Crown Legacy FC signed Academy midfielder Aron John to an MLS NEXT Pro contract on July 12, 2024. His contract will automatically flip to a First Team Homegrown deal at a later date.
John had a breakout season with Crown Legacy FC in 2024, earning MLS NEXT Pro Best XI honors after bagging eight goals and tallying 10 assists, which tied him for third in goal contributions in MLS NEXT Pro. His 10 assists also tied him for the League’s single-season record. John was voted MLS NEXT Rising Star of the Month in June prior to signing his first professional contract on July 12.
The midfielder got his first taste of professional minutes in the 2023 season, where he appeared in six regular season matches off the bench. He made his professional debut on June 11, 2023, against Columbus Crew 2 at 17 years, 2 months and 8 days old.
A Charlotte native, John joined the Charlotte FC Academy at the age of 16 and earned the first-ever Charlotte FC Academy Player of the Year award following a six goal, six assist campaign in the 2022/23 season.
2024 (Crown Legacy FC): MLS NEXT Pro Regular Season – Featured in 26 matches, starting in 24, totaling 2,207 minutes. Scored eight goals and added 10 assists, tying him for third in goal contributions in MLS NEXT Pro. His 10 assists tied him for the League’s single-season record. Voted MLS NEXT Rising Star of the Month in June. Led CLFC in key passes (35) and shots on target (21). Second in the squad in shots with 37. Third in the squad in successful passes with 797. MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs – Appeared in both of Crown Legacy FC’s matches, totaling 210 minutes. U.S. Open Cup – Appeared in the Club’s match against South Carolina United Heat, totaling 60 minutes.
2023 (Crown Legacy FC): MLS NEXT Pro Regular Season – Appeared in six matches, all off the bench, totaling 54 minutes.
