Charlotte FC officially announced that they hired Miguel Ángel Ramírez as the first head coach in the club’s history on Wednesday.
The Club says Ramírez’s official hire is pending receipt of his work visa and he will officially begin his tenure in August.
The 36-year-old Ramírez is considered one of soccer’s brightest young minds, with coaching stops in Spain, Qatar, Ecuador and Brazil.
His previous job before Charlotte was 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.
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.”
Ramírez currently lives in Spain and will be relocating to Charlotte, N.C., this summer. The Club says a formal press conference will be held later in July.