Derek Gebhard Bio
Derek Gebhard (born October 15, 1995) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a forward for Forward Madison FC in USL League One. Standing 1.84 m (6 ft 0 in) tall and wearing the number 17 shirt, he is recognized as Forward Madison’s all-time leading goalscorer. Across a career that began in 2015, he has played for clubs in Florida, Texas, Oklahoma, North Carolina, and Wisconsin.
Known for his movement across the forward line, Gebhard has built a reputation as a versatile attacker capable of playing centrally or out wide. He developed through the U.S. Soccer development pipeline before moving into the professional ranks at a young age, and he has since contributed goals and assists at multiple stops in the lower divisions of American soccer.
Early Life and Background
Derek Gebhard was born on October 15, 1995, in Blue Hill, Maine, in the United States. As a child, he lived in Spain with his family before returning to the United States and settling in Severna Park, Maryland. The experience of growing up in Europe gave him early exposure to the sport and helped shape his lifelong interest in soccer.
As a teenager, Gebhard relocated to Florida, where he attended George Steinbrenner High School in Lutz, Florida. While in high school, he was selected for the U.S. Soccer Region III Olympic Development Program, an honor that recognized him among the top young players in the southeastern United States and connected him to higher-level coaching and competition.
Path to Soccer
Gebhard’s path to the professional ranks began with college soccer at Florida Gulf Coast University in 2014, where he made 16 appearances and recorded one assist during his lone collegiate season. The program provided a competitive platform that allowed him to refine his game in front of professional scouts.
After one year at Florida Gulf Coast, Gebhard transitioned directly into the adult game, joining Jacksonville United FC of the National Premier Soccer League in 2015. His performances there attracted attention from higher-division clubs and set the stage for his signing with Jacksonville Armada FC later that summer.
Derek Gebhard Career
Early Career (2015–2018)
Gebhard began his senior career with Jacksonville United FC in the National Premier Soccer League during the 2015 season, gaining valuable minutes in a competitive adult environment. His form at that level quickly drew the interest of professional clubs, and on July 30, 2015, he signed with Jacksonville Armada FC.
He spent roughly three seasons with Jacksonville Armada, becoming a consistent contributor in the attack. In October 2016, the club rewarded his development with a contract extension, signaling its confidence in his long-term role within the team.
El Paso Locomotive and Charlotte Independence (2018–2019)
In August 2018, Gebhard was announced as one of El Paso Locomotive FC’s early signings ahead of the expansion club’s inaugural campaign. The Locomotive immediately loaned him to Charlotte Independence for the remainder of the 2018 season, allowing him to log regular minutes while the new franchise continued to build its roster.
Returning to El Paso for 2019, Gebhard made an immediate impact by scoring in the club’s home opener against OKC Energy FC, a goal described as the first in El Paso Locomotive’s history. Later that summer, in August 2019, he was traded to OKC Energy FC in exchange for Alexy Bosetti, ending his brief but historically significant stint in Texas.
Charlotte Independence and Forward Madison (2020–Present)
Gebhard returned to Charlotte Independence on a permanent deal for the 2020 season, where he continued to provide experience and goal-scoring threat in the attack. After the campaign, he entered a new chapter in his career when Forward Madison FC announced his signing on February 11, 2021, describing him as a winger capable of playing across the forward line.
With Forward Madison, Gebhard established himself as a central figure in the club’s attack. In 2025, he set a club regular-season record with 11 goals and earned an All-League Second Team selection, before re-signing with the club for the 2026 season. His consistency has cemented his status as a fan favorite and a key piece of the team’s offensive identity.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Gebhard’s career came in 2019, when he scored the first goal in El Paso Locomotive FC’s history during the club’s home opener. More recently, his 2025 campaign with Forward Madison, in which he set a single-season club record with 11 goals, stands as another signature achievement in his professional journey.
Derek Gebhard Career Wins
Although Derek Gebhard’s career has not been defined by major silverware, he has accumulated a series of individual milestones that reflect his longevity and consistency in the lower divisions of American soccer. From his early goal-scoring contributions in Jacksonville to his record-setting 2025 season in Madison, his resume is built on year-after-year production rather than trophies.
USL League One Highlights
In USL League One with Forward Madison FC, Gebhard has become the club’s all-time leading goalscorer. His 2025 regular season, in which he tallied 11 goals, set a new club record and earned him an All-League Second Team selection, underlining his importance to the franchise.
Other Performances
Earlier in his career, Gebhard produced notable performances with Jacksonville Armada, El Paso Locomotive, Charlotte Independence, and OKC Energy, including scoring the first goal in El Paso Locomotive FC history. Across each stop, he has been valued for his versatility across the forward line and his willingness to contribute in multiple attacking roles.
Derek Gebhard Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Derek Gebhard was raised partly in Blue Hill, Maine, and spent part of his childhood in Spain with his family before the household returned to the United States. He later grew up in Severna Park, Maryland, and then in Lutz, Florida, where he attended George Steinbrenner High School and continued his development as a young player.
Personal Life
Gebhard has kept much of his personal life out of the public eye, and details about his relationships and family are not widely documented. His professional focus remains on his career with Forward Madison FC in USL League One.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a landmark year for Derek Gebhard with Forward Madison FC. Operating primarily as a forward and winger, he delivered the most productive single season of his professional career, scoring 11 goals to set a new club regular-season record and earning an All-League Second Team selection in USL League One.
His output provided a consistent offensive foundation for the team throughout the campaign, helping shape a competitive season for the Madison club in the league standings. The recognition from the league validated his role as one of the standout performers in USL League One that year.
Following the season, Forward Madison announced that Gebhard had re-signed with the club for 2026, signaling continued trust in his ability to lead the line. With his record-breaking 2025 behind him, he is positioned to remain a central figure in the team’s plans as the club builds toward the next campaign.