Charlotte FC 2025 Season Review and Offseason Needs

By Sam Vanolinda

Photo Courtesy of CJ Hellner

Another Charlotte FC season is in the books. 2025 was a year of ups and downs, excitement and disappointment, and hamstring injuries. Lots of hamstring injuries.

While another first-round exit was a tough pill to swallow, this was statistically Charlotte’s best season and an improvement on 2024.

All you want from a young sports franchise is to watch it grow into a consistent playoff team. With Smith at the helm, I’m confident in this team's ability to make the postseason year after year.

The team now needs to take another step by winning a playoff series. To get to that point, they need a good offseason and to address some needs.

Let’s take a look at some of the top performers in the 2025 season and some needs to address as we sink into the offseason:

Player of the Season

Wilfried Zaha

It looked like Pep Biel would easily be the unanimous player of the season after he carried Charlotte to a great start, but unfortunately, injuries derailed his year.

My player of the season is Zaha. He stepped up when Biel went down and led the team to fourth place despite a nigtmareish month of May.

Once he got settled into the MLS style of play and shook off the rust, he was playing just like he was in blue and red back in South London.

Drawing fouls, completing dribbles, creating havoc on the left side of the field, and being a leader for the squad. Zaha ended the year with 10 goals and 10 MLS assists, totaling 20 contributions in 31 games; an amazing first year.

Zaha was fouled 111 times in the 2025 season. That is 33 more than the next closest, Carlos Gil. It is understated how much value that brings to a team, and how much pressure it puts on the opponent.

What Charlotte needs to key on now, if Zaha stays, is how to take advantage of the set pieces Wilf creates and the yellow cards he draws.

Rising Star

Idan Toklomati 

Toklomati impressed me when I watched him at Wakemed Soccer Park during the preseason.

I could see the energy and hustle that he possessed, and I thought he could be a key player for the first team later in the year.

After his first few substitute appearances, the idea of losing Patrick Agyemang was slightly less scary, and once Pat headed to Derby County, Toklomati broke onto the scene.

11 goals and four MLS assists in his first MLS season, which he started at the age of 20, is incredible. 

It is not easy to find a consistent striker, and the fact that Charlotte found another right after Agyemang left is a testament to the club's scouting and player development.

I am excited to see what the future holds for Toklomati. He is a player with both class and energy that resonates with the rest of the team.

Defender of the Year

Adilson Malanda 

In his final year for Charlotte, Malanda proved why he has received so much attention from Europe.

The month of May was terrible for the whole defense, but besides that slip-up, Malanda was his usual self, both adept on the ball and off.

He has flashes of quality that make you think he could be playing for one of the top clubs in Europe one day; while he still has mistakes he needs to iron out, the development in the Championship could set him up for future greatness.

Malanda is a modern center back. He can pick out a pass and is relaxed in possession, but can also sit back in a low block and be a brick wall. He will be missed in the Queen City.

Most Improved 

Kerwin Vargas

In his overall quality of play and consistency, Vargas was the most improved player for me.

He is one of the hardest-working defensive wingers I have ever watched at any level of football, and he has also improved his offensive contribution.

While he was competing for his spot as starting right wing at the start of the year, he proved his value to the club with good appearances off the bench and ended up securing the starting spot on the right.

In 19 starts, he recorded six goals and three assists, an impressive contribution. His effort and work rate on both sides of the field are what make him a fan favorite.

I am excited to see more somersaults from the Colombian in the future.

Offseason Needs:

Overall Depth: 

The most critical task in the offseason is bringing in players who can contribute and provide good bench depth to give the team a boost late in games.

It was obvious against NYCFC that the opponent had far superior substitute players who could come in and provide both quality and energy.

In Charlotte’s case, the subs are mostly fringe young players; while injuries did play a role in the lack of depth, the team needs to invest in proven players to step in and help.

With more veteran presence coming off the bench, Charlotte FC can be more confident going into a playoff series, even if they have to play three games in quick succession.

I don't think this offseason is about the massive-name players, but more about the under-the-radar moves the team will make to secure depth.

Veteran Striker 

Charlotte has two exciting young forwards, Toklomati and Archie Goodwin, but they need a veteran striker to help mentor them and provide quality up front.

Someone willing to come in and not expect to start every game, but who can help the young guys develop, and also provide quality minutes.

While finding a player like that can be tough, we can go into depth on some potential players in future articles.

Malanda Replacement

Malanda leaving leaves a big gap at center back. While Andrew Privett and Bill Tuiloma could fill that role, Charlotte could use another young, talented center defender to lock down the middle.

Tim Ream isn’t getting any younger, and while still a great player, I’m sure Dean Smith will prioritize strengthening the back line, especially if he wants to play counterattacking football.

Midfield Playmaker

While Biel, when healthy, is one of the best 10s in the league, Charlotte could use not only depth at that position, but also another player who can create chances for the Crown alongside him.

Bronico and Westwood are hard-working midfielders, but don’t have the creative flair to create great chances, something that was missing in the NYCFC series.

I'm thinking of a player who can drive the ball forward from their own half, pick out a decisive pass, and beat defenders off the dribble.

While finding a player of that quality is easier said than done, there is so much talent to be seen, whether it's a young prospect from South America or an older player looking for a fresh start outside Europe.

Summary 

As the offseason progresses, we will begin to hear rumors and report on players who could be an excellent fit for Charlotte.

Reflecting on the 2025 season, Charlotte FC beat expectations, but with the quality of the team and the leadership of Dean Smith, it still feels like they have more to show in the future.

Charlotte, as a sports city, has become so used to a losing culture that it is refreshing to see a team consistently win, especially at home. Now it is time for Charlotte to reload and make another run for some silverware.