] He made his league debut for Norwich as an 86th-minute substitute in a 0–0 draw with Fulham four days later. On the next matchday, 23 February, he came on as a 58th-minute substitute, and 19 minutes later, scored his first goal for Norwich, equalising 1–1 against Everton with a powerful header at Carrow Road, in an eventual 2–1 victory.[15] [16] Kamara assisted team-mate Wes Hoolahan in the 1–1 draw against Sunderland on 17 March, as his header past the goalkeeper was deflected into the net by Hoolahan who was standing on the goal-line. Kamara later claimed the only reason he did not claim the goal as his own was that it was St. Patrick's Day, and he and Irishman Hoolahan had an Irish dance celebration planned.
Kamara quickly became a fan favourite of the Norwich support for his enthusiastic and flamboyant style of play, with some fans composing songs to recognise their new-found hero. Despite this, Kamara did not score any more in a Norwich shirt and Norwich declined the option of taking him on a permanent transfer. On 4 May 2013, Norwich City confirmed the loan deal had ended and he would be returning to Sporting Kansas City immediately.[17]
Middlesbrough
On 2 September 2013, it was confirmed that Kamara had signed for Middlesbrough of the Championship on a two-year contract for a fee of £900,000.[18] [19] He made his debut for the club twelve days later, coming on as a 63rd-minute substitute in a 1–3 loss to Ipswich Town.[20] On 17 September, Kamara made his first start and scored his first goal for Boro in a 2–2 draw at Nottingham Forest.[21] He followed up his first goal against Forest by scoring on his home debut, a 3–3 draw against AFC Bournemouth four days later.[22] He then scored on 5 October in a 4–1 win at home to Yeovil Town, and twenty days later in a 4–0 home win at over Doncaster Rovers. On 28 August 2014, it was announced that Middlesbrough had parted company with Kamara as his contract had been cancelled by mutual consent.[23]
After parting ways with Middlesbrough, Kamara had a successful trial with recently promoted Championship side Wolverhampton Wanderers. However, his work permit renewal application was declined after Sierra Leone fell to 75th place in the FIFA World Rankings and Wolverhampton shifted its focus to signing Yannick Sagbo instead.[24]
Return to Columbus
In late August 2014, it was revealed that Kamara could return to MLS but would have to go through the league's allocation ranking system since Kansas City received a transfer fee for the player.[25] At the time, the No. 1 spot in the allocation ranking was held by Columbus Crew SC, the club which initially drafted Kamara in 2006. On 7 October 2014 it was confirmed that Kamara had signed for Columbus and would officially be added to the roster 1 January 2015.[26] Because he was released by Middlesbrough after the 2014 MLS roster freeze, he would not be able to appear for the Crew until the 2015 Major League Soccer season.
The following season, he helped the Crew to the play-offs by finishing second in the Eastern Conference, and finished the 2015 MLS season as the joint top-scorer of the league, alongside Toronto FC's Sebastian Giovinco, with 22 goals in 33 games, although Giovinco claimed the MLS Golden Boot due to having provided more assists throughout the season (16 compared to Kamara's 8), which was the tie-breaking criterion.[27] In November 2015, he was named one of the three finalists for both the 2015 MLS Landon Donovan MVP Award and the 2015 Advocare MLS WORKS Humanitarian of the Year Award;[28] he was awarded the MLS Humanitarian of the Year Award on 5 November,[29] although he missed out on the MVP Award, which went to Giovinco.[30] On 8 November, he scored two goals in a 3–1 win over Montreal Impact in the Eastern Conference semi-finals of the MLS Playoffs, including the decisive goal in extra-time, which allowed Columbus Crew to advance to the Eastern Conference finals.[31] On 22 November, he scored in the first leg of the 2015 MLS Playoff Eastern Conference Finals, a 2–0 win over the New York Red Bulls,[32] which allowed Columbus to claim the 2015 Eastern Conference Championship 2–1 on aggregate and advance to the MLS Cup Final.[33] Due to an injury sustained in training, however, it was initially uncertain whether Kamara would be able to feature in the 2015 MLS Cup Final against the Portland Timbers;[34] nevertheless, he played all 90 minutes of the match, scoring the only goal for Columbus in a 2–1 defeat.[35] With 4 goals, Kamara was the top-goalscorer in the 2015 MLS Playoffs, bringing his total seasonal tally to 26 goals[34] although he missed out on the MLS Cup MVP Award, which went to Portland's Diego Valeri.[36]
After being signed to a Designated Player contract, Columbus got off to a rough start in the 2016 season. Kamara scored five goals in his first nine games including a brace against Montreal on 7 May 2016 where Columbus had the lead. An argument arose between Federico Higuaín and Kamara over a penalty kick, with Kei potentially getting his first hat trick in his career; however, Higuaín wanted to take it himself. The game ended in a 4–4 draw. After the game, Kamara publicly called Higuaín out in an interview after the game.[37] As a result, he was suspended by manager Gregg Berhalter for the next game.
New England Revolution
On 12 May 2016, just five days after the penalty kick incident with Higuaín, Kamara was traded to New England Revolution in a blockbuster deal which saw Columbus receive a first-round pick in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft, a second-round pick in the 2018 MLS SuperDraft, an international roster slot for the 2016 season, general allocation money, targeted allocation money, and a percentage of any fee received should New England transfer Kamara to a club outside of MLS.[38]
He scored his first goal for New England in a 2–1 win over the New York Cosmos.[39] On 2 September 2017, he scored his first MLS hat trick against Orlando City in a 4–0 win.
Vancouver Whitecaps FC
On 10 December 2017, Kamara was traded by New England to Vancouver Whitecaps FC in exchange for a first-round selection in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft and a conditional second-round selection in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft. [40] He scored on his debut on 4 March against Montreal Impact in a 2–1 win.[41] Kamara left Vancouver at the end of their 2018 season when his contract expired.[42]
Colorado Rapids
On 11 December 2018, Kamara was selected by FC Cincinnati in the 2018 MLS Expansion Draft and immediately traded to Colorado Rapids in exchange for an international roster slot for the 2019 season.[43]
He scored the second hat-trick of his professional career, and the ninth overall hat-trick in franchise history for the Colorado Rapids, in a 6–3 win over Montreal Impact on 3 August 2019. The tally meant he reached 11 league goals for the season, the most for the Rapids since Omar Cummings in 2010.
Minnesota United
On 18 September 2020, Colorado traded Kamara to Minnesota United for allocation money and a 2022 second round MLS SuperDraft pick.[44] He scored a penalty kick against FC Cincinnati on 3 October 2020, becoming the first MLS player to score for eight different teams; no one else has scored for more than six.[45]
HIFK Fotboll
On 30 July 2021, Kamara signed with HIFK Fotboll in Finland through the end of the 2021 season, with an option for the 2022 season.[46]
CF Montréal
In February 2022, Kamara returned to North America, joining CF Montréal on a one-year deal, with an option for 2023.[47] He made his debut for his new club on 23 February against Santos Laguna of Liga MX in a 2022 CONCACAF Champions League match.[48]
Chicago Fire
Kamara was traded to the Chicago Fire prior to the 2023 season. He was unhappy with CF Montreal's contract offer and had previously requested a trade.[49] On March 25, In his third appearance with the team, Kei had scored a late goal against Inter Miami, winning the game 3–2. His goal for the Fire, made him the only player to have scored for 10 different MLS teams during his career in the United States.[50]
Los Angeles FC
On March 29, 2024, Kamara signed with Los Angeles FC for the 2024 season with a club option for 2025.[51]
International career
An international since 2008, Kamara was dropped from the national team set-up for "disciplinary reasons" in August 2019.[52] He was recalled later that month.[53] He retired from international duty in November 2019, blaming in part new manager Sellas Tetteh.[54] Tetteh defended himself.[55] Kamara later returned to the national team set-up and on 12 June 2021 Kamara scored the only goal for Sierra Leone in a victory against Benin which qualified Sierra Leone for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, their first since 1996.[56]
On 21 April 2022, Kamara announced his retirement from international football.[57]
Personal life
Kamara earned his U.S. citizenship in 2006. He is married and has three children.[58]
Career statistics
Club
International
Appearances and goals by national team and yearNational team | Year | Apps | Goals |
---|
Sierra Leone | 2008 | 5 | 0 |
2009 | 0 | 0 |
2010 | 1 | 0 |
2011 | 4 | 0 |
2012 | 5 | 2 |
2013 | 3 | 0 |
2014 | 5 | 1 |
2015 | 1 | 0 |
2016 | 1 | 1 |
2017 | 1 | 0 |
2018 | 1 | 0 |
2019 | 2 | 1 |
2020 | 2 | 0 |
2021 | 5 | 2 |
2022 | 3 | 0 |
Total | 39 | 7 | |
---|
Scores and results list Sierra Leone's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Kamara goal.
List of international goals scored by Kei KamaraNo. | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
---|
1 | 16 June 2012 | National Stadium, Freetown, Sierra Leone | | 1–1 | 4–2 | 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualification |
2 | 3–1 |
3 | 6 September 2014 | Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan, Ivory Coast | | 1–0 | 1–2 | 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualification |
4 | 3 September 2016 | Stade Bouaké, Bouaké, Ivory Coast | 1–1 | 1–1 | 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualification |
5 | 8 September 2019 | National Stadium, Freetown, Sierra Leone | | 1–0 | 1–0 | 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification |
6 | 15 June 2021 | Stade du 28 Septembre, Conakry, Guinea | | 1–0 | 1–0 | 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualification |
7 | 9 October 2021 | Stade El Abdi, El Jadida, Morocco | | 1–1 | 2–1 | Friendly | |
Honours
Sporting Kansas City[61]
2012
Columbus Crew[62]
Individual
2007
- Sierra Leonean Player of the Year: 2012[63]
- MLS Joint Top-scorer: 2015 (22 goals, alongside Sebastian Giovinco)[27]
- MLS All-Star
2015,[64] 2023[65]
2015[66]
2015[67]
- MLS Cup Playoffs Top-scorer
2015[34]
External links
Notes and References
- Web site: Kei Kamara . 21 August 2022 . CF Montréal . 21 August 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220821180906/https://en.cfmontreal.com/players/kei-kamara/ . live .
- Web site: 2018-03-11 . Kamara scores 100th goal, Whitecaps beat Dynamo 2-1 . 2024-06-24 . AP News . en.
- Web site: All-time statistics. 5 October 2020. Major League Soccer. 12 November 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201112004015/https://www.mlssoccer.com/stats/alltime. live.
- Web site: 25 August 2017. Kei Kamara, One-on-One: On nightmares, dreams and the perils of being honest. 12 March 2018. FourFourTwo. 13 March 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180313031659/https://www.fourfourtwo.com/us/features/kei-kamara-one-one-nightmares-dreams-and-perils-being-honest. dead.
- Web site: Sierra Leone fans hail Kei Kamara debut. 12 February 2013. ESPN. 6 June 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240606190957/https://www.espn.com/soccer/?id=1336129&_slug_=sierra-leone-fans-hail-kei-kamara%2527s-norwich-debut&cc=5901. live.
- Web site: Martin Rogers, USA TODAY Sports. 8 November 2014. MLS players feel helpless watching homeland fight Ebola. 9 August 2015. USA TODAY. 3 September 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180903184525/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mls/2014/11/08/ebola-sierra-leone-michael-lahoud-kei-kamara-mls/18713145/. live.
- Web site: Kei Kamara – Cal State Dominguez Hills profile. 5 August 2019. GoToros.com. Cal State Dominguez Hills Athletics. 6 June 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240606191106/https://gotoros.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=181. live.
- Web site: Earthquakes trade for forward and a goalie. mercurynews.com. 27 November 2007. 9 August 2015. 4 March 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160304000217/http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_7569085. live.
- Web site: Dynamo trade for forward Kamara. oursportscentral.com. 24 July 2008. 9 August 2015. 24 September 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150924125551/http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=3688355. live.
- Web site: Dynamo trade Kamara to K.C.; forward 'unhappy'. Houston Chronicle. 15 September 2009. 9 August 2015. 25 September 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150925151057/http://www.chron.com/sports/dynamo/article/Dynamo-trade-Kamara-to-K-C-forward-unhappy-1750723.php. live.
- Web site: Wiebe. Andrew. Rumor Central: Norwich reportedly interested in bringing Kamara to EPL. Major League Soccer. 24 January 2013. 25 January 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20130125041952/http://www.mlssoccer.com/blog/post/2013/01/23/rumor-central-norwich-reportedly-interested-bringing-kamara-epl. dead.
- Web site: Norwich make move for Sierra Leone international Kei Kamara. Sky Sports. 24 January 2013. 25 January 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20130125220016/http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11661/8429071/Norwich-make-move-for-Sierra-Leone-international-Kei-Kamara. live.
- Web site: Firchau. Nick. Sporting KC's Kamara loaned out to EPL side Norwich City. Major League Soccer. 30 January 2013. 2 February 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20130202234138/http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2013/01/30/sporting-kcs-kamara-loaned-out-epl-side-norwich-city. dead.
- Web site: KAMARA GRANTED VISA. Norwich City Football Club. 5 February 2013. 8 February 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20130208064914/http://www.canaries.co.uk/news/article/kamara-visa-confirmed-5-feb-13-640628.aspx. live.
- Web site: Hain-Cole. Al. Norwich 0–0 Fulham: Canaries still searching for first league win since December. Goal.com. 9 February 2013. 12 February 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20130212021353/http://www.goal.com/en-us/match/81093/norwich-city-vs-fulham/report. live.
- Web site: Lalas. Greg. HIGHLIGHT: Sporting KC's Kei Kamara scores to lead EPL's Norwich City to victory. Major League Soccer. 23 February 2013. 26 February 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20130226030217/http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2013/02/23/sporting-kc-loanee-kei-kamaras-goal-shows-epls-norwich-city-way. dead.
- Web site: Kei Kamara to rejoin Sporting Kansas City, eligible for selection in midweek game vs. Seattle. Major League Soccer. 6 May 2013. 7 May 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20130507235546/http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2013/05/05/kei-kamara-rejoin-sporting-kansas-city-eligible-selection-midweek-game-vs-se. dead.
- Web site: Sporting KC loses Kei Kamara to Middlesbrough FC. kansascity.com. 2 September 2013. 4 September 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20130904044051/http://www.kansascity.com/2013/09/02/4453332/sporting-kc-could-lose-kei-kamara.html. live.
- Web site: Boro bring in Jacob Butterfield and Kei Kamara. Philip Tallentire. 3 September 2013. gazettelive. 9 August 2015. 24 September 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150924061310/http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/boro-bring-jacob-butterfield-kei-5832107. live.
- Web site: Fajah Barrie . Mohamed . Kei Kamara makes Middlesbrough debut . Sierra Leone Football Federation . 18 September 2013 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20130925230254/http://sierraleonefootball.com/index.php/component/content/article/1-latest-news/1384-kei-kamara-makes-middlesbrough-debut . 25 September 2013 .
- News: Nottm Forest 2 Middlesbrough 2. BBC Sport. 18 September 2013. 20 September 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20130920034046/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24028039. live.
- Web site: Vickers. Anthony. Kei Kamara: Soccer Gods did not smile on Boro against Bournemouth. 23 September 2013. Gazette Live. 25 September 2013. 26 September 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20130926174257/http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/kei-kamara-soccer-gods-not-6079548. live.
- Web site: Kamara parts ways with Middlesbrough by mutual consent. Soccer By Ives. 28 August 2014. 31 August 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140831012235/http://www.soccerbyives.net/2014/08/middlesbrough-mutual-consent.html. dead.
- Web site: Prescott. Jack. Wolverhampton Wanderers end Kei Kamara interest. 30 September 2014 . sportsmole.co.uk. 11 October 2014. 2 October 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141002095839/http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/wolves/transfer-talk/news/wolves-end-kamara-interest_179816.html. live.
- Web site: Itel. Dan. Kei Kamara leaving Middlesbrough, could be eyeing return to MLS and former club Sporting KC. Major League Soccer. 11 October 2014. 30 October 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141030040342/http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2014/08/28/kei-kamara-leaving-middlesbrough-could-be-eyeing-return-mls-and-former-club-. dead.
- Web site: Crew signs forward Kei Kamara. Columbus Crew SC. 11 October 2014. 9 October 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141009122503/http://www.thecrew.com/news/2014/10/crew-signs-forward-kei-kamara. dead.
- Web site: Toronto FC's Giovinco wins MLS's Golden Boot award. The Toronto Star. Laura Armstrong. 25 October 2015. 26 October 2015. 26 October 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20151026190037/http://www.thestar.com/sports/tfc/2015/10/25/toronto-fcs-giovinco-wins-mlss-golden-boot-award.html. live.
- Web site: Benny Feilhaber, Sebastian Giovinco, Kei Kamara contend for Landon Donovan MVP as MLS announces 2015 Awards finalists. MLS Soccer. 3 November 2015. 3 November 2015. 4 November 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20151104023844/http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2015/11/03/benny-feilhaber-sebastian-giovinco-kei-kamara-contend-landon-donovan-mvp-mls. live.
- Web site: Columbus Crew SC forward Kei Kamara named MLS WORKS Humanitarian of the Year. MLS Soccer. 5 November 2015. 9 November 2015. 9 November 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20151109010915/http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2015/11/05/columbus-crew-sc-forward-kei-kamara-named-mls-works-humanitarian-year?. live.
- Web site: TFC's Giovinco named Major League Soccer MVP. Sportsnet.ca. John Molinaro. 2 December 2015. 2 December 2015. 4 December 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20151204134900/http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/tfcs-giovinco-named-major-league-soccer-mvp/. live.
- Web site: Columbus Crew beat Montreal Impact thanks to Kei Kamara winner. ESPN FC. 8 November 2015. 9 November 2015. 9 November 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20151109145715/http://www.espnfc.us/major-league-soccer/match/437319/columbus-crew-sc-montreal-impact/report. live.
- Web site: Columbus Crew SC 2, New York Red Bulls 0 – MLS Cup Playoffs Match Recap. MLS Soccer. Andrew King. 22 November 2015. 7 December 2015. 26 November 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20151126001249/http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2015/11/22/columbus-crew-sc-2-new-york-red-bulls-0-mls-cup-playoffs-match-recap. live.
- Web site: Columbus Crew SC proud to host MLS Cup final: "Columbus deserves a championship". MLS Soccer. Andrew King. 29 November 2015. 7 December 2015. 3 December 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20151203005731/http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2015/11/29/columbus-crew-sc-proud-host-mls-cup-final-columbus-deserves-championship. live.
- Web site: MLS Cup: Columbus Crew SC fans stayed behind to cheer on a dejected Kei Kamara. MLS Soccer. Andrew King. 6 December 2015. 7 December 2015. 6 June 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240606191113/https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/mls-cup-columbus-crew-sc-fans-stayed-behind-cheer-dejected-kei-kamara. live.
- Web site: Columbus Crew SC 1, Portland Timbers 2 – MLS Cup Match Recap. MLS Sosccer. Ben Crouch. 6 December 2015. 7 December 2015. 6 June 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240606191000/https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/columbus-crew-sc-1-portland-timbers-2-mls-cup-match-recap. live.
- Web site: Kick Off: Timbers win first MLS Cup – Valeri named MVP – Stadium site in Miami. MLS Soccer. James Keep. 7 December 2015. 7 December 2015. 9 December 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20151209004219/http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2015/12/07/kick-timbers-win-first-mls-cup-valeri-named-mvp-stadium-site-miami. live.
- Web site: Kei Kamara blasts Crew SC teammate Federico Higuain after PK argument. MLS Soccer. Andrew King. 8 May 2016. 12 May 2016. 12 May 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160512170230/http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2016/05/08/kei-kamara-lashes-out-teammate-federico-higuain-after-pk-incident. live.
- Web site: May 12, 2016 . Crew SC trades forward Kei Kamara to the New England Revolution . 2024-06-06 . ColumbusCrew.com . en . 1 September 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230901054429/https://www.columbuscrew.com/news/crew-sc-trades-forward-kei-kamara-new-england-revolution . live .
- Web site: Kei Kamara scores his first goal in a Revolution Jersey. Bent Musket. Seth Macomber. 30 June 2016. 30 June 2016. 1 July 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160701142503/http://www.thebentmusket.com/2016/6/29/12063618/kei-kamara-scores-his-first-goal-in-a-revolution-jersey. live.
- Web site: Whitecaps FC acquire two-time MLS all-star striker Kei Kamara. 10 December 2017. whitecapsfc.com. Vancouver Whitecaps FC. 4 January 2018. 2 October 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201002173616/https://www.whitecapsfc.com/post/2017/12/10/whitecaps-fc-acquire-two-time-mls-all-star-striker-kei-kamara. live.
- Web site: Boxscore: Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. Montreal Impact 03/04/2018 | Matchcenter. mlssoccer.com. Major League Soccer. 4 March 2018. 6 March 2018. 7 March 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180307022714/https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2018-03-04-vancouver-whitecaps-fc-vs-montreal-impact/boxscore. live.
- Web site: Whitecaps FC announce first roster moves ahead of 2019, exercise seven contract options. whitecapsfc.com. Vancouver Whitecaps FC. 26 November 2018. 10 December 2018. 1 December 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201201074748/https://www.whitecapsfc.com/post/2018/11/26/whitecaps-fc-announce-first-roster-moves-ahead-2019. live.
- Web site: Rapids acquire two-time MLS All-Star Kei Kamara. coloradorapids.com. Colorado Rapids. 11 December 2018. 24 June 2020. 6 June 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240606191000/https://www.coloradorapids.com/news/. live.
- Web site: Minnesota United signs Kei Kamara from Colorado. espn.com. ESPN. 18 September 2020. 18 September 2020. 9 December 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201209080529/https://global.espn.com/football/soccer-transfers/story/4184214/minnesota-united-signs-kei-kamara-from-colorado-sources. live.
- Web site: Butler. Dylan. 5 October 2020. Veteran Kei Kamara tops MLS list by scoring goals for eight different teams. 5 October 2020. Major League Soccer. 26 November 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201126213849/https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/10/05/veteran-kei-kamara-tops-mls-list-scoring-goals-eight-different-teams. live.
- Web site: Kei Kamara signs with HIFK. Eddie Hultin. hifkfotboll.fi. 30 July 2021. 1 September 2021. 6 June 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240606191108/https://hifkfotboll.fi/en/2021/07/kei-kamara-signs-with-hifk/. live.
- Web site: CF Montréal signs forward Kei Kamara. 18 February 2022. CF Montréal. 24 February 2022. 20 February 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220220013853/https://en.cfmontreal.com/news/cf-montreal-signs-forward-kei-kamara. live.
- Web site: CF Montréal 3-0 Santos Laguna. 23 February 2022. CF Montréal. 24 February 2022. 24 February 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220224185345/https://en.cfmontreal.com/news/live-at-8pm-montreal-v-santos-laguna. live.
- News: CF Montréal trades Kei Kamara to Chicago . Montreal Gazette . February 24, 2023 . en-CA . 17 May 2023 . 19 March 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230319234159/https://montrealgazette.com/sports/soccer/mls/club-de-foot-montreal/cf-montreal-trades-kei-kamara-to-chicago . live .
- Web site: Got depth? How Matchday 5 tested clubs across MLS | MLSSoccer.com. mlssoccer. 3 February 2024. 13 February 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240213102026/https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/got-depth-how-matchday-5-tested-clubs-across-mls. live.
- Web site: LAFC Signs Forward Kei Kamara | Los Angeles Football Club . 29 March 2024 . 30 March 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240330065139/https://www.lafc.com/news/lafc-signs-forward-kei-kamara . live .
- Web site: Kei Kamara waits to react to Sierra Leone disciplinary axe. 22 August 2019. BBC Sport. 22 August 2019. 22 August 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190822163652/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49433167. live.
- Web site: Kei Kamara recalled by Sierra Leone as disciplinary ban lifted. 27 August 2019. BBC Sport. 27 August 2019. Mohamed Fajah. Barrie. 27 August 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190827112817/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49482004. live.
- News: Sierra Leone's Kei Kamara quits international football. BBC Sport. 13 November 2019. 13 November 2019. 13 November 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20191113125937/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50405004. live.
- News: Sierra Leone boss Sellas Tetteh responds to Kei Kamara comments. BBC Sport. 14 November 2019. 18 November 2019. 15 November 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20191115154450/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50421410. live.
- Web site: MLS great Kei Kamara scores to send Sierra Leone to first AFCON tournament in 25 years. Ari. Liljenwall. 15 June 2021. 20 June 2021. 24 June 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210624205121/https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/mls-great-kei-kamara-scores-to-send-sierra-leone-to-first-afcon-tournament-in-25. live.
- Web site: mlssoccer . CF Montréal forward Kei Kamara retires from Sierra Leone national team after 14 years MLSSoccer.com . 2022-04-30 . mlssoccer . en . 1 April 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230401073232/https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/cf-montreal-s-kei-kamara-retires-from-sierra-leone-national-team-after-14-years . live .
- Web site: MLS: Scoring champ Kei Kamara escapes civil war, thrives with Crew. Motez Bishara. CNN. 19 November 2015. 8 December 2017. 8 December 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171208231537/http://edition.cnn.com/2015/11/19/football/kei-kamara-mls-sierra-leone-football/. live.
- Web site: 2004 Orange County Blue Star statistics. USLSoccer.com. United Soccer League. 6 August 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20041222000032/http://www.uslsoccer.com/teams/2004/roster/22364.html. 22 December 2004. dead.
- Web site: 2005 Orange County Blue Star statistics. USLSoccer.com. United Soccer League. 6 August 2019. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20120207083606/http://www.uslsoccer.com/teams/2005/roster/22364.html. 7 February 2012.
- Web site: K. Kamara – Soccerway. Soccerway. 7 December 2015. 23 September 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150923231816/http://int.soccerway.com/players/kei-kamara/7224/. live.
- Web site: Kei Kamara, Wil Trapp & Michael Parkhurst react to Columbus Crew winning the Eastern Conference Championship – MLS Now. MLS Soccer. 30 November 2015. 7 December 2015. 5 December 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20151205153835/http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2015/11/30/kei-kamara-wil-trapp-michael-parkhurst-react-columbus-crew-sc-winning-eastern. dead.
- Web site: Barrie . Mohamed Fajah . Kei Kamara voted Sierra Leonean player of the year 2012 . Sierra Leone Football . 31 January 2013 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20150721212707/http://sierraleonefootball.com/index.php/component/content/article/1-latest-news/1168-kei-kamara-voted-sierra-leonean-player-of-the-year-2012 . 21 July 2015 .
- Web site: Sebastian Giovinco, Kei Kamara among 22 players named to 2015 AT&T MLS All-Star Game roster. Major League Soccer. 20 July 2015. 21 September 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150921022035/http://www.mlssoccer.com/all-star/2015/news/article/2015/07/18/sebastian-giovinco-kei-kamara-among-22-players-named-2015-att-mls-all-star-g. dead.
- Web site: 2023 MLS All-Star Team Roster. Major League Soccer. July 18, 2023. July 7, 2023. 27 June 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230627180642/https://www.mlssoccer.com/all-star/2023/news/2023-mls-all-star-team-roster. live.
- Web site: Columbus Crew SC forward Kei Kamara named MLS WORKS Humanitarian of the Year. MLS. 5 November 2015. 8 December 2017. 13 October 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171013095342/https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2015/11/05/columbus-crew-sc-forward-kei-kamara-named-mls-works-humanitarian-year. live.
- Web site: 2015 MLS Best XI revealed: 10 first-time selections get the nod. Major League Soccer. 29 November 2015. 1 December 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20151201040723/http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2015/11/29/2015-mls-best-xi-revealed-10-first-time-selections-get-nod. live.