Adilson Malanda Charlotte FC Defender: Key Stats, Role, and Impact

Adilson Malanda has really emerged as a crucial piece for Charlotte FC’s defense since coming over from France in 2022. At just 23, Malanda’s already turned heads as one of Major League Soccer’s top young defenders. He commands the back line with a cool head and a physical edge that jumps off the screen every time Charlotte takes the pitch.

Fans have watched Malanda grow fast, and Charlotte FC clearly values him—they locked him up through 2026, with an option for 2027. That says a lot. His path from Nîmes to Charlotte, logging big minutes and handling pressure, really shows his grit and potential for bigger things. Want the full rundown on his stats and impact? Check out his official club profile.

Year	Club	Appearances	Goals
2019-2021	Nîmes II	15	0
2021-2022	Rodez AF	33	1
2022-2025	Charlotte FC	70+	1

Those numbers tell the story of a guy coaches trust to anchor the defense in some of MLS’s toughest games.

Adilson Malanda: Profile and Background

Malanda’s rise in professional football really highlights how steady he’s been as a defender. Around MLS, people know him for his calmness, sharp tackles, and the way he just delivers for Charlotte FC week in and week out.

Date of Birth and Place of Birth

Adilson Malanda was born on October 29, 2001. He comes from Rouen, France, a city that knows its football and has produced some real talent over the years.

Growing up in Rouen, Malanda took full advantage of France’s famous youth system. Scouts noticed him early, and you could see his football IQ developing before he even hit his teens.

By playing for local Normandy clubs, Malanda built up the technical skills and work ethic that set him apart as he turned pro.

Height and Physical Attributes

Malanda’s physical tools are a big part of his game. He stands at 6 feet 2 inches (about 188 cm), which gives him a clear edge as a center-back. That height comes in handy when he’s battling for headers or dealing with big strikers.

Here’s a quick snapshot of his physical profile:

Attribute	Details
Height	6’2″ (188 cm)
Weight	Approximately 183 lbs (83 kg)
Position	Center-back

He uses his size well in duels and on set pieces. For a tall guy, he’s got some surprising agility, which makes him tough to beat in transition.

Early Football Development

Malanda joined French youth academies young, and coaches noticed his potential right away. Before turning pro, he played for several youth teams and earned a reputation for tactical discipline.

His first senior club was Rodez AF in Ligue 2. He broke into the lineup pretty quickly, which gave him a big boost in confidence and sharpened his skills.

Charlotte FC brought him in during August 2022. Since then, he’s been a rock in their defense, using his European experience and adapting fast to a new league and culture.

Defensive Role and Playing Style

Malanda makes Charlotte FC’s defense tick. He’s got the right mix of positioning and athleticism to shine as a central defender. When it’s time for clearances, he’s the guy you want back there organizing the line.

Defender and Central Defender Responsibilities

Malanda lines up at center back. His job? Protect the area in front of the keeper and snuff out dangerous attacks.

He steps into midfield when needed, intercepts passes, and breaks up plays before they get close to the box.

Against quick attackers, Malanda tracks runs and keeps an eye on off-the-ball movement. That awareness lets him block crosses and shut down one-on-ones.

He also organizes the back line, talking constantly with his defensive partners and fullbacks.

He marks forwards and deals with aerial threats too. On set pieces, Malanda usually picks up the biggest opponent, using his size to win headers and clear the danger.

Center Back Strengths

Malanda’s strengths as a center back? He’s quick, reads the game well, and doesn’t go diving into tackles. Instead, he times his challenges and waits for the right moment. That patience keeps fouls and risky plays down.

He’s comfortable bringing the ball out from the back, which is huge for teams that want to play possession soccer. Malanda looks for simple passes into midfield and doesn’t force things near his own goal.

He’s physical, too. Malanda shields the ball well and rarely gets muscled off by bigger opponents. In sprints, he keeps up with fast strikers, giving Charlotte FC a safety net against counters.

Attribute	Description
Positioning	Strong, anticipates play
Tackling	Timed, avoids fouls
Passing	Safe, short distributions
Aerial Duels	Wins headers, strong presence

Contributions to Clean Sheets

Malanda’s discipline and sharp instincts help Charlotte FC keep clean sheets. He limits big chances, forcing opponents to settle for tough shots from outside the box.

When the team’s holding a narrow lead, he keeps his cool and stays in position.

Late in matches, Malanda steps up with clutch clearances. By keeping the back line tight, he closes off the gaps that attackers love to exploit.

He reads crosses and cuts out dangerous cutbacks—huge for those tense defensive battles. Charlotte FC has blanked some strong opponents with him leading the way.

Clearances and Backline Leadership

Clearances are a big part of Malanda’s toolkit. He reacts fast in the box, clearing balls to prevent rebounds or tap-ins.

Malanda wins the high balls, heads them out, and makes sure the second ball doesn’t fall to the other team.

He’s vocal, always pointing out threats and calling out the line. That leadership keeps the defense in sync, especially on set pieces and quick transitions.

His steady presence helps calm everyone down. Malanda’s judgment and quick thinking make him the anchor of Charlotte FC’s defense. Even at his age, he’s already a leader. For more on his career and contract, check his Charlotte FC profile.

Charlotte FC Tenure

Malanda joined Charlotte FC and made an instant impact on the defense. His transition to Major League Soccer has shown real growth and influence, both on the pitch and in the locker room.

Transfer to Charlotte FC and ITC Process

Malanda came over from Rodez AF in France on August 4, 2022. Charlotte FC went after him for his defensive skills and physical presence.

The club quickly secured his International Transfer Certificate (ITC), which made him eligible to play in MLS.

That ITC process is a must for international signings, just to make sure everything’s above board. Charlotte FC handled it without a hitch, getting Malanda registered before the deadline.

He signed on through 2025, and later extended through 2026 with a club option for 2027. More on that at Charlotte FC’s official profile.

First Team Integration and Squad Role

Once he cleared the paperwork, Malanda jumped into full team training right away. Coaches noticed his maturity and poise in defensive drills—pretty rare for a new arrival.

He settled in as a central defender, often lining up with experienced vets at the back.

Malanda took on the job of organizing the defense and helping with build-up play. His communication and athleticism gave Charlotte a more solid defensive structure. He handled the faster, more physical MLS style and quickly earned the trust of the staff and his teammates.

He became a regular starter in no time. His leadership on the field lifted the whole back line, especially when things got tense.

Major League Soccer Appearances

Malanda made his Charlotte debut soon after his transfer and has been a mainstay in the lineup ever since. By 2024, people around the league were calling him one of MLS’s top young defenders, especially for his anticipation and aerial game.

Here’s a quick look at his MLS stats through mid-2025:

Season	MLS Appearances	Starts	Minutes	Goals	Assists
2022	8	8	652	0	0
2023	32	32	2,850	1	0
2024	18	18	1,578	1	1

The consistency jumps out—he’s racking up minutes and starts. In July 2024, Charlotte FC gave him a contract extension, a sure sign they’re building around him. Get the details at MLS Soccer.

Bank of America Stadium Impact

At Bank of America Stadium, Malanda’s made a real impression. Fans love his strong tackling and the way he stays cool when it counts, especially in big home games where one mistake can change everything.

His anticipation and clearances have bailed Charlotte out plenty of times.

When Charlotte FC needs to protect a lead or chase a result, Malanda’s presence is huge. The defense at home has tightened up since he arrived, which lets the attack take more risks.

Supporters have picked him as a fan favorite, thanks to his work rate and steady play in front of the home crowd. His leadership at Bank of America Stadium is a big part of Charlotte FC’s growing identity. Dive deeper into his role at the Charlotte FC website.

Contract Details and Career Progression

Adilson Malanda has built a strong reputation at Charlotte FC. His contract milestones show just how much the club values him as a dependable defender with a growing role.

Initial Contract and Option for 2027

Let’s talk about Malanda’s arrival in Charlotte. The French center back landed at Charlotte FC in August 2022 and inked his first deal through the 2026 season. That contract included a pretty valuable club option for 2027—clearly, Charlotte wanted to keep their man if he kept up the performances.

Here’s a quick look at Malanda’s contract timeline:

Year	Contract Status	Club Option
2022	Joined Charlotte FC	No
2023-2026	Under Contract	No
2027	Club Option Available	Yes

That 2027 option? It gives Charlotte FC the upper hand. They don’t have to renegotiate right away and can just pick up the extra year. Teams love this setup with young players—it keeps things flexible, and if the player’s on fire, everyone wins. Malanda’s contract shows how much Charlotte values locking down their defensive core.

New Contract and Contract Extension

Fast forward to July 2024. Charlotte FC announced Malanda had signed a new contract extension through 2026, again with that club option for 2027. The club rewarded his rock-solid defending and responded to interest from some European clubs sniffing around.

Charlotte recognized how quickly he’s grown, so they locked him in with better terms and more stability. That new deal says a lot—it shows the club trusts him, and Malanda’s all-in for Charlotte. The improved agreement makes sense, especially with other clubs looking his way. You can check out the full announcement on the Charlotte FC website.

Performance and Statistics

Adilson Malanda hasn’t wasted any time becoming a key defender for Charlotte FC. He’s out there game after game, making his presence felt and putting in the kind of steady shifts every team needs at the back.

He racks up minutes, influences both ends of the field, and always seems to be in the mix when Charlotte needs a big defensive play.

Minutes Played and Matches Started

Malanda doesn’t just show up—he starts. In the 2025 MLS season, he played in 17 matches, starting every single one. That kind of consistency? It’s gold for any back line.

Here’s a snapshot of his 2025 playing time:

Season	Matches Played	Matches Started	Minutes Played
2025	17	17	Nearly every minute

He stays healthy, avoids suspensions, and gives Charlotte a foundation at the back. That’s how you build a defense you can count on week after week.

Goals and Scores

Now, Malanda’s a center-back, so you’re not going to see him leading the scoring charts. Still, he chips in when it matters—especially on set pieces. In the 2025 season, he’s bagged 1 goal for Charlotte FC, stepping up at just the right moment.

Here’s his offensive tally so far:

Season	Goals Scored	Assists
2025	1	0

Defenders don’t always get the love in the stat sheets, but that one goal? It shows he’s got a knack for popping up where it counts during corners and free kicks.

Defensive Contributions

Malanda anchors Charlotte’s defense with his size and smarts, breaking up plays and blocking shots all over the field. He leads the team in clearances and tackles, always putting himself in the right spot.

He reads the game well, shutting down high-danger chances before they develop.

Some key defensive numbers:

• Clearances per match: Consistently near team-high
• Blocks and interceptions: Regularly among leaders for Charlotte
• Duels won: Solid win rate against opposition forwards

You can see why coaches and fans rate him so highly. For more on his defensive stats, check out his seasonal performance log.

Club Career Before Charlotte FC

Before Charlotte, Malanda honed his craft in France. He played big minutes at Nîmes Olympique and Rodez AF, gaining experience in Ligue 2 and even getting a taste of the top division.

Time at Rodez AF

Malanda made his mark at Rodez AF as a central defender. He joined right after his youth days, quickly earning a regular spot in Ligue 2 matches.

He made 35 appearances for Rodez. He didn’t score, but defense was always his main focus. His discipline and consistency helped Rodez stay competitive.

Season	Club	League	Appearances	Goals
2021–2022	Rodez AF	Ligue 2	35	0

Malanda’s athleticism and reliable play made him a standout among Rodez’s young defenders.

Nîmes Olympique Experience

Before Rodez, Malanda built his foundation at Nîmes Olympique. He played for Nîmes II, the reserve team, from 2019 to 2021.

He logged 15 matches for Nîmes II, focusing on defensive stability and learning the tactical side of the game. He didn’t break into the main squad, but those years helped shape his style.

Nîmes gave him tough minutes and set the stage for his move to senior football.

Ligue 2 and Ligue 1 Participation

At Rodez, Malanda got plenty of Ligue 2 action, handling physical strikers and adjusting to the pro game’s pace. While he didn’t get Ligue 1 minutes, he trained with players at that level every day.

France’s second division is a real proving ground, and Malanda’s time there helped him develop the habits and reliability he brought to Charlotte FC.

Competitive Matches and Highlights

Malanda’s role for Charlotte FC? Absolutely vital. He’s the kind of defender who stands tall in big moments—whether it’s the playoffs, cup matches, or those gritty league games.

MLS Cup Playoffs and Playoff Qualification

When the lights shine brightest, Malanda delivers. He played key minutes during Charlotte’s playoff push, showing poise and confidence in must-win games. In the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs, he anchored the defense in critical matches, helping Charlotte stay solid at the back.

He makes timely clearances, steps up for interceptions, and positions himself perfectly. When the team needed organization, Malanda provided it—especially when everything was on the line.

Key defensive stats from the 2024 playoffs:

Stat	Total
Matches Played	3
Tackles	8
Clearances	15
Interceptions	5

Those numbers don’t lie—he’s a difference-maker in the postseason. Malanda’s ability to spark counterattacks from the back has become a real asset for Charlotte’s style.

Leagues Cup Performance

The Leagues Cup brought new challenges, and Malanda stepped up against international competition. He played steady minutes in group-stage matches, showing he can handle unfamiliar opponents.

In one group match, he made several big blocks and kept his passing sharp under pressure. His smart decisions limited scoring chances and drew praise from the coaching staff.

Malanda often marks the top strikers in these games, gaining valuable experience. These tournament outings have boosted his confidence for league and playoff play.

Matches Against Toronto FC and NYCFC

Malanda has faced off against Toronto FC and NYCFC several times, often matching up with some of the league’s quickest attackers. He’s played four matches against those teams, making key interventions when it mattered most.

Against NYCFC, he broke up multiple dangerous attacks. In a 2024 clash, he led the team in clearances and helped secure a narrow Charlotte win. Toronto FC brings direct pressure, but Malanda stands firm, keeping their stars quiet.

These performances against top Eastern Conference sides have made him a mainstay in the starting eleven. Teammates and coaches can’t say enough good things. For more on his 2024 stats, check out his official club profile.

Team Dynamics and Leadership

Adilson Malanda’s presence has truly reshaped Charlotte FC’s defense. His partnerships and adaptability have made him a leader both on the pitch and in the locker room.

Playing Under Dean Smith

Since Dean Smith took the reins as head coach, Malanda’s adjusted quickly. Smith’s known for detailed tactics and defensive discipline, and he’s leaned on Malanda’s smarts and calm under pressure.

Smith wants defenders who can read the game and keep everyone organized. Malanda often acts as Smith’s voice on the field, directing teammates and making tactical tweaks mid-match.

Charlotte’s defense has tightened up, and Malanda’s steady play helped the team rack up the most shutouts in the league this season.

Statistic	Value
Shutouts	Most in MLS
Clearances	69
Aerial Duels Won	80

Partnership With Andrew Privett

Malanda and Andrew Privett have built one of the strongest center-back partnerships in MLS. They trust each other, communicate constantly, and cover for each other’s weaknesses.

Privett brings speed and aggression, while Malanda offers calm and physicality. Their styles mesh, with Malanda often taking the lead and organizing the back line.

Late in matches, this partnership shines. Together, they’ve helped Charlotte lock things down and turn defense into a real weapon.

Influence in the Queen City

Malanda’s impact goes beyond the field in Charlotte—the Queen City. Fans and teammates love his work ethic and focus.

He’s a favorite in the locker room, setting the tone in training and matches. Younger players look up to him for guidance.

His performances and professionalism have helped define Charlotte FC’s identity. He’s proof that a reliable defender can lead both on and off the pitch. For more on his local influence, check out this profile on Adilson Malanda.

Media Presence and Interviews

Off the field, Malanda brings that same calm to interviews. He’s building a reputation for thoughtful, insightful answers and a leadership style that really comes through. You can see his commitment to team improvement every time he speaks.

Key Interviews and Statements

Let’s talk about Malanda’s interviews—they really show how much he’s grown since joining Charlotte FC. When he arrived back in August 2022, he was just 20, trying to figure out a new league and culture.

Now, people see him as a calming presence in the locker room. Teammates and media folks alike keep calling him a “quiet leader.”

After a big game against the Seattle Sounders, Malanda chatted post-match about his late goal. He pointed out spots where Charlotte FC has to improve.

He doesn’t shy away from talking about his own performance, but he also keeps the team’s bigger goals in mind. That’s some impressive maturity for a guy his age, isn’t it?

If you want to dig deeper, check out the full interview with Charlotte FC defender Adilson Malanda. He opens up about adapting to MLS and what leadership means to him.

His straightforward takes in press conferences and podcasts? They really show he’s all about growth, resilience, and backing up his teammates all season long.