Jahlane Forbes Charlotte FC Defender Profile and Impact Analysis
Jahlane Forbes is one of the rising young defenders at Charlotte FC, bringing energy and reliability to the back line. Charlotte FC picked Forbes at number 38 overall in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft, and he arrived after some sharp performances with Orlando City’s youth teams.
He wasted no time making an impression. Coaches and fans are already buzzing about how quickly Forbes adjusted to the pro game.
At just 23, Forbes stands out with his pace and crisp left-footed play. He’s logged 18 appearances with Crown Legacy FC, Charlotte’s MLS NEXT Pro squad, in his first pro season.
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If you’re looking for the next big thing in American soccer, keep an eye on Forbes. He’s building his name both on and off the pitch.
You can check out his latest stats and progress on the Charlotte FC official team page or MLSsoccer.com.
Contents
Jahlane Forbes: Player Profile
Jahlane Forbes is a young American defender who made his pro debut with Charlotte FC. He’s moved up steadily from college soccer to MLS, and his consistency on the field keeps drawing more attention.
Background and Early Life
Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Forbes grew up surrounded by some of the best youth soccer programs in the country. That city energy? It built his competitive edge early.
He joined Orlando City SC’s academy, where he sharpened his technical skills and tactical awareness. That foundation set him up for the next level.
Forbes then took his game to Wake Forest University. He started four years straight from 2020 to 2023, making 68 appearances for the Demon Deacons. He handled multiple roles on the back line and became a rock for his college squad.
His steady college play led Charlotte FC to select him in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft. If you want more details, they’re on the Charlotte FC official page.
Date of Birth and Personal Details
Forbes was born on February 5, 2002. At 23, he’s right in that sweet spot for a young defender on the rise.
He stands 6 feet tall, about 1.83 meters, and his strong frame lets him battle with even the toughest attackers. Forbes has American citizenship and plays with his left foot, which adds balance to Charlotte’s back line.
His comfort on the left makes him a weapon in build-up play and when defending out wide. More on his background and stats is on his player profile.
Position: Defender
Forbes lines up mainly as a left-back, but he’s got the awareness and skills to fill other defensive spots too. His main weapons? Positioning, anticipation, and tackling.
Coaches rave about his calmness under pressure. When Charlotte FC needs composure at the back, Forbes delivers.
Here’s a quick breakdown of his key stats:
| Category | Stat |
|---|---|
| Appearances (NCAA) | 68 |
| Professional Club | Charlotte FC |
| Position | Left-Back |
| Height | 6 ft (1.83 m) |
| Foot | Left |
Charlotte FC picked him 38th in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft. Forbes is fighting for a starting spot and working on both his defense and his ability to get forward.
You can see more pro stats on Flashscore.
Club Career Journey
Jahlane Forbes has made stops at some key clubs as he’s developed his game. He started in Orlando, moved up with Crown Legacy FC, and now he’s staking his claim with Charlotte FC.
His journey is all about hitting milestones and gaining league experience.
Charlotte FC Tenure
Charlotte FC brought Forbes in with the 38th pick of the 2024 MLS SuperDraft. He signed on February 14, 2024, and started out with Crown Legacy FC, their MLS NEXT Pro affiliate.
The club saw his potential at left-back and locked him up through 2025, with an option for two more years. That’s a strong show of faith from Charlotte.
Forbes is focusing on training, building match fitness, and learning from more experienced teammates. His technical skills and defending should help him make the jump to the MLS first team.
Orlando City SC Experience
Before Charlotte, Forbes began his pro journey with Orlando City SC. He rose through their youth system and played several matches for Orlando City B in USL League One.
He got his first taste of pro minutes there, facing older, more seasoned players. Those early games taught him tactical awareness and helped build his confidence.
Orlando City’s system gave him a platform to show his reliability and technical growth. That foundation set him up for the next step in his career.
Crown Legacy FC and USL League One
After joining Charlotte FC, Forbes spent his first pro season with Crown Legacy FC in MLS NEXT Pro. That year was crucial—he got regular playing time and faced tough competition.
Those matches sharpened his defensive instincts and tactical sense. Charlotte FC saw his value grow with each appearance.
His earlier stint with Orlando City B in USL League One gave him his first taste of pro soccer. Playing in both leagues gave Forbes a broad range of experience and helped him mature.
MLS SuperDraft and Professional Contract
Forbes’s big break came in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft, when Charlotte FC picked him at 38th overall. He signed his first pro contract soon after, running through 2025 with a club option for two more years.
That contract shows Charlotte FC believes in his long-term upside. It gives Forbes motivation and gives the club flexibility as he keeps developing.
Jahlane Forbes Key Club Milestones
| Year | Club | League | Appearances | Contract Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Orlando City B | USL League One | 11 | N/A |
| 2023 | Crown Legacy FC | MLS NEXT Pro | 19 | Pre-signing with Charlotte FC |
| 2024– | Charlotte FC | Major League Soccer | – | Signed Feb 2024, through 2025, club option for 2 years |
Drafted in the SuperDraft, Forbes’s path is a classic example of steady progress through the American soccer system. Now, he’s getting ready to make his mark in MLS.
Youth Development and Education
Jahlane Forbes’s soccer journey kicked off with strong support from schools and programs that value both athletic and academic growth. Top youth programs and his college experience shaped him into a defender with real national potential.
Montverde Academy Foundation
Forbes attended Montverde Academy, a school with a big reputation for developing top athletes. The academy’s intense training and great facilities gave Forbes early exposure to pro-level coaching and competition.
At Montverde, Forbes honed his technical and tactical skills. The focus on growth, teamwork, and discipline set the habits he’d carry into college.
Wake Forest University and Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Forbes took his next step at Wake Forest, playing for the Demon Deacons. Over four seasons, he became a key player on a nationally respected squad.
He played 66 matches, scored eight goals, and racked up 17 assists. That’s impressive for a defender—shows he could get forward and contribute.
Here’s a quick look at his Wake Forest stats:
| Season | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-2023 | 66 | 8 | 17 |
Forbes balanced soccer and academics, and that maturity helped shape him for the pro game.
Youth Career and TopDrawerSoccer Recognition
Forbes also played with the Orlando City SC Academy, advancing through the U.S. Soccer Development Academy. He made appearances for Orlando City B in USL League One, showing he could handle high-level soccer early.
TopDrawerSoccer ranked him as the #32 overall youth prospect in the country. He even got a call-up to the U.S. U-17 Youth National Team.
More details are on Charlotte FC’s official site.
International and National Representation
Jahlane Forbes has already gotten a taste of international play, which is no small thing for a young defender. His time with the U.S. youth system shows he’s got both the ability and the potential for more national team opportunities.
U.S. U-17 National Team Involvement
Back in 2018, Forbes earned a spot with the U.S. U-17 national team. He played in a pair of friendlies against Costa Rica.
That experience came at a key time. Forbes showed he could adapt and compete at a high level, and scouts definitely took notice.
Here’s a quick look at his U.S. U-17 experience:
| Year | Appearances | Matches Played | Country Faced |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 2 | Friendlies | Costa Rica |
Getting to represent the U.S. at the youth level left a mark on Forbes’s development. He got to test himself against international competition and learned what it takes to play at the top for his age group.
Check out more about this on his Charlotte FC profile.
National Team Aspirations
Forbes hasn’t made his senior U.S. national team debut yet, but his U-17 experience puts him on the radar. Moving from youth squads to the full national team is a big leap, but Forbes’s track record in college and now with Charlotte FC makes him a name to watch.
He brings depth and versatility to the back line, and that’s what national team coaches look for—especially as the U.S. looks to add younger talent. Maybe he’s the type who’ll fill a key spot in international tournaments or even the Olympics.
Forbes keeps making progress every year. His focus is on becoming a reliable contributor at Charlotte FC, and who knows? That could open doors for more national team chances down the road.
You can find more stats and background on his Wikipedia page.
Performance Highlights and Achievements
Jahlane Forbes keeps making strides since he joined Charlotte FC. He’s built on his youth success and those first pro steps. You’ll spot him in regular lineups, putting up solid stats, and sharing some memorable moments with big-name teammates.
Appearances and Statistics
Forbes, now a defender for Charlotte FC, got his start at the Orlando City SC Academy. He racked up 76 appearances and scored four goals at the youth level.
After Charlotte FC picked him in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft, he wasted no time earning a spot. In the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro season with Crown Legacy FC, Forbes played in 18 matches and started 17 of them. He logged 1,351 minutes on the field—a number that jumps out at you.
Coaches and fans have noticed his steady presence and strong defensive work. Forbes handles long stretches on the pitch without injury, and that’s something every team wants.
| Season | Club | Appearances | Starts | Minutes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Crown Legacy FC | 18 | 17 | 1,351 |
| 2016-20 | Orlando City Academy | 76 | – | – |
Goals and Assists
Defenders usually don’t fill up the scoresheet, and Forbes fits that mold. His main job is to shut down the other team’s attacks.
During his academy days, he did notch four goals, mostly by getting into the right spot on set pieces. With Charlotte FC and Crown Legacy FC, he hasn’t put up big goal or assist numbers at the first-team level.
Still, Forbes starts attacks from the back with calm, sharp passing. He’s not flashy, but his ability to swing the ball wide or hit an accurate long pass stands out. Forbes focuses on defense first—he’s not chasing the headlines, just doing the work that keeps Charlotte’s system running.
Honors and Awards
Back in 2018, Forbes got the call to the U.S. U-17 National Team. He played in a pair of friendlies against Costa Rica. That’s no small feat for a young player.
Fast forward, Charlotte FC picked him 38th overall in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft. That’s a sign the club sees something special in him. He’s still waiting for a big senior award, but these milestones matter.
Notable Teammates and Connections
In Orlando City’s academy, Forbes played alongside some talented kids. Now at Charlotte FC, he shares the field with both seasoned vets and rising stars.
He’s crossed paths with Tyger Smalls, teaming up in select developmental matches and training sessions. That’s a connection worth noting.
Forbes’ time with U.S. youth national teams introduced him to a network of top prospects. Those experiences shape him as he settles into the pro game. Connections from academy days to MLS have helped Forbes grow as a player—and as a teammate.
Media Coverage and Public Image
Jahlane Forbes? He’s starting to draw more eyes, especially after making the move to Charlotte FC. Photographers have snapped shots of Forbes at some big-time events, like the MLS 2025 Media Day.
That kind of spotlight really shows his profile’s on the rise in the league.
People usually call him calm and focused—on the pitch and off it. You’ll hear reporters mention his poise in interviews and his serious work ethic at training.
Local media jumped on his story way back, right after he got called up to the U.S. U-17 National Team. Then there was his move from Orlando City’s Academy.
His professional journey keeps fans and sports folks tuned in. Everybody’s curious to see how he keeps growing as a defender.
Social Media Presence:
- Posts training photos pretty often
- Talks with fans on the team’s platforms
- Doesn’t really share much personal stuff
Select Statistics Table:
| Year | Club | Appearances | Starts | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Crown Legacy FC | 18 | 17 | 1,351 |
Forbes wears #40, and honestly, Charlotte FC fans are starting to notice. Team photographers catch him in action all the time, which only boosts his presence in the sports media.
When you talk about Forbes, you’ve gotta mention his hardworking and professional vibe. Coaches, teammates, fans—they respect that.
