MLS expansion club Charlotte FC hires Miguel Ángel Ramírez as head coach

CHARLOTTE – Charlotte FC has its head man.

The Club announced today that Spanish coach Miguel Ángel Ramírez will become the first head coach of Charlotte FC. His official hire is pending receipt of his work visa and he will officially begin his tenure in August.

Ramírez, 36, joins Charlotte FC after coaching Brazilian club Porto Alegre International in 2021, part of Brazil’s top-flight Série A league.

Prior to International, Ramírez led the Ecuadorian club, Independiente del Valle for two seasons (2019-2020), capturing a Copa Sudamericana title just months into his first head coaching job in 2019.

Considered the second-most prestigious international competition in all of South America pitting many of the top clubs on the continent, the Copa Sudamericana tournament win was the first international title in Independiente’s history, a significant accomplishment for a manager in his first true head coaching opportunity.

“I’m excited to introduce Miguel as the first head coach of Charlotte FC,” said Owner David Tepper. “After a thorough review of many candidates, it was obvious to us that Miguel was the right person to lead our team. He is a process-oriented coach with a unique style of play and a proven ability to develop young talent. Those attributes set him apart from others. He will bring a winning culture to Charlotte FC and I can’t wait for him to get started and for this club to take the pitch in 2022.”

Ramírez’ talent for player development was ingrained in all of that 2019 season’s success in Ecuador. He had coached the club’s youth team in 2018 and 2019, instilling the winning attitude that eventually led to the international win.

“With his charisma, passion for the game and experience in the Middle East, Europe and South America, Miguel will work to create an innovative, entertaining approach to soccer in the Carolinas,” said Sporting Director Zoran Krneta. “In Miguel, we have found a very progressive and talented young coach, to take on the challenge of growing the team with a distinctive style of play, developing youth players and driving our vision forward.”

A native of Las Palmas, Spain, Ramírez began to train as coach in the lower categories of the Union Deportiva Las Palmas and Deportivo Alaves, in Spain. He moved to Greece in 2011 with AEK FC, Panathinaikos and Olympiacos. Ramirez also spent six years at the Aspire Academy in Doha, Qatar, where he coached the Under-12, Under-13, Under-16 and Under-17 sides. He also served as head coach of the Under-17 and Under -14 Qatar national soccer teams and was assistant coach for the Under-19 side.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to work with Charlotte FC, its ownership group and senior management. Next year will be historic for the team and for all new and existing fans as we prepare toward a remarkable inaugural campaign,” said Ramirez. “I am committed to create an entertaining, competitive club with talented young players and a unique style of play, as we build a stronger soccer culture from North to South Carolina.”

Considered one of the top up-and-coming coaches in South America, Ramírez currently resides in Spain and will be relocating to Charlotte, N.C., this summer. A formal press conference will be held later in July.