Forge FC will look different the next time they walk onto the field at Hamilton Stadium, with defender Malik Owolabi-Belewu preparing for the next step in his career. His departure marks the closing of a significant four-season chapter that saw him grow from an ambitious teenager into an established professional and a familiar presence in Forge’s backline.
The London, England–born defender joined Forge in April 2022, arriving as a 19-year-old who had bounced between youth systems in Canada and Europe — Junior Red Spartans, Whitecaps London SC, the Vancouver Whitecaps Academy, Toronto FC Academy and a spell with Italian Serie B side SPAL. What began as an opportunity to find his footing quickly became a place where he grew into a reliable left-sided centre-back under Bobby Smyrniotis. Over four seasons, he made 87 appearances across all competitions, contributing to groups that lifted back-to-back CPL Playoff Championships in 2022 and 2023 and played their part in Shield-winning seasons in 2024 and 2025.
There were memorable moments along the way. His first professional goal scored in 2022 against York United helped secure a playoff berth and remains a personal highlight, dedicated to his late grandfather. And the 2023 Final still stands out: a chaotic, cinematic extra time where Béni Badibanga brought Forge level before Tristan Borges scored an Olimpico to win the title on home soil. “It doesn’t get better than that,” Owolabi-Belewu says. “I hope to see moments like that again in my career, but being part of that one was special.”
Beyond results, he points to the environment around the club as one that shaped him. “I came in as a teenager and I’m leaving as a young man,” he said. “I’m still the same bubbly person, but I’ve matured a lot. Being surrounded by people with real responsibilities, families, careers, I’ve learned something from every single person here.”
He leaves with deep gratitude for the club and its supporters. “Every single person here helped me grow. You made Canada my home. I debuted in 2022 and was told to just get on the pitch and cause problems, that’s pretty much described my four years,” he joked. “ You’ll always have a special place in my heart.”
Owolabi-Belewu also extended appreciation to the broader Canadian soccer community, the CPL, Canada Soccer and the youth systems that helped shape his path. “Canada feels like home. I built the foundation of my career here, and I’m grateful for everyone who gave a teenager a chance.”
Smyrniotis says Owolabi-Belewu’s evolution has been one of the most rewarding parts of coaching him. "His growth from his first preseason in 2022 to where he is today has been immense," he said. “He arrived with great ability and a willingness to learn, over time, he became a confident, reliable defender who builds out of the back, locks down top opponents and consistently steps up in big moments. "
But what stands out most to Smyrniotis has little to do with tackles or interceptions. “It’s his energy, his smile and his love for the game,” he said. “It’s infectious in the locker room and pushes everyone around him. I know he’ll carry that forward in this next stage of his career.”
Owolabi-Belewu leaves Forge with four seasons' worth of memories, development and community — a journey that began with uncertainty and ends with confidence in the next step. Forge, he said, “is where it started, where the ball got rolling."