Benin international Rodolfo Aloko promoted to Charlotte FC first team

Rodolfo Aloko has been promoted to the first team of Charlotte FC, marking a significant step in the young striker’s career following a series of impressive performances in the club’s reserve setup.

The North Carolina-based side confirmed the move on Friday, 10 April 2026, rewarding the Benin international for his consistent goalscoring displays with Crown Legacy FC.

Aloko’s impact in MLS NEXT Pro has been particularly notable, with six goals already recorded since the start of the year, placing him at the top of the league’s scoring charts.

His promotion reflects both his form at club level and his growing experience on the international stage.

The forward has already earned four caps for Benin, featuring for the national team during the most recent Africa Cup of Nations campaign, where he represented the Cheetahs.

Charlotte FC’s decision to integrate Aloko into the senior squad also highlights the club’s long-term commitment to his development.

He has been handed a multi-year contract running until 30 June 2030, with an option to extend for an additional season.

The deal places him within the club’s U22 initiative, a framework designed to provide young players with greater opportunities to progress and gain first-team exposure.

To accommodate his inclusion under league regulations, Charlotte FC adjusted its roster structure. Kerwin Vargas has moved from his previous designation to become a Targeted Allocation Money (TAM) player, allowing the club to comply with salary cap requirements while securing Aloko’s promotion.

For the club, the move signals confidence in a player whose performances have quickly set him apart at reserve level.

For Aloko, it represents a transition into a more demanding environment, where expectations will be higher but opportunities greater.

As Charlotte FC continue their season, attention will now turn to how the young striker adapts to first-team football, with his recent form suggesting he could play an increasingly important role in the squad’s attacking options.