Hot Take of the Week: Who is the face of Charlotte FC?
By Brian Maurer - @BAMaurerMedia
The fifth season in Charlotte FC history is getting set to reach a dramatic conclusion one way or another in the playoffs. While there have been several key moves throughout the last couple of years, there have also been some consistent names who have now seen the vast majority, if not all, of the ups and downs in the Crown's short tenure as a club.
Players, coaches, and media have all mentioned that the depth and balance of this year's squad is stronger than in the past. Leading to the question: who is the face of the team?
Charlotte's 2026 roster includes a combination of players with extended club tenures, World Cup experience, star power, and club-record breakers. All resume points that provide an argument for one being the face the Crown.
List of potential faces of Charlotte FC (listed alphabetically by first name):
Allan Saint-Maximin only arrived this summer, but has demonstrated the star power and on-field flair to become an instant sensation and draw a ton of focus from within Charlotte and nationally.
Ashley Westwood has now been the captain for four straight seasons and looks to be just as capable of providing the necessary shift in now as he did in 2023.
Dean Smith on track to lead the team to three straight 50+ point seasons in a remarkable start to his coaching tenure in Charlotte.
Idan Toklomati just recently broke the club's goal-scoring record for goals in a season and has now established himself as the club's number nine and, at 22 years-old, still has room for his star to shine brighter.
Kristijan Kahlina won the Goalkeeper of the Year in 2024 and has been a week-in-week-out starter since day one and is putting in as strong a performance as ever.
Pep Biel has been breaking just about every goal-production record in Charlotte FC history and is just missing a key moment during a playoff run to etch himself a Charlotte sports legacy.
Tim Ream captained the USMNT for the 2026 World Cup this summer and has now been a part of every Dean Smith-era playoff run.
Other - Any other candidates missing?
Who do you think is the face of Charlotte FC? Let us know on Facebook, Instagram, or X and we will discuss on next Monday's podcast.
