Exclusive: Brandt Bronico’s breakout season includes a contract extension with Charlotte FC
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Brandt Bronico has become an inspiration to kids playing soccer across North Carolina.
Driving the news: Charlotte FC is expected to announce today that the midfielder signed a contract extension through 2025 and with an option for 2026.
Why it matters: Much wasn’t expected of Bronico heading into heading Charlotte FC’s inaugural season. But he was determined to become a starter. He’s what club sporting director Zoran Krneta called the “American Dream plus.”
- “He’s the boy who was never predicted to maybe go to the level that he’s already reached and is now an instrumental part of the squad,” Krneta told Axios.
By the numbers: Bronico, a Charlotte 49ers alumnus and North Carolina native, is the only player to play in every match. Only goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina has played more minutes this season — 28 minutes to be exact.
- Plus, interim head coach Christian Lattanzio recently said he’s becoming one of the best American midfielders in the league.
The big picture: Bronico is the first player to play college soccer, minor league soccer and Major League Soccer for teams in Charlotte, but he won’t be the last.
Here are 13 things to know about Bronico, also known as BB13.
1. It’s all about routine
Bronico is very routine oriented. He gets up at 5:30am every morning. Krneta joked you could set your watch based on Bronico getting to the locker room at 7am. Bronico and teammate George Marks are always the first two guys in the locker room, Krneta added.
- Plus, I was pleasantly surprised when Bronico told me he starts his day with our newsletter.
2. He’s sporting the modern mullet
Bronico has always had a flair for funky hairstyles, even during his college days. He’s calling the latest “the modern mullet,” which he had cut at Arrow in Plaza Midwood, which he found out about through Axios’ Laura Barrero’s reporting.
3. They’re Plaza people
Bronico told Axios he and his wife, former 49er women’s soccer player, Rebecca Bronico are definitely Plaza Midwood people, which is a short distance from their home in Belmont. They like to go on a lot of walks.
- “We feel like it’s therapeutic,” he said.
4. Date night
The Bronicos love Workman’s Friend in Plaza Midwood and they were very sad to see Soul Gastrolounge close. Seoul Food Meat Company is another date night favorite, and they’re very excited it’s expanding to Optimist Park.
5. Wedding bells
Charlotte FC announced Bronico as their third signing the same day as his wedding in December 2020. A former 49ers teammate performed the ceremony.
6. Rover
Eventually, he and Rebecca will get a dog, but not yet. Rebecca dog sits on Rover, which is enough for now.
7. 13 is everything
Not only is it his jersey number, but he told Axios he does everything in 13s. He said if everyone else is doing 10-12 reps lifting weights, he’s going to do 13.
8. What happened to the EpiCentre?
When Brandt and Rebecca were in school, the EpiCentre was the place to be. But when they moved back to Charlotte, it was a ghost town. The once thriving nightlife hub was auctioned off earlier this month.
9. Sports, sports, sports
They love going to sporting events, like Charlotte Independence, Knights and Charlotte 49ers soccer games.
- Bronico was on loan with the Independence leading up to Charlotte FC’s inaugural season and of course they’re going to support their alma mater.
10. A new superhero in town
After he scored his first goal for Charlotte FC last week, Bronico celebrated just like someone else Charlotte knew well — former Panthers quarterback Cam Newton.
- He credited Newton with the influence he had on him growing up, and how important he was in Charlotte, but he also said, “there’s a new superhero in town” after scoring the goal against New York City FC.
11. Grindset
Bronico calls this his “grind it out mindset,” and there you have grindest.
12. He’s a Brand(t)
Bronico launched a clothing line earlier this year called BB13. It includes T-shirts, hoodies and more.
13. For a cause
Bronico is throwing a fundraiser on Aug. 28 from 4-6pm to benefit Beds for Kids, a nonprofit furniture bank in Charlotte providing beds and other essential furniture to families in need.
- The event will take place at Pins Mechanical in South End.
- “We don’t need to rely on the club to do everything [in terms of giving back],” Bronico said. “We can go out and and take initiative.”