# Matty Kennedy

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{{short description|Northern Irish professional footballer (born 1994)}}
{{about|the Scottish footballer|other people named Matthew Kennedy|Matthew Kennedy (disambiguation){{!}}Matthew Kennedy}}
{{Use British English|date=October 2012}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2021}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name           = Matty Kennedy
| image          = Matthew Kennedy.jpg
| image_size     = 200
| caption        = Kennedy in December 2013 at [Everton](/source/Everton_F.C.)'s [training ground](/source/Training_ground_(association_football)).
| fullname       = Matthew Kennedy<ref name="Barclays Premier League Squad Numbers 2013/14">{{Cite news|title=Barclays Premier League Squad Numbers 2013/14 |url=http://www.premierleague.com/en-gb/news/news/2013-14/aug/premier-league-squad-numbers-seasons-2013-14.html |publisher=Premier League |date=16 August 2013 |access-date=17 August 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130925003258/http://www.premierleague.com/en-gb/news/news/2013-14/aug/premier-league-squad-numbers-seasons-2013-14.html |archive-date=25 September 2013 }}</ref>
| birth_date     = {{birth date and age|1994|11|01|df=y}}<ref name="squadi">{{cite web |title=FootballSquads - Port Vale - 2015/2016 |url=http://www.footballsquads.co.uk/eng/2015-2016/fltwo/portv.htm |website=footballsquads.co.uk |access-date=1 February 2021 |archive-date=5 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220605234110/http://www.footballsquads.co.uk/eng/2015-2016/fltwo/portv.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| birth_place    = [Belfast](/source/Belfast), Northern Ireland<ref name="born"/>
| height         = 1.75m<ref name="squadi"/>
| position       = [Winger](/source/Midfielder)
| currentclub    = [Kilmarnock](/source/Kilmarnock_F.C.)
| clubnumber     = 10
| youthyears1    = 2009–2011
| youthclubs1    = [Kilmarnock](/source/Kilmarnock_F.C.)
| years1         = 2011–2012
| clubs1         = [Kilmarnock](/source/Kilmarnock_F.C.)
| caps1          = 14
| goals1         = 0
| years2         = 2012–2015
| clubs2         = [Everton](/source/Everton_F.C.)
| caps2          = 0
| goals2         = 0
| years3         = 2014
| clubs3         = → [Tranmere Rovers](/source/Tranmere_Rovers_F.C.) (loan)
| caps3          = 8
| goals3         = 0
| years4         = 2014
| clubs4         = → [Milton Keynes Dons](/source/Milton_Keynes_Dons_F.C.) (loan)
| caps4          = 7
| goals4         = 1
| years5         = 2014–2015
| clubs5         = → [Hibernian](/source/Hibernian_F.C.) (loan)
| caps5          = 16
| goals5         = 1
| years6         = 2015–2018
| clubs6         = [Cardiff City](/source/Cardiff_City_F.C.)
| caps6          = 18
| goals6         = 0
| years7         = 2016
| clubs7         = → [Port Vale](/source/Port_Vale_F.C.) (loan)
| caps7          = 12
| goals7         = 0
| years8         = 2017
| clubs8         = → [Plymouth Argyle](/source/Plymouth_Argyle_F.C.) (loan)
| caps8          = 17
| goals8         = 5
| years9         = 2017–2018
| clubs9         = → [Portsmouth](/source/Portsmouth_F.C.) (loan)
| caps9          = 29
| goals9         = 3
| years10        = 2018–2020
| clubs10        = [St Johnstone](/source/St_Johnstone_F.C.)
| caps10         = 54
| goals10        = 9
| years11        = 2020–2023
| clubs11        = [Aberdeen](/source/Aberdeen_F.C.)
| caps11         = 68
| goals11        = 3
| years12        = 2023–
| clubs12        = [Kilmarnock](/source/Kilmarnock_F.C.)
| caps12         = 54
| goals12        = 7
| nationalyears1 = 2009
| nationalteam1  = Scotland U15
| nationalcaps1  = 1
| nationalgoals1 = 0
| nationalyears2 = 2009–2010
| nationalteam2  = [Scotland U16](/source/Scotland_national_under-16_football_team)
| nationalcaps2  = 6
| nationalgoals2 = 3
| nationalyears3 = 2010–2012
| nationalteam3  = [Scotland U17](/source/Scotland_national_under-17_football_team)
| nationalcaps3  = 15
| nationalgoals3 = 5
| nationalyears4 = 2012
| nationalteam4 = [Scotland U18](/source/Scotland_national_under-18_football_team)
| nationalcaps4 = 2
| nationalgoals4 = 0
| nationalyears5 = 2012
| nationalteam5 = [Scotland U19](/source/Scotland_national_under-19_football_team)
| nationalcaps5 = 10
| nationalgoals5 = 1
| nationalyears6 = 2012
| nationalteam6 = [Scotland U21](/source/Scotland_national_under-21_football_team)
| nationalcaps6 = 1
| nationalgoals6 = 0
| nationalyears7 = 2020–
| nationalteam7 = [Northern Ireland](/source/Northern_Ireland_national_football_team)
| nationalcaps7 = 5
| nationalgoals7 = 0
| club-update = 12 May 2025 (UTC)
| nationalteam-update = 08:05, 20 June 2024 (UTC)
}}
'''Matthew Kennedy''' (born 1 November 1994) is a professional [footballer](/source/association_football) who plays as a [winger](/source/Midfielder) for {{Scottish football updater|Kilmarno}} club [Kilmarnock](/source/Kilmarnock_F.C.). Having represented Scotland at the youth international level, he has represented [Northern Ireland](/source/Northern_Ireland_national_football_team) at the senior international level.

Kennedy began his career at [Kilmarnock](/source/Kilmarnock_F.C.) and represented Scotland at all youth international levels. He was sold to [Everton](/source/Everton_F.C.) in August 2012. He was [loan](/source/Loan_(sports))ed out to [Tranmere Rovers](/source/Tranmere_Rovers_F.C.), [Milton Keynes Dons](/source/Milton_Keynes_Dons_F.C.), and [Hibernian](/source/Hibernian_F.C.), before being sold on to [Cardiff City](/source/Cardiff_City_F.C.) in February 2015. Initially a first-team regular at Cardiff, he was dropped in the 2015–16 season and joined [Port Vale](/source/Port_Vale_F.C.) on loan in January 2016, and then [Plymouth Argyle](/source/Plymouth_Argyle_F.C.) on loan in January 2017; he helped Plymouth to achieve [promotion](/source/Promotion_and_relegation) out of [EFL League Two](/source/EFL_League_Two) at the end of the season. He joined [Portsmouth](/source/Portsmouth_F.C.) on loan for the 2017–18 season.

Kennedy returned to Scottish football in July 2018, signing with [St Johnstone](/source/St_Johnstone_F.C.). He moved to [Aberdeen](/source/Aberdeen_F.C.) in January 2020, where he would remain for two and a half seasons before rejoining Kilmarnock in June 2023.

==Career==
===Kilmarnock===
Born in [Belfast](/source/Belfast),<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/international/who-is-matthew-kennedy-all-you-need-to-know-about-northern-irelands-debutant-in-uefa-nations-league-game-against-romania/38469908.html|title=Who is Matthew Kennedy? All you need to know about Northern Ireland's debutant in UEFA Nations League game against Romania|last=Hanna|first=Gareth|date=18 November 2020|via=www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk}}</ref> Kennedy had the opportunity to join the [youth academies](/source/youth_system) of [Celtic](/source/Celtic_F.C.) and [Rangers](/source/Rangers_F.C.), but chose to join [Kilmarnock](/source/Kilmarnock_F.C.) as the club were closer to his home in [South Ayrshire](/source/South_Ayrshire).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/kilmarnock-s-kennedy-eyes-unlikely-outing-1-2173871|title=Kilmarnock's Kennedy eyes unlikely outing|work=[The Scotsman](/source/The_Scotsman)|date=15 March 2012|access-date=28 October 2018}}</ref> He felt Kilmarnock played a style of football that suited him.<ref name=starlet>{{cite news|last1=Phillips|first1=Terry|title=Who is Cardiff City starlet Matthew Kennedy? The story of the boyhood Glasgow Rangers fan who signed from Everton|url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/who-cardiff-city-starlet-matthew-8680086|access-date=26 January 2016|work=Wales Online|date=20 February 2015}}</ref> On 19 November 2011, aged 17, Kennedy made his first-team debut as a [substitute](/source/Substitute_(association_football)) in a 1–1 draw with [Hibernian](/source/Hibernian_F.C.) at [Easter Road](/source/Easter_Road).<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/15704890 | title=Hibernian 1 – 1 Kilmarnock | publisher=BBC |work=BBC Sport | date=19 November 2011 | access-date=19 November 2011}}</ref> He started his first game for "Killie" in a 2–1 win over [St Mirren](/source/St_Mirren_F.C.) at [Rugby Park](/source/Rugby_Park) on 2 January 2012.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kilmarnock 2 - 1 St Mirren|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/16330995|access-date=26 January 2016|work=[BBC Sport](/source/BBC_Sport)|date=2 January 2012}}</ref> He ended the [2011–12](/source/2011%E2%80%9312_Kilmarnock_F.C._season) campaign with 11 [Scottish Premier League](/source/Scottish_Premier_League) appearances. He played three games at the start of the [2012–13](/source/2012%E2%80%9313_Kilmarnock_F.C._season) season before leaving the club; [manager](/source/Manager_(association_football)) [Kenny Shiels](/source/Kenny_Shiels) expressed his concern that Kennedy had left Kilmarnock too soon and he had missed out on seeing Kennedy's "proper development" at the club.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kilmarnock boss concern over Matthew Kennedy's Everton switch|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/19463785|access-date=26 January 2016|work=[BBC Sport](/source/BBC_Sport)|date=3 September 2012}}</ref>

===Everton===
On 31 August 2012, the final day of the summer [transfer window](/source/transfer_window), Kennedy signed for English [Premier League](/source/Premier_League) side [Everton](/source/Everton_F.C.) for a "nominal fee".<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/19426773 | title=Everton: Matthew Kennedy secured from Kilmarnock |work=BBC Sport | date=30 August 2012 | access-date=31 August 2012}}</ref> The fee was later revealed to be £225,000.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Prentice|first1=David|title=Everton FC: Teenage winger Matthew Kennedy says he's 'living the dream' after signing for Blues|url=http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/everton-fc-teenage-winger-matthew-3333987|access-date=26 January 2016|work=Liverpool Echo|date=4 September 2012}}</ref> In a later interview he stated that "I've got nothing but praise for their [academy](/source/Everton_F.C._Reserves_and_Academy). I don't think you could have a better youth set up. My [coach](/source/Coach_(sport))es were [David Unsworth](/source/David_Unsworth), [Alan Stubbs](/source/Alan_Stubbs) and [David Weir](/source/David_Weir_(Scottish_footballer))."<ref>{{cite news |last1=McKay |first1=Gabriel |title=Matty Kennedy reflects on Everton apprenticeship after Aberdeen move |url=https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/matty-kennedy-recalls-harsh-everton-21662370 |access-date=5 April 2020 |work=dailyrecord |date=9 March 2020}}</ref>

On 9 January 2014, Kennedy signed on [loan](/source/Loan_(sports)) for [League One](/source/EFL_League_One) side [Tranmere Rovers](/source/Tranmere_Rovers_F.C.).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Everton Winger Joins Tranmere |url=http://www.tranmererovers.co.uk/news/article/kennedy-090114-1284458.aspx |work=Tranmere Rovers FC |date=9 January 2014}}</ref> Manager [Ronnie Moore](/source/Ronnie_Moore) extended the loan spell for a further month after being impressed by his first six appearances at [Prenton Park](/source/Prenton_Park).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tranmere Extend Kennedy Loan |url=http://www.tranmererovers.co.uk/news/article/kennedy-100214-1351128.aspx |work=Tranmere Rovers FC |date=10 February 2014}}</ref> On 26 March 2014, Kennedy joined [Milton Keynes Dons](/source/Milton_Keynes_Dons_F.C.), also of League One, on a youth loan until the end of the [2013–14](/source/2013%E2%80%9314_Milton_Keynes_Dons_F.C._season) season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dons swoop for Everton starlet |url=http://www.mkdons.com/news/article/dons-swoop-for-everton-starlet-1447908.aspx |work=Milton Keynes Dons FC |date=26 March 2014}}</ref> Manager [Karl Robinson](/source/Karl_Robinson) stated that Kennedy would bring "pace, trickery and excitement" to [Stadium mk](/source/Stadium_mk).<ref>{{cite news|title=Everton's Matthew Kennedy joins MK Dons on loan|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/26757713|access-date=26 January 2016|work=BBC Sport|date=26 March 2014}}</ref> He scored his first goal in the [English Football League](/source/English_Football_League) for the "Dons" in a 2–2 draw at [Rotherham United](/source/Rotherham_United_F.C.) on 26 April.<ref>{{cite news|title=Rotherham 2 - 2 MK Dons|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/27084357|access-date=26 January 2016|work=BBC Sport|date=26 April 2014}}</ref>

On 8 August 2014, Kennedy joined [Scottish Championship](/source/Scottish_Championship) side [Hibernian](/source/Hibernian_F.C.) on a six-month loan deal after being signed by his former Everton under-21 manager [Alan Stubbs](/source/Alan_Stubbs).<ref>{{cite news|title=Winger Matthew Kennedy pens Hibernian loan deal|url=http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/teams/hibernian/winger-matthew-kennedy-pens-hibernian-loan-deal-1-3503926|access-date=26 January 2016|work=The Scotsman|date=8 August 2014}}</ref> He initially found himself on the bench at [Easter Road](/source/Easter_Road). However, Stubbs was keen to extend the loan deal until the end of the [2014–15](/source/2014%E2%80%9315_Hibernian_F.C._season) season.<ref>{{cite news|title=Hibs look to extend winger Matthew Kennedy's loan stay at Easter Road beyond January |url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/hibs-look-extend-winger-matthew-4562898#sKF7Ra7SqJhz8Tbg.97|access-date=26 January 2016|work=Daily Record|date=4 November 2014}}</ref> On 29 October, he scored his second senior goal to help secure a 3–3 draw with [Dundee United](/source/Dundee_United_F.C.) in the [Scottish League Cup](/source/Scottish_League_Cup) quarter-finals, however, he missed his [penalty](/source/Penalty_kick_(association_football)) in the resulting [shoot-out](/source/Penalty_shoot-out_(association_football)).<ref>{{cite news|title=Hibernian 3 - 3 Dundee Utd|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/29718350|access-date=26 January 2016|work=BBC Sport|date=29 October 2014}}</ref> He said that he was "devastated" by his miss, which eliminated "Hibs" from the competition.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Forbes|first1=Craig|title=Matthew Kennedy wants to payback fans for pen miss |url=http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/teams/hibernian/matthew-kennedy-wants-to-payback-fans-for-pen-miss-1-3606001|access-date=26 January 2016|work=The Scotsman|date=15 November 2014}}</ref> He returned to [Goodison Park](/source/Goodison_Park) on 5 January.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/30685832 |title=Hibs' on-loan winger Matthew Kennedy returns to Everton |work=BBC Sport |publisher=BBC |date=5 January 2015 |access-date=5 January 2015}}</ref>

===Cardiff City===
thumb|right|Kennedy playing for Cardiff City in 2015.
On 2 February 2015, Kennedy signed for [Championship](/source/EFL_Championship) side [Cardiff City](/source/Cardiff_City_F.C.) on a three-and-a-half-year [contract](/source/Association_football_contracts) for an undisclosed fee.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Scottish U21 international links up permanently from Everton |url=http://www.cardiffcityfc.co.uk/news/article/deadline-day-deal-kennedy-signs-2244873.aspx |work=Cardiff City FC |date=2 February 2015 |access-date=3 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923200555/http://www.cardiffcityfc.co.uk/news/article/deadline-day-deal-kennedy-signs-2244873.aspx |archive-date=23 September 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> He made his full debut for the "Bluebirds" 15 days later in a 1–1 draw with [Blackburn Rovers](/source/Blackburn_Rovers_F.C.) at [Cardiff City Stadium](/source/Cardiff_City_Stadium), playing the full 90 minutes and producing a [man of the match](/source/Player_of_the_match) performance.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Phillips|first1=Tom|title=Snapshot|url=http://www.cardiffcityfc.co.uk/news/article/report-cardiff-1-1-blackburn-2277775.aspx|website=cardiffcityfc.co.uk|access-date=26 January 2016}}</ref> He settled in well at the club and was touted as one of manager [Russell Slade](/source/Russell_Slade)'s best signings for the club.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Tucker|first1=Steve|title=Cardiff City signings rated: How have Russell Slade's super seven performed since their January arrivals?|url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/cardiff-city-signings-rated-how-8902341|access-date=26 January 2016|work=Wales Online|date=23 March 2015}}</ref> He made a total of 14 league appearances in the second half of the [2014–15](/source/2014%E2%80%9315_Cardiff_City_F.C._season) season.

Kennedy was described as a "forgotten man" after playing just one league game in the first half of the [2015–16](/source/2015%E2%80%9316_Cardiff_City_F.C._season) season.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Phillips|first1=Terry|title=Cardiff City's forgotten man Matthew Kennedy given chance to stake his claim for first team spot|url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/cardiff-citys-forgotten-man-matthew-10003351|access-date=26 January 2016|work=Wales Online|date=7 September 2015}}</ref> On 25 January 2016, he joined League One side [Port Vale](/source/Port_Vale_F.C.) on a one-month loan.<ref>{{cite news|title=Port Vale sign striker Robinson and Cardiff loan winger Kennedy|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/35399530|access-date=26 January 2016|work=BBC Sport|date=25 January 2016}}</ref> He said that he was attracted to the "Valiants" by manager [Rob Page](/source/Rob_Page), who Cardiff coaches told him was the best man to bring out his best qualities. He began his time at [Vale Park](/source/Vale_Park) in good form and was hopeful of extending his stay further than the initial month.<ref>{{cite news|title=Port Vale: Cardiff City winger Matthew Kennedy eyeing loan extension|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/35588255|access-date=16 February 2016|work=[BBC Sport](/source/BBC_Sport)|date=16 February 2016}}</ref> After late negotiations, Cardiff agreed to extend the loan until 26 April. However, he returned to Cardiff on 7 April after being demoted from the [first XI](/source/first_XI) to a place on the bench. Page said that "to go from under-21s football to playing week-in, week-out, two games a week at League One level caught up with him".<ref>{{cite news|last1=Southcombe|first1=Matthew|title=Cardiff City winger Matthew Kennedy returns early from Port Vale loan spell as first team opportunities dry up|url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/cardiff-city-winger-matthew-kennedy-11153175|access-date=7 April 2016|work=Wales Online|date=7 April 2016}}</ref>

On 31 January 2017, he joined [EFL League Two](/source/EFL_League_Two) club [Plymouth Argyle](/source/Plymouth_Argyle_F.C.) on loan until the end of the [2016–17](/source/2016%E2%80%9317_Plymouth_Argyle_F.C._season) season.<ref>{{cite news|title=Matty Kennedy leaves Cardiff City for Plymouth Argyle loan|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11705/10751370/matty-kennedy-leaves-cardiff-city-for-plymouth-argyle-loan|access-date=1 February 2017|work=Sky Sports|date=31 January 2017}}</ref> Cardiff manager [Neil Warnock](/source/Neil_Warnock) predicted that Kennedy would "set the league alight" for the "Pilgrims", and his words were vindicated early on as Kennedy picked up two-man of the match awards as he scored in three consecutive games – including an "outstanding" goal in a victory over [West Country derby](/source/West_Country_derby) rivals [Exeter City](/source/Exeter_City_F.C.) at [Home Park](/source/Home_Park).<ref>{{cite news|last1=Booth|first1=Dominic|title=Matty Kennedy is sparkling for Plymouth as Warnock proves prophetic|url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/plymouth-argyle-fans-loving-matty-12626422|access-date=3 April 2017|work=Wales Online|date=19 February 2017}}</ref> He went on to be nominated for the [EFL League Two Player of the Month](/source/EFL_League_Two_Player_of_the_Month) award for February. He scored five goals in 17 games to help Argyle to win [promotion](/source/Promotion_and_relegation) as runners-up of League Two.<ref name="Errington">{{cite news|last1=Errington|first1=Chris|title=Derek Adams aiming to make more history at promoted Argyle|url=http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/derek-adams-aiming-to-make-more-history-at-promoted-plymouth-argyle/story-30329125-detail/story.html|access-date=13 May 2017|work=Plymouth Herald|date=12 May 2017|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170514024752/http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/derek-adams-aiming-to-make-more-history-at-promoted-plymouth-argyle/story-30329125-detail/story.html|archive-date=14 May 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="2016/17"/>

On 31 August 2017, Kennedy joined Cardiff teammate [Stuart O'Keefe](/source/Stuart_O'Keefe) on loan at League One side [Portsmouth](/source/Portsmouth_F.C.) for the [2017–18](/source/2017%E2%80%9318_Portsmouth_F.C._season) season.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/41118500 |title=Cardiff sign Craig Bryson and Liam Feeney on loan |work=BBC Sport |date=31 August 2017|access-date=1 September 2017}}</ref> He had impressed "Pompey" manager [Kenny Jackett](/source/Kenny_Jackett) playing against the club in the [EFL Cup](/source/EFL_Cup) earlier in the month.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Booth|first1=Dominic|title=Cardiff City winger Matty Kennedy joins Portsmouth on loan|url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/cardiff-city-winger-matty-kennedy-13557672|access-date=1 September 2017|work=walesonline|date=31 August 2017}}</ref> He scored his first goal for the club in a 3–1 defeat at [Northampton Town](/source/Northampton_Town_F.C.) on 12 September.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/41156400|title=Northampton 3-1 Portsmouth|publisher=BBC|date=12 September 2017 |access-date=13 September 2017}}</ref> After a good start to his time at [Fratton Park](/source/Fratton_Park) he suffered a dip in form. He became a bit-part player, which assistant manager [Joe Gallen](/source/Joe_Gallen) blamed on Kennedy over-thinking his play.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Rooney|first1=Will|title=Pompey winger told to get back to basics|url=https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/sport/football/pompey/pompey-winger-told-to-get-back-to-basics-1-8400644|access-date=12 May 2018|work=Portsmouth News|date=3 March 2018|language=en}}</ref> At the end of the 2017–18 season, Cardiff released Kennedy upon the expiration of his contract on 30 June.<ref>{{Cite web | title = Cardiff City retained list: Who is staying and leaving | last = Booth | first = Dominic | work = Wales Online | date = 14 May 2018 | access-date = 1 July 2018 | url = https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/cardiff-city-retained-list-players-14780106 }}</ref>

===St Johnstone===
On 21 July 2018, Kennedy signed a two-year deal with [Scottish Premiership](/source/Scottish_Premiership) club [St Johnstone](/source/St_Johnstone_F.C.).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.perthstjohnstonefc.co.uk/news/post/winger-kennedy-joins-two-year-deal|title=Winger Kennedy joins on two-year-deal|publisher=St Johnstone F.C.|date=21 July 2018|access-date=21 July 2018}}</ref> Manager [Tommy Wright](/source/Tommy_Wright_(footballer%2C_born_1963)) said that it was a "real coup for us" to sign the winger.<ref>{{cite web |title=St Johnstone: Signing former Cardiff winger Matty Kennedy 'a coup' - Tommy Wright |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44911686 |access-date=22 July 2018 |website=BBC Sport |date=21 July 2018}}</ref> On 3 April 2019, he scored in a 2–0 win over [Tayside derby](/source/Tayside_derby) rivals [Dundee](/source/Dundee_F.C.) at [McDiarmid Park](/source/McDiarmid_Park).<ref>{{cite web |last1=Watt |first1=Martin |title=St Johnstone 2-0 Dundee: Callum Hendry & Matty Kennedy settle derby |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/47715232 |access-date=20 May 2019 |website=BBC Sport |date=3 April 2019}}</ref> He ended the [2018–19](/source/2018%E2%80%9319_St_Johnstone_F.C._season) season with seven goals in 41 appearances as the "Saints" posted a seventh-place finish.

===Aberdeen===
Kennedy signed a pre-contract agreement with [Aberdeen](/source/Aberdeen_F.C.) on 15 January 2020.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51129910 |title=Matty Kennedy: St Johnstone midfielder signs Aberdeen pre-contract |website=BBC Sport |date=15 January 2020 |access-date=15 January 2020}}</ref> Nine days later he joined Aberdeen on a three-and-a-half-year deal.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51243146 |title=Matty Kennedy: St Johnstone winger joins Aberdeen after clubs agree early switch |first=Tyrone |last=Smith |website=BBC Sport |date=24 January 2020 |access-date=24 January 2020}}</ref> The "Dons" were reported to have paid a [transfer](/source/Transfer_(association_football)) fee of £75,000 plus add-ons.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wallace |first1=Sean |title=Matty Kennedy 'can handle pressure' of helping to end Aberdeen's goal drought |url=https://www.eveningexpress.co.uk/fp/sport/football/aberdeen-fc/donsnews/042ex2801eea_story__8/ |access-date=29 January 2020 |work=Evening Express |date=28 January 2020}}</ref> Manager [Derek McInnes](/source/Derek_McInnes) had been reported to have been tracking Kennedy for the previous nine years.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Davie |first1=Scott |title=Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes waited nine years to land Matty Kennedy |url=https://www.scotsman.com/sport/aberdeen-boss-derek-mcinnes-waited-nine-years-land-matty-kennedy-1397047 |access-date=27 May 2022 |work=The Scotsman |date=16 January 2020 |language=en}}</ref> By the time the [2019–20](/source/2019%E2%80%9320_Aberdeen_F.C._season) season was halted due to the [COVID-19 pandemic in Scotland](/source/COVID-19_pandemic_in_Scotland), Kennedy had six goals (all for St Johnstone) and eight assists and said he was starting to show his best form.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Owen |first1=Danny |title=6 goals, 8 assists; In-form attacker thanks Everton for unearthing his potential |url=https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2020/03/10/6-goals-8-assists-in-form-attacker-thanks-everton-for-unearthing/ |access-date=5 April 2020 |work=HITC |date=10 March 2020 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Panton |first1=Malcolm |title=Matty Kennedy Feature |url=https://www.afc.co.uk/2020/03/09/matty-kennedy-feature/ |access-date=5 April 2020 |work=Aberdeen FC |date=9 March 2020}}</ref>

In August 2020, he was one of eight Aberdeen players who received a suspended three-match ban from the [Scottish Football Association](/source/Scottish_Football_Association) (SFA) after they breached [coronavirus-related restrictions](/source/COVID-19_pandemic_in_Scotland) by visiting a bar earlier in the month.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53951005|title=Celtic's Boli Bolingoli gets three-game ban; 'Aberdeen eight' receive three-match suspended ban|date=28 August 2020|publisher=BBC}}</ref> He made a total of 35 appearances throughout the [2020–21](/source/2020%E2%80%9321_Aberdeen_F.C._season) season, helping Aberdeen to post a fourth-place finish in the league.<ref name="2020–21"/> He scored just one goal, a consolation in a 2–1 defeat to Rangers at [Pittodrie](/source/Pittodrie_Stadium).<ref>{{cite news |last1=Southwick |first1=Andrew |title=Morelos earns Rangers win at Aberdeen |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55519363 |access-date=20 May 2021 |work=BBC Sport |date=10 January 2021}}</ref>

In August 2021, he was linked with a loan move to St Mirren – manager [Jim Goodwin](/source/Jim_Goodwin) was reported to be a keen admirer of his – after falling out of favour under new manager [Stephen Glass](/source/Stephen_Glass_(footballer)).<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ramage |first1=Ben |title=St Mirren linked with loan move for Aberdeen winger Matty Kennedy |url=https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/in-your-area/renfrewshire/st-mirren-linked-loan-move-24725440 |access-date=27 May 2022 |work=Daily Record |date=10 August 2021 |language=en}}</ref> A spinal problem (diagnosed as [stress fractures](/source/stress_fractures)) caused him to miss the first half of the [2021–22](/source/2021%E2%80%9322_Aberdeen_F.C._season) season. He made his first appearance at the end of January 2022.<ref>{{cite web |author=Alan Pattullo | title=Matty Kennedy opens up on his Aberdeen injury hell |url=https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/kennedy-opens-up-on-his-aberdeen-injury-hell-3560234 |access-date=27 February 2022|work=BBC Sport |date=9 February 2022}}</ref> He made a further eight appearances before the season's end, though Goodwin – now manager of Aberdeen – did not want to rush him back too soon.<ref name="2021–22"/><ref>{{cite news |last1=Wallace |first1=Sean |title=Aberdeen boss Jim Goodwin confident fans will see the best of Matty Kennedy - but will not rush him back from injury |url=https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/sport/football/aberdeen-fc/4177505/aberdeen-boss-jim-goodwin-confident-fans-will-see-the-best-of-matty-kennedy-but-will-not-rush-him-back-from-injury/ |access-date=27 May 2022 |work=Press and Journal |date=17 April 2022}}</ref>

He cited a hope to have a "fresh start" in summer 2022, and Goodwin stated that he could be a "big player" for the club.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Crighton |first1=Chris |title=Aberdeen fan view: Matty Kennedy embracing a fresh start under Jim Goodwin |url=https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/sport/football/aberdeen-fc/4538521/aberdeen-fan-view-matty-kennedy-fresh-start-jim-goodwin/ |access-date=12 May 2023 |work=Press and Journal}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Wallace |first1=Sean |title=Aberdeen boss Jim Goodwin backs fit-again winger Matty Kennedy to be a 'big player' this season |url=https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/sport/football/aberdeen-fc/4587904/aberdeen-boss-jim-goodwin-backs-fit-again-winger-matty-kennedy-to-be-a-big-player-this-season/ |access-date=12 May 2023 |work=Press and Journal}}</ref> In January 2023, Kennedy said he had "a bit of unfinished business" with the club and aimed to earn a new contract.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Third |first1=Paul |title=Matty Kennedy aiming to earn new deal with Aberdeen |url=https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/sport/football/aberdeen-fc/5238628/matty-kennedy-aiming-to-earn-new-deal-with-aberdeen/ |access-date=12 May 2023 |work=Press and Journal |date=5 January 2023}}</ref> The following month he backed [interim manager](/source/Caretaker_manager) [Barry Robson](/source/Barry_Robson) to be given the job permanently.<ref>{{cite news |last1=McConnell |first1=Alison |title=Matty Kennedy backs Barry Robson to take Aberdeen reins full-time |url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/scotland/article/matty-kennedy-backs-barry-robson-to-take-aberdeen-reins-full-time-5wzk0v82t |access-date=12 May 2023 |work=[The Times](/source/The_Times) |date=18 February 2023 |language=en}}</ref> Despite this, he barely featured under Robson in the second half of the [2022–23](/source/2022%E2%80%9323_Aberdeen_F.C._season) campaign.<ref name="2022–23"/><ref>{{cite news |last1=Durham |first1=Thomas |title=Dons winger Matty Kennedy appears to hint at Pittodrie departure |url=https://www.aberdeenlive.news/sport/football/dons-winger-matty-kennedy-appears-8469839 |access-date=31 May 2023 |work=aberdeenlive |date=25 May 2023 |language=en}}</ref>

===Return to Kilmarnock===
On 21 June 2023, Kennedy agreed a three-year contract with former club Kilmarnock.<ref>{{cite news |title=Kennedy return completes trio of Killie arrivals |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/65980757 |access-date=6 July 2023 |work=BBC Sport |date=21 June 2023}}</ref> On 10 December, he scored a late winner to inflict a first league defeat of the [2023–24 season](/source/2023%E2%80%9324_Scottish_Premiership) on Celtic.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lindsay |first1=Clive |title=Kilmarnock comeback ends Celtic's unbeaten start |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/67603857 |access-date=10 December 2023 |work=BBC Sport |date=10 December 2023}}</ref> Speaking in February, manager Derek McInnes commented that "his performances have been really good of late".<ref>{{cite news |title=McInnes impressed with Kennedy form but still looking for more |url=https://news.stv.tv/sport/derek-mcinnes-impressed-with-matty-kennedy-form-but-still-looking-for-more |access-date=14 May 2024 |work=STV News |date=25 February 2024}}</ref> His absence due to injury was cited by pundit [Billy Dodds](/source/Billy_Dodds) as the major factor in the club's quarter-final exit from the [Scottish Cup](/source/Scottish_Cup).<ref>{{cite news |title=Kilmarnock: How big a loss was Matty Kennedy? |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/articles/ck5w862kykwo |access-date=14 May 2024 |work=BBC Sport |date=10 March 2024}}</ref> He enjoyed an excellent start to the [2024–25](/source/2024%E2%80%9325_Kilmarnock_F.C._season) campaign.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Meikle |first1=Blair |title=5 best Premiership wingers so far including Kilmarnock's Matty Kennedy |url=https://www.nottheoldfirm.com/news/5-best-premiership-wingers-so-far-including-kilmarnocks-matty-kennedy/ |access-date=15 May 2025 |work=Not The Old Firm |date=15 October 2024}}</ref> He said there was "nothing fancy" behind his good form aside from relaxing in his downtime away from football.<ref>{{cite news |title=Kilmarnock: 'Nothing fancy' behind Matty Kennedy's goal-scoring form |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/articles/czr7xj84nvxo |access-date=15 May 2025 |work=BBC Sport |date=22 November 2024}}</ref> However, he suffered a lengthy injury lay-off due to a back problem that left him sidelined for over three months.<ref>{{cite news |title='We should be higher' - fit-again Matty Kennedy eyes late Kilmarnock surge |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/articles/c8x49l5jl5po |access-date=15 May 2025 |work=BBC Sport |date=14 March 2025}}</ref>

He missed the start of the [2025–26](/source/2025%E2%80%9326_Kilmarnock_F.C._season) season after undergoing surgery to fix his hip injury issue.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Carson |first1=Callum |title=Kilmarnock winger set to miss start of season after 'successful' operation |url=https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/ayrshire/kilmarnock-winger-set-miss-start-35491559 |access-date=3 January 2026 |work=Daily Record |date=3 July 2025 |language=en}}</ref> Manager [Stuart Kettlewell](/source/Stuart_Kettlewell) confirmed that Kennedy would be in recovery for an "extended period".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Idessane |first1=Kheredine |title=Matty Kennedy: Kilmarnock winger faces months out after surgery |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/articles/czjkm491wrvo |access-date=3 January 2026 |work=BBC Sport |date=2 July 2025}}</ref> He did not feature at all in the campaign.<ref name="2025/26"/>

==International career==
===Scotland youth===
Kennedy has represented Scotland at [under-15](/source/Scotland_national_under-15_football_team), [under-16](/source/Scotland_national_under-16_football_team), [under-17](/source/Scotland_national_under-17_football_team) and [under-19](/source/Scotland_national_under-19_football_team) level.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.scottishfa.co.uk/football_player_profile.cfm?page=823&playerID=69310&squadID=13 | title=Matthew Kennedy SFA Profile | publisher=Scottish Football Association | access-date=19 November 2011}}</ref> He was selected by [under-21](/source/Scotland_national_under-21_football_team) interim coach [Ricky Sbragia](/source/Ricky_Sbragia) to play [Portugal under-21](/source/Portugal_national_under-21_football_team) at [Estádio do Bonfim](/source/Est%C3%A1dio_do_Bonfim), [Setúbal](/source/Set%C3%BAbal) on 14 November 2012; he came on for [Callum Paterson](/source/Callum_Paterson) 66 minutes into a 3–2 defeat, in what was his only under-21 [cap](/source/Cap_(sport)).<ref>{{cite web|title=International Challenge Match|url=http://www.scottishfa.co.uk/international_fixture_details.cfm?page=2855&matchID=123865|website=scottishfa.co.uk|access-date=26 January 2016}}</ref>

===Northern Ireland===
In September 2019, it was reported that Kennedy was due to switch his international allegiance to the country of his birth, [Northern Ireland](/source/Northern_Ireland_national_football_team). He was pictured training with the senior Northern Ireland squad ahead of a [friendly](/source/Exhibition_game) with [Luxembourg](/source/Luxembourg_national_football_team).<ref name="born">{{cite news |last1=Hanna |first1=Gareth |title=Who is Matty Kennedy? All you need to know about Scotland U21 international switching to Northern Ireland |url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/international/who-is-matty-kennedy-all-you-need-to-know-about-scotland-u21-international-switching-to-northern-ireland-38469908.html |access-date=6 September 2019 |work=Belfast Telegraph |date=5 September 2019}}</ref> He was called up to the Northern Ireland senior squad on 3 October.<ref>{{cite news |title=Euro 2020 qualifiers: Jamal Lewis named in NI squad as Matthew Kennedy gets first call-up |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49923659 |access-date=3 October 2019 |work=BBC Sport |date=3 October 2019}}</ref> He made his debut for Northern Ireland on 18 November 2020, in a 1–1 draw with [Romania](/source/Romania_national_football_team) in the [UEFA Nations League](/source/UEFA_Nations_League).<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sterling |first1=Mark |title=Winless Northern Ireland held by Romania |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54898190 |access-date=18 November 2020 |work=BBC Sport |date=18 November 2020}}</ref> He was recalled to the squad in March 2022 and again twelve months later.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Durent |first1=Jamie |title=Aberdeen winger Matty Kennedy earns recall to Northern Ireland squad |url=https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/sport/football/aberdeen-fc/4052384/aberdeen-fc-matty-kennedy-northern-ireland/ |access-date=27 May 2022 |work=Press and Journal |date=14 March 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Britton |first1=Ruaraidh |title=Aberdeen's Matty Kennedy called up by Northern Ireland for Euro 2024 qualifiers |url=https://www.aberdeenlive.news/sport/football/aberdeens-matty-kennedy-called-up-8222938 |access-date=12 May 2023 |work=aberdeenlive |date=7 March 2023 |language=en}}</ref>

==Style of play==
Able to play on either wing, Kennedy was described by [Tranmere Rovers](/source/Tranmere_Rovers_F.C.) manager [Ronnie Moore](/source/Ronnie_Moore) as "quick, [he] likes to take on defenders and [is someone] will create chances for his team-mates".<ref>{{cite news|title=Transfer window: Everton winger Matthew Kennedy joins Tranmere|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/25674173|access-date=26 January 2016|work=BBC Sport|date=9 January 2014}}</ref>

==Career statistics==
===Club statistics===
{{updated|match played 12 April 2025}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
|-
!rowspan="2"|Club
!rowspan="2"|Season
!colspan="3"|League
!colspan="2"|National cup{{efn|Includes [Scottish Cup](/source/Scottish_Cup), [FA Cup](/source/FA_Cup)}}
!colspan="2"|League cup{{efn|Includes [Scottish League Cup](/source/Scottish_League_Cup), [Football League Cup](/source/EFL_Cup)}}
!colspan="2"|Other
!colspan="2"|Total
|-
!Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals
|-
|rowspan="3"|[Kilmarnock](/source/Kilmarnock_F.C.)
|[2011–12](/source/2011%E2%80%9312_Kilmarnock_F.C._season)<ref name="2011/12">{{Soccerbase season|id=58113|season=2011|accessdate=1 January 2015}}</ref>
|[Scottish Premier League](/source/Scottish_Premier_League)
|11||0||0||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||11||0
|-
|[2012–13](/source/2012%E2%80%9313_Kilmarnock_F.C._season)<ref name="2012/13">{{Soccerbase season|id=58113|season=2012|accessdate=1 January 2015}}</ref>
|Scottish Premier League
|3||0||0||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||3||0
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!14!!0!!0!!0!!0!!0!!0!!0!!14!!0
|-
|rowspan="4"|[Everton](/source/Everton_F.C.)
|[2012–13](/source/2012%E2%80%9313_Everton_F.C._season)<ref name="2012/13"/>
|[Premier League](/source/Premier_League)
|0||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||0||0
|-
|[2013–14](/source/2013%E2%80%9314_Everton_F.C._season)<ref name="2013/14">{{Soccerbase season|id=58113|season=2013|accessdate=1 January 2015}}</ref>
|Premier League
|0||0||0||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||0||0
|-
|[2014–15](/source/2014%E2%80%9315_Everton_F.C._season)<ref name="2014/15">{{Soccerbase season|id=58113|season=2014|accessdate=1 January 2015}}</ref>
|Premier League
|0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!0!!0!!0!!0!!0!!0!!0!!0!!0!!0
|-
|[Tranmere Rovers](/source/Tranmere_Rovers_F.C.) (loan)
|[2013–14](/source/2013%E2%80%9314_Tranmere_Rovers_F.C._season)<ref name="2013/14"/>
|[League One](/source/EFL_League_One)
|8||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||8||0
|-
|[MK Dons](/source/Milton_Keynes_Dons_F.C.) (loan)
|[2013–14](/source/2013%E2%80%9314_Milton_Keynes_Dons_F.C._season)<ref name="2013/14"/>
|League One
|7||1||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||7||1
|-
|[Hibernian](/source/Hibernian_F.C.) (loan)
|[2014–15](/source/2014%E2%80%9315_Hibernian_F.C._season)<ref name="2014/15"/>
|[Scottish Championship](/source/Scottish_Championship)
|13||0||1||0||2||1||0||0||16||1
|-
|rowspan="5"|[Cardiff City](/source/Cardiff_City_F.C.)
|[2014–15](/source/2014%E2%80%9315_Cardiff_City_F.C._season)<ref name="2014/15"/>
|[Championship](/source/EFL_Championship)
|14||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||14||0
|-
|[2015–16](/source/2015%E2%80%9316_Cardiff_City_F.C._season)<ref name="2015/16">{{Soccerbase season|id=58113|season=2015|accessdate=1 January 2015}}</ref>
|Championship
|1||0||1||0||0||0||0||0||2||0
|-
|[2016–17](/source/2016%E2%80%9317_Cardiff_City_F.C._season)<ref name="2016/17">{{Soccerbase season|id=58113|season=2016|accessdate=1 January 2015}}</ref>
|Championship
|2||0||0||0||1||0||0||0||3||0
|-
|[2017–18](/source/2017%E2%80%9318_Cardiff_City_F.C._season)<ref name="2017/18">{{Soccerbase season|id=58113|season=2017|accessdate=1 January 2015}}</ref>
|Championship
|1||0||0||0||2||0||0||0||3||0
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!18!!0!!1!!0!!3!!0!!0!!0!!22!!0
|-
|[Port Vale](/source/Port_Vale_F.C.) (loan)
|[2015–16](/source/2015%E2%80%9316_Port_Vale_F.C._season)<ref name="2015/16"/>
|League One
|12||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||12||0
|-
|[Plymouth Argyle](/source/Plymouth_Argyle_F.C.) (loan)
|[2016–17](/source/2016%E2%80%9317_Plymouth_Argyle_F.C._season)<ref name="2016/17"/>
|[League Two](/source/EFL_League_Two)
|17||5||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||17||5
|-
|[Portsmouth](/source/Portsmouth_F.C.) (loan)
|[2017–18](/source/2017%E2%80%9318_Portsmouth_F.C._season)<ref name="2017/18"/>
|League One
|29||3||1||0||colspan="2"|—||3{{efn|name=flt|Appearance(s) in the [EFL Trophy](/source/EFL_Trophy).}}||0||33||3
|-
|rowspan="3"|[St Johnstone](/source/St_Johnstone_F.C.)
|[2018–19](/source/2018%E2%80%9319_St_Johnstone_F.C._season)<ref name="2018/19">{{Soccerbase season|id=58113|season=2018|accessdate=1 January 2015}}</ref>
|[Scottish Premiership](/source/Scottish_Premiership)
|36||6||2||0||3||1||colspan="2"|—||41||7
|-
|[2019–20](/source/2019%E2%80%9320_St_Johnstone_F.C._season)<ref name="2019/20">{{Soccerbase season|id=58113|season=2019|accessdate=1 January 2015}}</ref>
|Scottish Premiership
|18||3||0||0||3||2||colspan="2"|—||21||5
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!54!!9!!2!!0!!6!!3!!0!!0!!62!!12
|-
|rowspan=5|[Aberdeen](/source/Aberdeen_F.C.)
|[2019–20](/source/2019%E2%80%9320_Aberdeen_F.C._season)<ref name="2019/20"/>
|Scottish Premiership
|8||0||4||1||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||12||1
|-
|[2020–21](/source/2020%E2%80%9321_Aberdeen_F.C._season)<ref name="2020–21">{{soccerbase season|58113|2020|accessdate=1 August 2020}}</ref>
|Scottish Premiership
|31||1||2||0||1||0||1{{efn|name=UEL|Appearances in the [UEFA Europa League](/source/UEFA_Europa_League)}}||0||35||1
|-
|[2021–22](/source/2021%E2%80%9322_Aberdeen_F.C._season)<ref name="2021–22">{{soccerbase season|58113|2021|accessdate=1 August 2020}}</ref>
|Scottish Premiership
|8||0||1||0||0||0||0||0||9||0
|-
|[2022–23](/source/2022%E2%80%9323_Aberdeen_F.C._season)<ref name="2022–23">{{soccerbase season|58113|2022|accessdate=1 August 2020}}</ref>
|Scottish Premiership
|21||2||1||0||7||2||colspan="2"|—||29||4
|-
!colspan=2|Total
!68!!3!!8!!1!!7!!2!!1!!0!!84!!6
|-
|rowspan=4|Kilmarnock
|[2023–24](/source/2023%E2%80%9324_Kilmarnock_F.C._season)<ref name="2023/24">{{Soccerbase season|id=58113|season=2023|accessdate=1 January 2015}}</ref>
|Scottish Premiership
|34||3||2||0||6||0||colspan="2"|—||42||3
|-
|[2024–25](/source/2024%E2%80%9325_Kilmarnock_F.C._season)<ref name="2024/25">{{Soccerbase season|id=58113|season=2024|accessdate=1 January 2015}}</ref>
|Scottish Premiership
|19||4||0||0||1||0||6{{efn|2 appearances in the UEFA Europa League and 4 appearances in the [UEFA Conference League](/source/UEFA_Conference_League)}}||0||26||4
|-
|[2025–26](/source/2025%E2%80%9326_Kilmarnock_F.C._season)<ref name="2025/26">{{Soccerbase season|58113|2025|1 July 2025}}</ref>
|Scottish Premiership
|0||0||0||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||0||0
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!53!!7!!2!!0!!7!!0!!6!!0!!68!!7
|-
!colspan="3"|Career total
!293!!28!!15!!1!!25!!6!!10!!0!!343!!35
|}
{{notelist}}

===International statistics===
{{updated|match played 10 September 2023}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center"
|+ Appearances and goals by national team and year
|-
!National team||Year||Apps||Goals
|-
|rowspan="3"|[Northern Ireland](/source/Northern_Ireland_national_football_team)
|2020||1||0
|-
|2021||2||0
|-
|2023||2||0
|-
!colspan=2|Total<ref>{{Soccerway|matthew-kennedy/154189|Matty Kennedy}}</ref>||5||0
|}

==Honours==
'''Plymouth Argyle'''
*[EFL League Two](/source/EFL_League_Two) second-place promotion: [2016–17](/source/2016%E2%80%9317_Plymouth_Argyle_F.C._season)<ref name="Errington"/>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*{{Soccerbase}}
*{{Soccerway|matthew-kennedy/154189|Matty Kennedy}}
*{{UEFA player|250022733|Matty Kennedy}}
*{{Twitter}}

{{Kilmarnock F.C. squad}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Kennedy, Matty}}
Category:1994 births
Category:Living people
Category:Association footballers from Belfast
Category:Men's association footballers from Northern Ireland
Category:21st-century sportsmen from Northern Ireland
Category:Footballers from South Ayrshire
Category:People from Northern Ireland of Scottish descent
Category:Northern Ireland men's international footballers
Category:Scottish men's footballers
Category:Scotland men's youth international footballers
Category:Scotland men's under-21 international footballers
Category:Men's association football wingers
Category:Kilmarnock F.C. players
Category:Everton F.C. players
Category:Tranmere Rovers F.C. players
Category:Milton Keynes Dons F.C. players
Category:Hibernian F.C. players
Category:Cardiff City F.C. players
Category:Port Vale F.C. players
Category:Plymouth Argyle F.C. players
Category:Portsmouth F.C. players
Category:St Johnstone F.C. players
Category:Aberdeen F.C. players
Category:Scottish Premier League players
Category:English Football League players
Category:Scottish Professional Football League players
Category:21st-century Scottish sportsmen

---
Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Matty Kennedy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matty_Kennedy) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matty_Kennedy?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.