Adilson Malanda

Charlotte FC signed French defender Adilson Malanda on Aug. 4, 2022 from Ligue 2 side Rodez AF. Malanda initially signed through the 2025 MLS season and inked a contract extension through 2026, with a Club option for 2027, on July 11, 2024.

In 2024, Malanda made significant strides and blossomed into one of the league’s brightest young talents. The Frenchman set career-highs in appearances (32) and minutes (2,880) while anchoring one of the best backlines in MLS, which kept the second highest total of clean sheets with 13. Malanda scored his first MLS goal in the season opener against NYCFC.

Following his shortened 2022 season in which Malanda made six MLS appearances, the Frenchman became a staple in the squad for the 2023 campaign. Malanda made 36 appearances in the calendar year and totaled 3,160 minutes across four competitions. The centerback also found his way on the stat sheet when he recorded an assist against Nashville SC on Sept. 2.

Malanda joined the club with European experience, having appeared in 35 matches with Ligue 2 club Rodez AF. He began his professional career with Nîmes Olympique and made his Ligue 1 debut in December 2020 against Dijon.

2024 (Charlotte FC): MLS Regular Season – Started in all 32 of his regular season appearances, totaling 2,880 minutes. Scored a match-winning goal in season opener against NYCFC on Feb. 24. Anchored the backline that kept second-highest number of clean sheets in 2024 (13). Totaled 81 clearances, tying him for fourth best in MLS. Led the team in areal duels and clearances with 104 and 81, respectively. Leagues Cup – Appeared and started in both of the Club’s 2024 Leagues Cup matches, totaling 180 minutes and keeping a clean sheet against Cruz Azul on July 31. MLS Cup Playoffs – Started all three matches in Charlotte FC’s Round One matchup against Orlando City SC, tallying 270 minutes and keeping a clean sheet in Game 2.

2023 (Charlotte FC): MLS Regular Season – Started in all 29 of his regular season appearances, totaling 2,569 minutes. Recorded an assist in a 1-1 draw at Nashville SC on Sept. 2. U.S. Open Cup – Made two appearances, tallying 141 total minutes. Leagues Cup – Appeared in four of Charlotte’s five Leagues Cup matches, starting in all four of his appearances and totaling 360 minutes. MLS Cup Playoffs – Started and played all 90 minutes in the Club’s Wild Card match at New York Red Bulls.

2022 (Charlotte FC): MLS Regular Season – Started in all six of his regular season appearances, totaling 540 minutes. Made his debut with the Club on Aug. 27 against Toronto FC. Registered his first MLS assist in a 3-2 win at Chicago Fire FC.