Charles Sharp Bio
Charles Sharp (born June 23, 2001) is an American soccer player who plays as a forward for Indy Eleven in the USL Championship. Standing 196 centimeters tall, he operates primarily as a target forward and is recognized for his finishing ability and aerial presence. Sharp built his reputation as one of the most prolific scorers in Western Michigan University history before turning professional with Toronto FC in 2024. He has since featured across Major League Soccer, MLS Next Pro, and the USL Championship.
Early Life and Background
Charles Sharp was born on June 23, 2001, in Brighton, Michigan, in the United States. He grew up in the Brighton community and attended Brighton High School, where he developed into one of the most decorated local players of his generation. During his senior year, he earned all-conference, all-county, and all-state honors while being named the Livingston County Player of the Year in 2018.
Sharp was introduced to competitive soccer at a young age through the local youth system. He began his development with Michigan Alliance FC, where he sharpened the fundamentals of his game. He later moved to Michigan Wolves SC, a well-regarded club side in the Midwest youth landscape, where he continued his progression as a forward and gained exposure to higher-level coaching.
Path to Professional Soccer
Sharp’s ascent through the American soccer pyramid combined elite youth development with standout college production. After completing his high school career, he was rated among the top forward prospects in the state of Michigan. His performances at Brighton High School and with Michigan Wolves SC drew attention from several college programs.
In 2019, Sharp enrolled at Western Michigan University, joining the men’s soccer program and immediately stepping into the starting lineup. He announced himself with his first collegiate goal on September 14, 2019, in a victory over the Cincinnati Bearcats. By the end of his freshman campaign, he had been named the Mid-American Conference Freshman of the Year and earned spots on the All-MAC First Team and the College Soccer News All-Freshman Team.
Charles Sharp Career
Early Career (2021–2023)
During his college summers, Sharp gained valuable senior-level experience in the USL League Two and other developmental leagues. In 2021, he appeared for Flint City Bucks, where he adjusted to the physical demands of the men’s amateur ranks. The following summer, in 2022, he suited up for Seacoast United Phantoms, continuing to build his résumé against experienced competition.
In 2023, Sharp joined AFC Ann Arbor, where he finished as the team’s second top goal scorer. That same year, he was selected in the third round (61st overall) of the 2023 MLS SuperDraft by Toronto FC. Rather than joining the club immediately, he returned to Western Michigan University for an additional collegiate season to complete his degree and continue developing.
Western Michigan University Era (2019–2023)
Sharp’s five-season college career at Western Michigan University established him as one of the most accomplished players in program history. After a strong freshman year, he was named to the All-MAC Academic Team in his sophomore season and added All-MAC Second Team and All-North Region Third Team honors as a junior. Off the field, he consistently performed in the classroom, earning repeated academic recognition.
His senior season marked a decisive breakthrough. He opened the year with a hat trick in an exhibition against Cleveland State Vikings and went on to be named the MAC Player of the Week three times. He helped Western Michigan University capture the MAC title and was named the MAC Tournament MVP. That season, he also collected All-MAC First Team, All-North Region First Team, First Team Scholar All-American, First Team Academic All-America, and Academic All-District honors.
In 2023, Sharp returned for a fifth season and entered the year on the Forwards to Watch List, the TopDrawerSoccer Preseason All-American Third Team, and the MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List. He produced a hat trick against the Dayton Flyers on September 10, 2023, and another hat trick against the Green Bay Phoenix on November 16, 2023, in a 3–0 victory. On November 8, 2023, he became the school’s all-time leading scorer. He finished the 2023 season as the NCAA leader in goals (19) and points (46) and was named the National Scholar Player Of The Year. He was also a finalist for the MAC Hermann Trophy and earned First Team All-American recognition.
Toronto FC Era (2024–2025)
After pre-season with the Toronto FC first team, Sharp signed a professional contract with Toronto FC II in MLS Next Pro in February 2024. He made his debut on April 7 against Columbus Crew 2 and scored his first goal for the club on April 14 in a victory over FC Cincinnati 2. In May 2024, he joined the Toronto FC first team on a short-term loan ahead of the league match against Nashville SC, making his MLS debut as a substitute on May 15, 2024. He signed two additional short-term loans later that season as he continued to adapt to the professional level.
In September 2024, Sharp signed an MLS contract with the Toronto FC first team running through the 2025 season, with club options for 2026 and 2027. Early in 2025, he was loaned back to Toronto FC II for select matches to maintain his development minutes. The agreement signaled the club’s long-term confidence in his potential as a forward.
Tampa Bay Rowdies and Indy Eleven Era (2025)
In August 2025, Sharp was loaned to USL Championship club Tampa Bay Rowdies for the remainder of the 2025 season, giving him the opportunity to play consistent senior minutes in a top-flight American second division. In December 2025, Sharp joined Indy Eleven on a permanent deal ahead of the 2026 season, where he continues to feature as a forward.
Notable Events and Milestones
Sharp’s career has been defined by several signature moments, including his record-setting senior season at Western Michigan University, where he became the all-time leading scorer and led the nation in goals and points. His MLS debut for Toronto FC against Nashville SC on May 15, 2024, marked his arrival at the top tier of American soccer, and his transition to Indy Eleven in December 2025 reflected his continued upward trajectory.
Charles Sharp Career Wins
Charles Sharp’s verified accolades include the Livingston County Player of the Year (2018), the MAC Freshman of the Year (2019), the MAC Tournament MVP (2023), and the National Scholar Player Of The Year (2023). He also led the NCAA in goals (19) and points (46) during the 2023 college season and was a finalist for the MAC Hermann Trophy.
USL Championship Highlights
Across his USL Championship assignments with Tampa Bay Rowdies and Indy Eleven, Sharp has continued to feature as a starting forward. His move to Indy Eleven on a permanent deal ahead of the 2026 season underscores his growing role within the second tier of American professional soccer.
Charles Sharp Family
Personal Life
Charles Sharp maintains a relatively private personal life. Public records do not disclose details about his parents, spouse, or children. He stands 196 centimeters tall and is recognized for his physical presence as a forward. Information regarding his parents, marital status, and children has not been publicly verified.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a transitional year for Charles Sharp as he navigated roles with both Toronto FC and Tampa Bay Rowdies. Early in the year, he was loaned back to Toronto FC II for additional minutes before being loaned in August 2025 to Tampa Bay Rowdies in the USL Championship for the remainder of the season. The move gave him the opportunity to play regular senior football in a competitive second-tier environment.
Across both stints, Sharp continued to develop his physical presence and finishing as a target forward. His aerial ability and hold-up play remained central to his profile, and his performances helped reinforce his standing within the Toronto FC organization as a depth option with first-team upside.
Looking ahead, Sharp joined Indy Eleven on a permanent deal in December 2025 ahead of the 2026 season. The move positioned him as a focal attacking piece for the USL Championship side and reflected the next stage of his professional career following his MLS and MLS Next Pro experience with Toronto FC.