Breaking: Adilson Malanda Signs Contract to Stay at Charlotte FC
Breaking: Adilson Malanda Signs Contract to Stay at Charlotte FC
Malanda’s new contract keeps the defender in Charlotte through 2026 with a club option for 2027.
Charlotte FC’s sensational French center back Adilson Malanda is staying in the States.
The club announced Malanda’s new contract this morning, which keeps the defender in Charlotte through 2026 with a club option for 2027.
“I’m very happy to sign a new contract with Charlotte FC,” said Malanda. “This is a club that is perfect for my development as a professional footballer and it’s the right place for me right now in my career. I’m excited to continue on this season as we push for playoff qualification.”
The new contract is a milestone in Charlotte’s young history, as it’s the first time the club has retained a player who is widely seen as a future Champions League-caliber talent. He and goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina form the core of Charlotte’s strong back line, which leads the league in clean sheets. Malanda is arguably the best player - or best at his position - of anyone in the club.
Club officials could not confirm Malanda’s new salary, but the new contract includes an increase over his current base salary of $325,000 per season.
With 56 appearances in MLS play since joining the club in August 2022, Malanda has quickly become a fan-favorite player. In interviews, he’s been unfailingly modest with a clear commitment to being a team player.
Some Charlotte FC fans and followers worried that Malanda’s quality would attract irresistible offers from European clubs. The gossip that Malanda was leaving was further fueled by rumors the club was pursuing U.S. Men’s National Team center back Tim Ream.
Given Charlotte FC head coach Dean Smith’s focus on the team’s back line, however, it’s no surprise the club wants to maintain and grow its depth.
Charlotte is Malanda’s first club outside of his native France. In 2022, I spoke with him and club officials about how he made the journey for Queen City Nerve.
Adilson Malanda was already being scouted when Charlotte FC fired the team’s first coach, Miguel Ángel Ramírez, at the end of May 2022. Christian Lattanzio took over as interim head coach and said most of the work had already been done when he was presented with the opportunity to bring Malanda on.
“I talked to [Adilson Malanda] before we signed him, and I quite liked what I saw,” Lattanzio said in an April 2023 interview. “I thought Adil specifically was a central defender that has the characteristics that I like. He’s mobile, despite his height; he plays very well … for me it was just a simple yes.”
When Charlotte FC became serious about acquiring Malanda that July, the French 20-year-old had never visited the United States and knew even less about the Queen City. As is the case with many professional soccer deals, he didn’t have long to decide.
“It happened pretty quickly, but it was an opportunity,” Malanda said.
Before coming to Charlotte FC, Malanda played in smaller French cities on second-tier teams. Now, Malanda is locked in to the team that showcased his talent on the growing MLS stage.
“Extending Adilson’s contract was a key priority for our summer business, and we’re delighted for Adi to continue his development in Charlotte,” said Charlotte FC general manager Zoran Krneta. “Since arriving in the summer of 2022, his quick progression from a young player with potential to key leader of our defense is a prime example of one of the development pathways we have created at this Club. He is undoubtedly destined for a great career ahead.”