Premier League defender Christian Fuchs signs with MLS expansion club

CHARLOTTE, NC – Charlotte FC has signed Leicester City defender Christian Fuchs and he will join the new MLS expansion team in January 2022 for its inaugural season.

The former Austrian national team captain won the 2015-16 Premier League title and the 2020-21 English FA Cup. He has signed a one-year contract with a one-year option as a Domestic Player.

“As we continue to add to our Charlotte FC roster, we are proud to welcome Christian to the club. He is an experienced and proven leader, who has played consistently at a very high level,” said Charlotte FC Sporting Director Zoran Krneta. “As a versatile defender who can cover several positions in our defense, Christian will have an integral role in building a competitive team from the beginning.”

Fuchs played for Bundesliga’s Bochum, Mainz and Schalke before joining Leicester City in 2015. Throughout his six years at City, the 35-year-old made 152 appearances and excelled in the UEFA Champions League as the team reached the last-eight during their campaign at Europe’s highest level.

“I’m impressed with Charlotte FC’s vision for building a successful team,” said Fuchs. “This is an extraordinary opportunity to build upon the pillars of progressive, collective and ambitious that are already ingrained in the Queen City. Alongside a diverse staff who make up this club, we can lean on the soccer community from all over the world to create even more of a competitive and hardworking CLTFC family. I look forward to starting from day one to help make Charlotte FC a winning club.”

As part of his commitment to the sport, he became the first Premier League player to launch his own esports academy, under his “No Fuchs Given” brand. Fuchs also created the “Foxes Sports Foundation” which aims to help children achieve their dreams through soccer.

Fuchs currently resides in New York City. He and his wife, Raluca, have two sons and a daughter.