CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The Charlotte Independence today announced that the club has signed midfielder Djibril Faye to his first professional contract. The transaction was completed prior to the USL League One Roster Freeze on Monday, Sept. 8.

Faye, 27, last played for UPSL side Charlottetowne Hops FC this past summer. Faye also had a standout stint with NC Ballers FC in the UPSL, where he quickly established himself as one of the league's top attacking threats. In April 2024, the forward scored a hat-trick in a 4–1 victory over Mint Hill FC II.

"Djibril adds depth and athleticism to our midfield group," shared Charlotte Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. "He is dynamic in one-on-one situations with the ability to finish and see creative passes in the final third."

"I'm very excited and happy to be part of this team," expressed Faye. "I'm looking forward to playing professional games and helping the club achieve the goals it has set."

Faye played his college soccer at Radford University. In the 2020 season, Faye spent time playing in a higher attacking position, where he played in nine matches, logged 631 minutes and netted three goals. Faye earned Big South Conference Freshman of the Week honors in his freshman season after a two-goal week, where he scored his first college goal against USC Upstate and added another in the following match against Winthrop University.