Bill Tuiloma Charlotte FC Defender Strengthens Backline for 2025 Season

Bill Tuiloma’s turned into a rock for Charlotte FC’s defense since he landed with the club in February 2023. The New Zealand international—yeah, he’s known for his strength and that uncanny versatility—can slot in as a center-back or step up as a defensive midfielder. Tuiloma brought years of experience, including caps for New Zealand and, get this, being the first Kiwi to ever play in France’s Ligue 1.

Charlotte FC picked him up in a trade from the Portland Timbers, and Tuiloma wasted no time. He jumped right into the action, playing in 17 matches and starting 15 during the 2023 season. Fans immediately saw his steady defending and sharp reading of the game. If you wanted someone to calm things down at the back, Tuiloma’s your guy. He brings leadership and composure, even when things get tense.

Here’s a snapshot of his Charlotte FC stats:

Season	Appearances	Starts	Minutes Played
2023	17	15	1,352

Check out more about his club record on his Charlotte FC profile.

Bill Tuiloma at Charlotte FC

Charlotte FC brought in Bill Tuiloma as a key piece for their back line. He arrived after several seasons with the Portland Timbers in Major League Soccer.

His experience and defensive skills made him a central figure in the club’s defense. He provided stability and leadership right away, working closely with his fellow defenders.

Transfer to Charlotte FC

Charlotte FC went out and got Bill Tuiloma from the Portland Timbers in February 2023. This move became official with a trade that sent up to $900,000 in general allocation money (GAM) to Portland. That’s a hefty price, and it speaks volumes about Tuiloma’s value in MLS.

He brought 112 league appearances to Charlotte—a big number for a defender coming into a new team. His signing made it clear: Charlotte FC wanted proven experience in their squad.

In his debut season, he joined a pretty short list of international defenders in club history to be acquired for that kind of fee. The deal included $500,000 GAM for 2023 and $300,000 GAM for the next year, according to Charlotte FC’s official announcement.

Role as a Defender

At Charlotte FC, Tuiloma’s main spot has been center back. His physical presence and game sense are tough to miss. He’s often the one organizing the defense, whether they line up with four at the back or go with three center-backs.

His aerial ability and tackling? They stand out, especially when he’s up against quick or physical strikers. Tuiloma likes to play out from the back, finding teammates with direct passes and sometimes launching attacks with smart distribution.

He’s also a threat on set pieces, both defending and attacking. He can score from headers or long-range free kicks—skills he sharpened during his years in Portland.

Notable Matches and Appearances

After landing in Charlotte, Tuiloma played in 17 MLS regular season matches, starting 15 and racking up 1,352 minutes in his first campaign. He debuted against the New England Revolution, jumping straight into the starting eleven.

Throughout the season, he faced off against some of the East’s best strikers and handled high-pressure moments with real poise.

Bill Tuiloma’s 2023 Charlotte FC Stats

Category	MLS Regular Season
Appearances	17
Starts	15
Minutes Played	1,352
Goals	0
Assists	0

Tuiloma’s durability showed as he adapted quickly to a new tactical system. He helped Charlotte notch several clean sheets, and those performances only boosted the club’s confidence in their defensive investment.

Collaborations with Teammates

At Charlotte FC, Tuiloma’s worked with a rotating cast of defensive partners—Adilson Malanda, Anton Walkes, Guzmán Corujo, Hamady Diop, you name it. Veterans and young guys alike; it’s allowed for real chemistry to develop on the field, which is so important for defensive organization.

Communication stands out in his game. He’s always talking, guiding less-experienced teammates through those tense moments. The partnership between Tuiloma and Malanda, in particular, has created a balanced duo at center back. Both guys share the leadership load.

He also links up well with the fullbacks and defensive mids, helping shield the back line and keep the team’s shape. That team-first approach cements his spot as a key piece in Charlotte FC’s defense.

Professional Career and Club History

Bill Tuiloma’s built a reputation as one of the league’s most dependable defenders. His journey through Major League Soccer features crucial seasons with the Portland Timbers, loan stints that shaped his game, and plenty of high-stakes showdowns with top MLS rivals.

Portland Timbers Years

Tuiloma joined the Portland Timbers in 2017, after starting his pro career in New Zealand and spending some time in France. He quickly earned a reputation for his strength and reliability at center back.

During his spell in Portland, he tallied over 80 MLS appearances and chipped in with some clutch goals and assists. He played a big role in the 2020 MLS is Back Tournament, helping the Timbers win the title.

Throughout the regular seasons, Tuiloma logged major minutes and showed his worth in big games. His defensive partnership anchored Portland’s backline, especially when the playoffs rolled around.

Season	MLS Appearances	Goals	Assists	Minutes Played
2018	8	0	0	529
2019	23	2	1	1,601
2020	14	1	1	1,051
2021	22	2	0	1,326
2022	27	6	1	2,243

He also played in the 2021 MLS Cup final, though Portland came up short against New York City FC in penalties.

Loan and Reserve Team Experience

Early on with Portland, Tuiloma spent time with Timbers 2, the club’s USL Championship reserve team. Those matches gave him a chance to adjust to the physical, fast-paced American game.

Playing both as a central defender and a defensive midfielder, Tuiloma showed off his versatility. His steady play with the reserves earned him more looks with the Timbers’ senior squad.

By 2019, he became a regular in the game-day lineup. The maturity and tactical flexibility he picked up during those years really paid off.

Performances Against MLS Rivals

Tuiloma earned a reputation for stepping up in big games, especially against Portland’s rivals like the Seattle Sounders and Sporting Kansas City. He often marked the league’s toughest forwards, making key blocks or interceptions when it mattered.

He scored a memorable goal in a rivalry match against Seattle, showing his set-piece threat. In playoff matches against Columbus Crew and New England Revolution, he held his own in high-pressure situations. These clutch performances made him a player you want in the lineup when the stakes are high.

International Career with New Zealand

Bill Tuiloma’s played a big part in New Zealand soccer’s growth on the world stage. He’s known for his leadership, tough defensive play, and experience in top competitions.

Rise to New Zealand National Team

Tuiloma’s international journey kicked off early. He stood out in youth tournaments, earning spots on New Zealand’s under-17 and under-20 teams.

His athleticism and smarts shined during the FIFA U-20 World Cup, where he started regularly. In 2013, Tuiloma made his senior debut for the All Whites. He became the first New Zealander to play in France’s Ligue 1, which definitely raised his profile back home.

His early games with the national team showed a maturity that coaches and teammates really appreciated.

Major International Tournaments

Tuiloma’s international career includes appearances at key tournaments for both youth and senior squads. He played in the FIFA U-20 World Cup, going up against some of the world’s best young talent.

With the All Whites, Tuiloma’s featured in tournaments like the OFC Nations Cup and FIFA World Cup qualifiers. He’s been crucial in tough qualification matches, showing off his versatility by playing both center-back and defensive midfield.

A highlight? Helping New Zealand win the OFC Nations Cup and secure a spot at the Confederations Cup. Experiences like that boosted his confidence and helped him grow as an international player.

All Whites Senior Caps

Since his debut, Tuiloma’s become a regular call-up for New Zealand, racking up over 30 appearances and scoring four goals with the senior team.

Here’s a quick look at his All Whites stats:

Year Debuted	Senior Caps	International Goals
2013	30+	4

Tuiloma’s steady play in defense has made him a core part of the New Zealand backline. He’s played alongside veterans and helped guide younger players, using his international experience to keep the All Whites competitive. For the latest numbers, check out his profile with Charlotte FC.

Early Life and Youth Development

Bill Tuiloma’s path to the pros started in Auckland, New Zealand. His family roots and early drive laid the groundwork for a unique international career.

From youth leagues in New Zealand to signing with a Ligue 1 club in France, every chapter shaped him as a versatile defender and midfielder.

Childhood in New Zealand

Bill Poni Tuiloma was born March 27, 1995, in Auckland. He grew up in a tight-knit family, where football brought everyone together.

He spent his early years playing in local parks, sharpening his skills in neighborhood matches and school teams. Tuiloma went to Birkenhead College, a school that supports young athletes in Auckland.

He quickly got noticed for his athleticism and technical ability. By earning a spot with New Zealand youth national teams at a young age, he showed leadership both on and off the pitch. Coaches and scouts across the region took note of his performances.

Waitakere United and ASB Premiership

Let’s rewind to Bill Tuiloma’s days with Waitakere United—one of the heavyweights in New Zealand’s ASB Premiership. Signing with Waitakere? That move threw him right into the deep end, where training ramped up and every match felt like a real test. You could feel the intensity rise every single week. Competitive environment, anyone?

Waitakere United Appearances

Season	Appearances	Goals
2011-12	7	0
2012-13	8	1

In the ASB Premiership, Tuiloma found regular minutes and gained experience against New Zealand’s best. He played in both the domestic league and the Oceania Champions League, giving him a taste of international football early on.

This step up put his name out there in the New Zealand football scene. National youth camps and tournaments soon came calling.

Move to France and Ligue 1

Now, here’s where things get interesting. Tuiloma’s journey took a big leap when he landed with Olympique de Marseille, one of Europe’s storied clubs. Signing in 2013, he became the first New Zealander to play in Ligue 1. That’s a milestone you don’t see every day—check it out on his Wikipedia page.

Jumping to France meant adapting to a much higher level—faster play, sharper skills, and a totally different football culture. Tuiloma split his time between Marseille’s reserves and training with the first team.

He didn’t get a ton of senior appearances, but wow, the experience in Europe really sharpened his tactical sense and technical game. That stretch in France? It set the stage for his later run in Major League Soccer.

Experience in European Football

Tuiloma really laid the groundwork for his career during his stint in Europe. He joined a historic French club and got the chance to hit the field in Ligue 1, France’s top tier.

Joining Olympique de Marseille

Back in 2013, Tuiloma signed with Olympique de Marseille. That made him the first Kiwi to pull on the famous Marseille shirt. He was just 18, but he dove into the youth program and quickly stood out for his work rate and defensive instincts.

The club liked what they saw, so they bumped him up to the reserve side. That’s no small feat—the reserves play at a high level in the French system. Even though breaking into the first team isn’t easy for anyone, Tuiloma’s performances in training and matches got him a call-up.

He learned from top coaches and shared the pitch with teammates who had serious pace and skill. Those years, he says, really shaped his technical ability and game sense.

Key Stats at Marseille

Season	Age	Team	Appearances	Goals
2013-2017	18-22	Marseille B/Marseille	30+	1

Playing in Ligue 1 and Strasbourg

Tuiloma made his Ligue 1 debut for Marseille in the 2014-15 season. He got minutes against Strasbourg and other French sides, though most of his time came off the bench or late in games.

Facing quick attackers and clever playmakers in Ligue 1 really threw him into the fire. These matches had intensity and competition you could feel, whether it was against Marseille or clubs like Strasbourg.

He didn’t rack up many starts, but just training with first-team regulars proved invaluable. That experience in France opened doors for him in other leagues down the line.

Achievements and Career Highlights

Let’s talk about what sets Bill Tuiloma apart: consistency, versatility, and stepping up in big moments. Over at Charlotte FC, he’s shown he can anchor the defense and chip in with key goals and leadership.

Notable Goals and Assists

Tuiloma isn’t just a defender—he’s got a knack for making things happen up front too. In 2022, he hit a career-high with six goals and three assists. For a center-back? That’s pretty rare.

Match reports point out that he’s a real threat on set pieces. He times his runs well and finds space during corners and free kicks. Sometimes, he pops up where nobody expects and buries it.

Here’s a quick look at his offensive numbers for 2022:

Season	Goals	Assists	Appearances
2022	6	3	30

With Charlotte FC, Tuiloma keeps delivering in big moments. His positioning and strength in the air give the team an extra edge. Want more details? Check out Bill Tuiloma’s profile at Charlotte FC.

Leader in Appearances and Minutes

Reliability? Tuiloma’s got it in spades. Since joining Charlotte FC, he’s become a fixture in the starting lineup. Before that, he rarely missed a match for club or country.

When you look at his minutes and starts, Tuiloma consistently ranks near the top for defenders. His durability helps the back line and, when needed, the midfield too.

Here’s what a typical season looks like for him:

Season	Appearances	Minutes Played
2022	30	2,600+
2023*	20+	1,500+

*2023 season still in progress at the time of publication

Staying fit and contributing all season long—Tuiloma just keeps proving he’s a vital part of every squad.

Cup and Tournament Performances

Tuiloma’s experience isn’t just about league matches. He’s jumped into big U.S. Open Cup games and even landed on the roster during the wild MLS is Back Tournament.

You can really see his composure and tactical smarts in those knockout moments. When the U.S. Open Cup rolls around, Tuiloma usually starts at center-back.

But he’s not glued to that spot—he’ll shift around if the team needs it. His defense has pushed his teams forward, and he’s played a part in keeping several clean sheets in these tournaments.

He’s also suited up for Crown Legacy FC in MLS NEXT Pro, guiding younger players with his steady approach. Whether it’s a big tournament or a developmental match, Tuiloma brings it every time.

That kind of consistency? It makes him a huge asset in any squad.