Liel Abada Charlotte FC Forward: Key Signing Impact and Season Expectations

Well, folks, let’s talk about Liel Abada—a name that’s buzzing around Charlotte FC these days. Since arriving from Celtic FC in early 2024, he’s been making some real noise.

Abada’s just 22, but this winger and forward brings a sharp edge and a burst of youth to Charlotte’s attack. He’s here to shake up Major League Soccer, and honestly, you can already feel the excitement.

Charlotte signed him as a Young Designated Player, and that move injected new energy and a level of creativity up front. Fans have waited for this kind of spark.

The Israeli international landed in Charlotte with a résumé that turns heads. He tore it up in the Scottish Premiership, finding space, breaking down defenses, and creating goal-scoring chances. You can already see flashes of that with Charlotte FC.

As he gets more comfortable, both supporters and analysts are watching closely. There’s a real sense that his presence could swing the season. If you want to dig into his career and what Charlotte expects, check out his full player profile.

Player Profile: Liel Abada

Liel Abada is an Israeli forward suiting up for Charlotte FC in Major League Soccer. He’s got speed, he’s technical, and he wasted no time making his mark after leaving Celtic FC.

Background and Place of Birth

Born and bred in Petah Tikva, Israel, Abada comes from a place that loves its football and knows how to develop talent. He worked his way up through local clubs, including Hapoel Petach Tikva and Maccabi Petach Tikva.

Those early years shaped his style. He plays with that classic Israeli work ethic, always hustling. From youth leagues in Israel to the international stage, his journey is all about dedication and raw talent.

He now represents Charlotte FC and the Israeli national team, giving both squads a solid option up front.

Date of Birth and Age

Liel Abada was born on October 3, 2001. As of June 20, 2025, he’s 23 years old.

He’s young but already has a chunk of experience under his belt. That gives him real potential to keep growing in Major League Soccer.

Abada broke into the first team early, showing maturity and a good football IQ. Because he’s still young, he adapts quickly and keeps developing his game.

Charlotte FC can really benefit from that mix of youth and experience. If you want more on Abada at Charlotte, here’s his club profile.

Physical Attributes

Abada stands at about 1.68 meters (5’6”). Not the tallest guy out there, but he uses his low center of gravity and quickness to his advantage.

He zips through tight spaces and leaves defenders chasing. His physical style is more about movement and acceleration than brute strength.

Here’s a quick look at his key physical traits:

Attribute	Measurement
Height	1.68 m (5’6”)
Position	Forward, Winger
Dominant Foot	Right

His size and agility make him a headache for bigger defenders. He’s built his game around speed and smart movement, and it’s paid off for both club and country. Want more? Check out his Wikipedia.

Liel Abada’s Role at Charlotte FC

Since arriving as a Young Designated Player, Abada has brought a direct, attacking mentality to Charlotte FC. With his background as a winger and forward, he’s become a central piece in the team’s offense.

Position and Playing Style

Abada mostly works as a right winger, but Coach Dean Smith sometimes throws him up top as a striker. He hugs the touchline, stretches defenses, and opens up space for others.

That wide positioning keeps attacks unpredictable. He’s always ready to dart behind defenders, using quick bursts of speed to latch onto through balls or crosses.

He’s dangerous on the counterattack. His dribbling and ball control let him cut inside, so he can either shoot or set up teammates near the box.

Abada’s presence gives Charlotte a real option on the right, mixing up the attack and keeping defenses honest.

Winger and Forward Duties

On the wing, Abada provides width and loves to take defenders one-on-one. He whips in crosses—both low and high—into the box.

His movement off the ball pulls defenders out of position, opening up passing lanes for Charlotte’s attack.

When he shifts inside, those instinctive runs and finishing skills take over. He links up well with midfielders and fellow forwards, working quick one-twos and triangle plays to break down tough MLS defenses.

2024 Season Stats at Charlotte FC

Competition	Appearances	Goals	Assists
MLS	20	8	6
Other Competitions	4	1	2

Abada’s versatility lets Dean Smith switch things up, going wide or central as needed. He’s a go-to attacking option for Charlotte FC. For more on his recent form, check out his Charlotte FC profile.

MLS Career Highlights

Abada has wasted no time becoming a key forward for Charlotte FC. He’s shown sharp finishing and clever movement, on and off the ball.

His impact is clear—timely goals, assists, and a regular spot in the starting lineup throughout the MLS season.

Joining Charlotte FC

Abada officially joined Charlotte FC in March 2024, coming over from Celtic FC. That move brought in a proven winger and forward with international experience for Israel.

Fans got excited right away, hoping to see his speed and technical skill boost the attack.

He adapted fast, jumping straight into the squad. Coaches liked his discipline and flexibility, using him both on the wing and drifting inside to connect midfield and attack.

Abada’s arrival gave Charlotte FC another creative option in the final third.

He handled the jump to Major League Soccer well, thanks to his European experience. Within weeks, he earned a starting role and the trust of his teammates by pressing high and working hard.

Regular Season Appearances

Abada played a big part for Charlotte FC in his first MLS season. By mid-2025, he’d featured in 24 regular season games, with 20 starts.

He averaged close to 80 minutes per game. That shows how much the coaching staff relies on him.

Whether starting or coming off the bench, Abada made his presence felt. He kept up his intensity, game after game.

Here’s a quick look at those numbers:

Season	Appearances	Starts	Minutes per Game
2024-2025	24	20	78

Abada’s play made Charlotte more dangerous, especially against Eastern Conference rivals fighting for playoff spots.

Goals Scored and Assists

Liel Abada has delivered in front of goal for Charlotte FC. By summer 2025, he’d scored 12 goals and racked up several assists, becoming one of the main threats around the box.

He’s clinical, often hitting the target with his shots. Abada’s quick combinations in tight spaces also create chances for others.

Here’s a look at the stats:

Stat	Value
Goals Scored	12
Assists	5
Shots on Target	34

A lot of his goals came in big moments. Remember that brace against Atlanta United in June 2024? That performance grabbed him a spot in the MLS Team of the Matchday.

Impact in the Eastern Conference

Abada’s influence in the Eastern Conference stands out. He’s faced off against the league’s toughest teams and still managed to spark Charlotte’s attack.

He creates problems for defenders, always looking for space and pressing high. In big games, like the rivalry win over Atlanta United, he’s delivered goals and assists that got the traveling fans on their feet.

Abada’s creativity and ability to stretch defenses help keep Charlotte in the playoff picture. The club’s decision to sign him looks smarter every week. For more on his stats, here’s his MLS profile.

Previous Clubs and Career Development

Liel Abada’s story is a classic football journey—starting at Maccabi Petah Tikva in Israel, making a splash in Scotland with Celtic, and now stepping up in MLS. He’s shown that talent and hard work can open doors.

Early Career at Maccabi Petah Tikva

Abada got his start at the Maccabi Petah Tikva academy. Born in Petah Tikva, he joined the club young and quickly moved up.

He debuted for the first team as a teenager, showing poise and skill. Over 60 matches, he scored double-digit goals—a rare feat for such a young winger.

His speed and movement made him a constant threat in the Israeli Premier League. Scouts from Europe started to take notice.

Maccabi Petah Tikva has a reputation for developing talent, and Abada became one of their standout graduates.

Season	Appearances	Goals
2019-2021	67	20

Success at Celtic FC

Abada signed with Celtic FC in 2021, jumping into the Scottish Premiership at just 19. He made an immediate impression, earning a regular spot in the lineup.

In his first season, he found the net in league games and European qualifiers. His energy and attacking play stood out.

He averaged about 13 goals and 8 assists per season over his three years at Celtic. That direct style and nose for goal made him a favorite with fans.

Abada helped Celtic win league titles and played in big matches, including Old Firm derbies and European nights at Celtic Park.

He fit right in with Celtic’s attack and earned praise for adapting to Scottish football. For a deeper look at his time there, see his Celtic FC records.

Season	Appearances	Goals	Assists
2021-2024	106	33	24

Achievements with Celtic

Liel Abada really made his mark at Celtic FC. He played a huge role during their trophy runs, and let’s be honest, he turned plenty of heads across Scotland.

Scottish Cup Wins

Abada helped Celtic win the Scottish Cup. Manager Ange Postecoglou counted on Abada’s speed and movement out wide, especially in those tense cup matches.

In the 2022-23 season, Celtic raised the Scottish Cup again. Abada showed up in the big rounds, giving the attack a boost and keeping defenders honest.

The Scottish Cup means a lot in Scotland. Abada’s part in that run added another trophy to Celtic’s packed cabinet.

He showed a winning mentality as Celtic clinched the final. That’s what you want from your wingers when it counts.

Scottish League Cup Success

Abada didn’t stop there. He helped Celtic dominate in the Scottish League Cup too.

He played a part in two League Cup wins during his time. That just cemented Celtic’s grip on Scottish football.

Check out his League Cup stats:

Season	Appearances	Goals	Outcome
2021-22	6	2	Winners
2022-23	5	1	Winners

You can see he stepped up in the big games. The League Cup became a stage for Abada to show off his finishing and flexibility, switching between winger and forward.

Two straight League Cups—Celtic’s attack ran through him more often than not.

PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year

Abada’s peers and the pros in Scotland took notice. He won the PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year award—pretty big deal, right?

He burst onto the scene in his first Celtic season. That award said a lot about his consistency, maturity, and skill. Plus, it showed how much he influenced Celtic’s league and cup campaigns.

That individual honor added to his growing list of achievements. He earned respect from both Celtic fans and rivals around the league.

International Experience

Liel Abada’s career goes well beyond club football. He’s been a regular with Israel’s national teams, from the youth levels up to the senior squad.

He’s played in World Cup qualifiers, Nations League games, and those pressure-filled youth championships.

Israel National Team and International Debut

Abada got his first senior call-up for the Israel national team at just 19. After his club performances, he earned his first cap in 2020.

Israel’s coaches trusted him as a winger and forward right away. That’s a testament to his skill and smarts on the field.

He kept getting called up over the next few years. Israel used him as both a starter and a sub, giving him a chance to make an impact late in games.

Abada’s pace and direct play fit perfectly with Israel’s attacking style.

Here’s a quick look at his international stats as of June 2023:

Category	Number
Senior Caps	18
International Goals	2
Debut Year	2020

Those appearances gave him a taste of top-level soccer outside of club action.

UEFA Nations League and World Cup Qualifiers

Abada played in Israel’s UEFA Nations League campaigns, taking on some tough European opponents. His speed and awareness let him stretch defenses, whether he started or came off the bench.

Those Nations League matches gave him a chance to test himself and sharpen his tactical game.

He also featured in World Cup qualifiers as Israel pushed for a spot at the FIFA World Cup. He contributed in build-up play and pressed high, trying to force turnovers and kickstart attacks.

Israel didn’t qualify, but Abada’s minutes in those games helped him grow as a player.

Olympic and Youth National Teams

Abada’s journey with the youth national teams set him up for success. He represented Israel at the U-17 and U-19 levels.

At the 2018 UEFA European U-17 Championship, he started several matches and kept his cool under pressure.

He joined squads aiming for the 2024 Paris Olympics, playing in qualifiers and friendlies that shaped the Olympic roster. His youth performances proved he could adapt to different international styles.

Coaches saw he had the tools to be a mainstay for Israel. For more on his international career, check out the Liel Abada Wikipedia page.

European Competition Appearances

Before his MLS adventure, Liel Abada got a taste of Europe’s top tournaments. He played in both the UEFA Champions League and Europa League, facing some of the best clubs out there.

UEFA Champions League Matches

Abada suited up for several Champions League matches with Celtic FC. As a right winger, he started or came off the bench, using his pace to challenge defenders.

He scored and set up goals, especially in the qualifiers and group stages. That debut Champions League goal? Great timing, big moment.

His performances helped Celtic earn crucial results against some real heavyweights. He drew fouls, pressed high, and made those dangerous runs into the box.

Here are his main Champions League stats:

Season	Appearances	Goals	Assists
2021-22	6	2	1
2022-23	4	1	2

His Champions League experience definitely stands out on his resume.

Europa League Participation

Abada also played for Celtic in the Europa League. He started and came off the bench, helping the team push through tough groups.

He made an impact with smart positioning, quick passes, and clever movement. He scored and assisted, often coming up big late in games.

Those Europa League nights gave him a real test against a range of tactical styles. His performances showed he could handle the pressure.

Transfer and Designated Player Status

Liel Abada made waves when he joined Charlotte FC. He arrived from Europe with top-flight experience and high expectations.

His transfer and Young Designated Player status play a big part in Charlotte’s roster build and salary cap plans.

Transfer to Major League Soccer

Abada left Celtic FC in March 2024 to sign with Charlotte FC. He was just 22, and the move turned heads across MLS.

Charlotte reportedly paid around $10 million for him, according to The Charlotte Post. His deal runs through 2026, with an option for 2027—a pretty standard contract length for players like him.

The club filled a key attacking spot that had opened up after some departures. Clearly, they wanted to strengthen the squad.

Abada left Scotland with a solid reputation as a productive winger. His time at Celtic—scoring and assisting in big games—boosted his value.

Sites like Transfermarkt rate him as a valuable asset. Charlotte’s move for Abada shows some real ambition.

Season	Club	Appearances	Goals	Assists
2021-23	Celtic FC	98	29	22
2024	Charlotte FC	Ongoing	–	–

Young Designated Player Role

Abada fills a Young Designated Player spot at Charlotte FC. In MLS, this lets clubs sign young international talent without wrecking the salary cap.

Designated Player rules in MLS are unique. Teams get up to three DPs, but some spots are reserved for younger players at a lower budget charge.

Abada, just 22 and already with international experience, filled a big gap after Karol Swiderski and Kamil Jozwiak left.

The club structured his contract for cap flexibility and potential resale value. Having Abada in this role helps Charlotte keep a balanced roster while investing in a player with real upside.

He’s expected to be a central piece in the attack, linking up with other key players and bringing creativity to the wing.

This move fits a bigger MLS trend—clubs are chasing young talent from Europe to raise the league’s level and build for the future. Charlotte’s investment in Abada shows they’re serious about competing now and planning for what’s next.

Notable Matches and Opponents

Liel Abada’s time at Charlotte FC has already featured some big moments. He’s shown he can deliver in high-pressure spots, especially against tough defenses or when the playoffs are on the line.

Key Performances Against MLS Clubs

Abada wasted no time making an impact in MLS. Early in the season, games against teams like Philadelphia Union and Toronto FC set the tone for him.

In a key home match versus Philadelphia, Abada’s movement and sharp passing with Patrick Agyemang and Kerwin Vargas created plenty of danger.

Toronto FC posed a different challenge. Abada scored late in the second half, pouncing on a rebound after Karol Swiderski’s shot got parried. His chemistry with Swiderski and Kamil Jozwiak keeps Charlotte’s attack lively.

Selected Match Statistics:

Opponent	Goals	Assists	Shots on Target	Key Passes
Philadelphia Union	0	1	2	3
Toronto FC	1	0	3	2

MLS Cup Playoffs

The MLS Cup Playoffs raised the stakes for Abada and Charlotte. In the opening round, he set up a goal as Charlotte edged past a conference rival, 2-1.

His link-up play with Patrick Agyemang and Kerwin Vargas kept the attack moving, even in tight spaces.

Against higher-seeded teams, Abada’s off-ball movement and pressing forced turnovers, setting up transition chances for Karol Swiderski. He didn’t always get on the scoresheet, but his involvement—like those near-assists to Kamil Jozwiak—gave Charlotte’s attack another dimension.

He keeps showing why he’s such a focal point for Charlotte FC. For more on Abada’s season, check out his player profile.

Playing Style and Key Strengths

Liel Abada brings a direct approach, quick decision-making, and a real nose for goal to Charlotte FC.

His wing play combines creative passing, dynamic movement, and sharp technical skill in the final third.

Creativity and Attacking Contribution

Abada lines up as a right winger, but honestly, he rarely just hugs the touchline. He likes to drift inside, searching for those pockets of space. You’ll see him pull off quick one-twos, zipping short passes to teammates to break down defenses.

He’s got a real knack for positioning. Sometimes you blink and—boom—he’s in a spot to set up a goal or fire off a shot himself.

Let’s check out his attacking numbers from the 2025 season:

Statistic	Value
Goals	4
Assists	2
Key Passes*	19
Shots on Target	18

*Key passes mean passes that lead straight to a scoring chance.

Abada does more than just score. He moves off the ball and drags defenders out of position, making life easier for his teammates. You’ll catch him scanning for quick crosses, cutbacks, or those sneaky through balls when Charlotte’s on the break.

Charlotte brought him in from Celtic to inject some spark and unpredictability into their attack. They wanted a player who could shake things up, and Abada’s already shown he’s up for the challenge. For a club that needed more punch up front, he’s been a valuable addition.

Preferred Foot and Technique

Abada’s a right-footer, no doubt about it, and he’s at his best when he cuts inside from that right wing. His low center of gravity and those quick feet? They make him a nightmare to defend one-on-one.

He controls the ball well in tight spaces and uses sharp touches to set up shots. When he gets a look at goal, he loves curling the ball toward the far post with the inside of his right foot.

That move isn’t just for show—it forces keepers to make tough saves. His first touch is crisp, so he gets shots off quickly, even with defenders closing in.

Off the dribble, Abada throws in step-overs and sudden changes of direction to shake his marker. He’s just as comfortable whipping in low crosses or floating chipped passes from wide areas. You can see these skills every week since he joined Charlotte FC.

Recognition and Impact

Liel Abada’s move to Charlotte FC from Celtic FC brought a ton of buzz. Fans and teammates noticed right away—expectations shot through the roof.

Influence as a Foreign Talent

Abada’s arrival in Major League Soccer got people talking. Coming from Celtic, where he racked up six domestic titles and played over 100 matches, he brought real pedigree to Charlotte.

Not many MLS signings show up with that kind of résumé. It raises the bar, doesn’t it?

His influence goes beyond what happens on the pitch. Abada stands out as one of the league’s top investments in European-based talent. At just 22, he’s already played in big competitions, so young MLS players look up to him.

Fans of Charlotte FC definitely see him as an inspiration. Coaches and analysts point to his focus and professionalism in training, and that attitude rubs off in the locker room.

Contribution to the Squad

Abada’s been a spark since he joined Charlotte FC. Right from the start, he chipped in with assists and really cranked up the team’s attacking drive.

You saw it in matches like that 2-0 win over Philadelphia Union. He reads the play so well and always finds a way to link up with his teammates, which keeps the offense buzzing.

Charlotte FC Offensive Stats with Abada (Select Matches):

Match Date	Goals	Assists	Key Chances Created
Mar 2025	1	1	4
Apr 2025	0	2	3
May 2025	2	0	2

He brings a jolt of energy during transitions. You’ll notice how he presses defenders and forces them into mistakes.

With Abada out wide, Charlotte suddenly has depth and that bit of unpredictability they’d been missing. He’s become a key piece for the squad, both right now and looking ahead.