Nimfasha Berchimas Charlotte FC Forward Analysis and Career Highlights

Nimfasha Berchimas is one of the youngest and most electrifying talents to wear the Charlotte FC kit, taking the field as a forward at just 16 years old. Born in Burundi and now suiting up for the United States, Berchimas made headlines by signing an MLS contract at only 14 years and 268 days. That made him the sixth youngest player ever to do it—pretty wild, right?

Fans got their first real look at Berchimas with the first team in the 2024 season. That debut felt like the start of something special.

Charlotte FC spotted Berchimas’s potential early and signed him as their second-ever Homegrown player. His story’s already turning heads, not just because he’s young, but because he plays with a maturity and swagger you don’t see every day.

When Berchimas attacks for Charlotte FC, his speed, vision, and bold attacking style instantly make him a must-watch in Major League Soccer.

With youth international experience and a career moving at breakneck speed, Charlotte supporters can’t help but wonder just how far this kid can go. If you’re into MLS or you like tracking the next big thing, Berchimas is absolutely worth your attention.

Profile of Nimfasha Berchimas

Nimfasha Berchimas plays forward for Charlotte FC. He’s already built a reputation for his quickness, technical skill, and coolness when the pressure’s on.

He’s gone from local youth soccer fields to Major League Soccer in record time. That’s not something you see every day.

Early Life and Background

Nimfasha Berchimas was born on February 22, 2008, in Burundi. He moved to the United States when he was still a kid and grew up in High Point, North Carolina.

From the start, soccer grabbed his attention. He joined local youth teams and made coaches take notice almost immediately.

He began training in organized soccer before his teenage years. Berchimas showed off advanced ball control and a knack for scoring.

Charlotte FC scouts noticed his performances and signed him as their second homegrown player. At 14 years and 268 days, Berchimas became one of the youngest to ever ink an MLS deal. That says a lot about his talent.

Key Youth Milestones:

Year	Age	Club/Event	Milestone
2008	0	Born in Burundi	Birth
~2014	~6	Moved to High Point, NC	Began playing local soccer
2022	14	Charlotte FC	Signed first MLS contract

Nationality and Family

Though he was born in Burundi, Berchimas now holds American citizenship and plays for the United States at the youth international level.

His family made the move from Burundi to the U.S. looking for more opportunities. They settled in High Point, North Carolina, and became part of the community.

Berchimas credits his parents for always backing his soccer dreams. While he keeps most family details private, it’s clear they shaped his journey—on and off the field.

He’s proud of his roots. Berchimas represents both Burundi and the U.S. every time he steps on the pitch, blending his backgrounds into his playing style.

You can check out more about his international journey at his Charlotte FC profile or read about his U.S. youth national team career.

Charlotte FC and Club Career

Nimfasha Berchimas’s climb through the American soccer ranks has been fast—almost dizzying, honestly. He went from the Charlotte FC Academy to a Homegrown contract and then made his pro debut as a teenager.

He’s also getting minutes with Crown Legacy FC in MLS Next Pro, which is a big part of his growth.

Joining Charlotte FC Academy

Berchimas started out with Piedmont Triad FC and later joined NC Fusion before making the jump to the Charlotte FC Academy in 2020.

He made that move right when the academy launched as a new pathway for local talent to reach the first team.

He adjusted fast. Coaches noticed his technical ability and speed right away.

He usually played as a winger or forward, and he always seemed to stand out during youth matches.

As Berchimas racked up goals and assists, he became one of the top prospects in his age group nationwide. Charlotte FC clearly wanted to invest in his future.

Homegrown Contract Details

Charlotte FC signed Berchimas to a Homegrown contract on November 17, 2022. He became the club’s second Homegrown player at just 14 years and 268 days old.

That move put him among the youngest ever to sign an MLS contract. It also showed Charlotte FC’s commitment to building around their own academy products.

His contract runs through the 2026 season, with an option for another year. Under MLS Homegrown rules, the club can sign academy players directly to the first team.

Because he’s a Homegrown player, Berchimas doesn’t count fully against the salary cap. That gives Charlotte FC some roster flexibility and locks in a big part of their future.

Professional Debut with Charlotte FC

Berchimas debuted for Charlotte FC in the 2024 MLS season. At 16, he came off the bench in three matches.

He caught eyes with his pace and confidence, even when facing older opponents.

His debut made him one of the youngest ever to suit up for Charlotte FC’s senior squad. He played as a winger or forward, adding a burst of energy to the attack.

Berchimas didn’t score in those games, but he showed poise in big moments. That’s not easy at his age.

Season	Appearances	Goals	Assists
2024	3	0	0

Crown Legacy FC and MLS Next Pro

To get more minutes and keep developing, Berchimas also plays for Crown Legacy FC, the MLS Next Pro affiliate for Charlotte.

That’s a big step for young pros, giving him regular matches and a chance to sharpen his skills.

MLS Next Pro bridges the gap between youth and senior soccer. Berchimas uses this league to show off his attacking game and get used to the physical demands of pro soccer.

He’s learning to adapt to the tempo and intensity at each level. It’s all about getting ready to become a regular for Charlotte FC’s first team.

For more on his stats and progress, check out the Charlotte FC profile page.

Playing Position and Style

Nimfasha Berchimas has built his reputation on speed, attacking flair, and the ability to slot in multiple spots up front.

He’s comfortable as a forward or a winger, and that versatility gives Charlotte FC a real weapon.

Forward Role and Attributes

Berchimas usually lines up as a left winger or forward. He’s got a quick first touch and a burst of acceleration that lets him fly past defenders.

Even at 17, coaches trust him to add punch to the attack.

He reads the game well and times his runs to get behind the back line. Scoring and creating chances for teammates are both in his toolkit.

He likes to use his right foot—whether he’s finishing or whipping in a cross.

Here’s a look at his early pro numbers:

Season	Team	Position	MLS Appearances	Goals	Assists
2024	Charlotte FC	Forward,LW	3	0	0

He hasn’t found the net or registered an assist yet, but his early involvement at this level says a lot about his upside (Charlotte FC profile).

Winger Capabilities

When he’s out wide, Berchimas uses his pace and agility to take on defenders. He stretches the field and makes direct runs that force defenders to scramble.

His game isn’t built on brute strength. It’s about quick feet and smart movement.

He’s comfortable in tight spaces and likes to cut inside on his right foot to shoot or pass. That speed also helps him recover defensively and press high when Charlotte FC loses the ball.

If you look at similar players for Manchester United or Bayern Munich, you’ll notice some of the same traits: explosive acceleration, tactical smarts, and the vision to create or finish.

Berchimas is trying to bring that same energy to Charlotte, and you can see flashes of what could make him a standout among young American wingers (Wikipedia page).

Achievements and Milestones

Nimfasha Berchimas has already set age records and made an impact since joining Charlotte FC. His moments in Major League Soccer show off his promise and his knack for the big stage.

Youngest Player Records

Berchimas signed as Charlotte FC’s second Homegrown player in late 2022. At 14 years and 268 days, he became one of the youngest signings in MLS history.

He’s just behind the legendary Freddy Adu in that department.

He made his MLS debut in 2024, coming on as a sub three times in his rookie year. When he stepped on the field, he joined a rare group of high schoolers getting minutes in Major League Soccer.

That debut at 16 made him one of the youngest ever for Charlotte FC.

Record	Age	Date	Notes
Signed MLS contract	14y, 268d	Nov 17, 2022	6th youngest in MLS history
First MLS appearance	16y	Feb 24, 2024	Bench debut for first team

You can read more about his early career at the Charlotte FC official profile.

Notable Braces and Match-winners

Berchimas flashed his scoring touch at the international youth level, including the FIFA U-17 World Cup. He was the youngest U.S. player on the squad in two decades.

In a handful of big matches, he scored braces and even bagged game-winners. That kind of composure at his age? It’s impressive.

He’s a threat both as a winger and a forward, and he’s made an impact for the national team at youth tournaments.

Observers have noticed his knack for finding space and delivering when it matters most. At the U-17 World Cup, he led the U.S. team in goals, standing out for his age and his ability to change games.

You’ll find more on his recent achievements over at U.S. Soccer’s feature.

International Youth Career

Nimfasha Berchimas has already made a name for himself in U.S. youth soccer. His rise through the age-group teams and his performances at global tournaments put him firmly on the radar as one of America’s brightest young forwards.

U.S. Youth National Teams

Let’s talk about Berchimas’ early days—he jumped into the U.S. Youth National Teams ahead of the curve, getting called up to several age groups before most kids even packed their bags. He first caught everyone’s eye with the U-15 squad, and then just kept climbing, making noise with the U-16s and U-17s.

At every stop, you could see his pace and technical skill jump off the pitch. The guy’s got a real nose for goal. Coaches rave about his off-the-ball runs and relentless work rate. He didn’t just show up for friendlies—he played in real tournaments and camps, helping shape how each team attacked.

In training camps, he usually ended up being one of the youngest in the room. That says a lot about how much belief U.S. Soccer has in his upside. As he moved up, Berchimas earned a reputation for showing up in big moments and for a maturity you just don’t expect from someone his age.

USYNT and Youth International Debut

Berchimas made his official youth international debut for the U.S. at an impressively young age. His first cap with the U-15s? He handled the pressure like it was nothing.

He got a taste of friendlies and invitational tournaments all over North America and Europe. Those early games threw all sorts of playing styles at him, and he just adapted, game after game. Coaches kept pointing out how quickly he picked things up and made an impact, no matter who lined up across from him.

He moved up through the USYNT system without missing a beat. Right from his first international minutes, you could see the composure that would define his later performances. He even snagged a few early goals, slipping into seams in the defense and finishing with either foot.

FIFA U-17 World Cup Performance

In 2023, Berchimas took center stage at the FIFA U-17 World Cup, running the show up front for the U.S. He started several group matches in Group E, racking up goals and assists that pushed his team into the knockouts.

At Jakarta International Stadium, Berchimas looked right at home against top teams like South Korea. He kept finding space, linking up with teammates, and handling pressure like a pro. Scouts and coaches from around the world took notice.

2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup Stats

Statistic	Value
Matches Played	4
Goals	2
Assists	1
Minutes Played	292

His performances made him the youngest American to score at this tournament since Freddy Adu. That’s a big deal. By the end, he’d become a key attacking piece for the U.S. U-17s.

CONCACAF U-20 and U-20 Championship Experience

After lighting it up at the U-17 level, Berchimas got the call for the U-20 squad at the CONCACAF U-20 Championship. He went toe-to-toe with older, more experienced players and didn’t blink.

He played in several matches, taking on tough defenses from Central America and the Caribbean. Coaches loved the energy and creativity he brought, especially coming off the bench to shake up tight games.

Berchimas attacked defenders with confidence and showed vision in small spaces. He logged important minutes next to some of the top U.S. youth internationals, and those moments helped the team get results.

Pathway Through U.S. Soccer

Nimfasha Berchimas’s rise through U.S. soccer is all about decisive moves—from local club fields to the national spotlight. His time at NC Fusion and his jump to Major League Soccer really highlight how crucial good training and real opportunities are, especially in Carolina.

NC Fusion and Early Development

Berchimas was born in Burundi, but his family settled in High Point, North Carolina. He started out with Piedmont Triad Football Club—later Carolina Core FC Youth—before joining NC Fusion.

At Fusion, his technical skill and work ethic started turning heads. Coaches remember him as focused and driven, regularly taking on older players and staying cool under pressure. NC Fusion, a big name in Carolina youth soccer, gave him steady match experience and strong training camps—a real launching pad for his career.

He also tested himself in regional tournaments, going up against all kinds of competition. Those games built up his tactical smarts and creativity. By 13, he was already one of the area’s most promising forwards, and scouts from pro academies started circling.

Notable Statistics:

Club	Years	Key Focus
NC Fusion	2017-2020	Skill, mental growth
Piedmont Triad FC	Early years	Foundational training

Transition from Youth Soccer to MLS

Berchimas’s progress opened the door to Charlotte FC, where he stood out as a rising star in Carolina soccer. In November 2022, he became the second Homegrown player signed by Charlotte FC, and he did it at just 14 years and 268 days old.

He spent time in first-team training camps, soaking up the pace and intensity of the pro game. In 2024, he made his official MLS debut, coming off the bench three times and flashing that raw talent.

His journey from local youth soccer to the MLS shows how much structure and support matter. Charlotte FC’s commitment to young players matches Berchimas’s steady climb up the ranks.

MLS Debut Highlights:

Team	Year	Appearances	Goals
Charlotte FC	2024	3	0

Notable Matches and Highlights

Nimfasha Berchimas keeps showing skill and poise on the field. His contributions prove he’s ready for the big stage with Charlotte FC.

First MLS Goal and Key Performances

Berchimas made his MLS debut for Charlotte FC at an age where most kids are just figuring out high school. The way he creates chances and threatens the goal? Fans and coaches can’t help but notice. Early in the season, he earned more minutes, always finding ways to get into dangerous spots.

His first senior goal came in a huge match for Charlotte FC, giving the team a lift and grabbing headlines across the country. His speed and decision-making also led to an assist in another big moment, showing he’s more than just a scorer. Every time he steps on the pitch, he brings confidence and doesn’t back down from a challenge.

Key 2025 Statistics

Category	Stat
Appearances	12
Goals	1
Assists	1

Matches Against New England Revolution

Alright, let’s talk about Berchimas going toe-to-toe with the New England Revolution. He really stepped up and answered the call when his team needed him.

Early on, he sparked several attacking plays. The Revolution’s defense? He kept them guessing all night.

I could see him reading the game, pressing high, and just making life tough for the opposition. The coaches definitely love that about his style.

He didn’t notch a goal or assist this time, but you could see his fingerprints all over the match. Berchimas opened up space, set up teammates, and fired a few shots on target.

And hey, his hustle on defense stood out too. He tracked back and fought to win the ball back for his side.

Honestly, these games showed he’s ready for bigger challenges in MLS. If you want to catch the highlights and dig in a little more, check out Nimfasha Berchimas Charlotte FC Highlights.