Charlotte McLean (born 1 March 2000) is an Australian professional footballer who plays as a defender for the North Carolina Courage of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). She previously played for A-League Women side Sydney FC.
Early life
McLean was born in the Sydney suburb of Epping. She attended Cheltenham Girls High School where she won the state high school knockout championship and was named player of the final in 2016. She played for Sydney University in the National Premier Leagues Women's where she won the Challenge Cup championship in 2019.
Career
Sydney FC, 2020–2024
McLean signed with Sydney FC after playing against the club in practice with Sydney Olympic FC of the NPL NSW. She debuted in the starting lineup against Western Sydney Wanderers FC on 30 December 2020. She contributed to Sydney FC recording the league's best defence and winning consecutive premierships in 2020–21 and 2021–22. She did not miss a minute for the club until 5 March 2023 when she fractured her cheekbone in a collision with a teammate in the closing minutes against Western United. She returned to the pitch the next month on 16 April.
McLean contributed to Sydney FC winning their third consecutive premiership in 2022–23 and two consecutive grand finals in 2023 and 2024. She was honoured on the A-League Women Team of the Season in 2022–23 and 2023–24, with the club also recognising her as their Player of the Year in the latter season. Sydney FC announced her departure on 14 June 2024, with McLean and Cortnee Vine set to move to the United States to play in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL).
North Carolina Courage, 2024–
The North Carolina Courage announced their signing of McLean on a two-year contract on 17 June 2024, with her becoming eligible to play at the start of the transfer window on 1 August. She made her club debut on 6 August as a stoppage-time substitute in defeat to the Kansas City Current in the Summer Cup semifinals.
Personal life
Since 2019, McLean has dated Australian national team player Cortnee Vine, her teammate at Sydney FC and the North Carolina Courage.
References
External links
- Charlotte McLean at Soccerway
