Charlotte FC's Kristijan Kahlina named 2024 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year

Kristijan Kahlina has been named the 2024 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, recognizing his stellar season with Charlotte FC.

Kahlina was Charlotte's only player to play every minute in 2024, dominating several statistical categories. The 32-year-old Croatia native was the only MLS goalkeeper to rank top-five in both saves (121) and goals against average (1.09), while finishing tied for first in shutouts (12) and leading the league in save percentage (75.63%).

That consistency helped Charlotte concede the second-fewest goals in MLS (37), providing the foundation for the club's second straight Audi MLS Cup Playoffs appearance. With Kahlina in net, Charlotte set club records in points (51) and wins (14), earning the Eastern Conference's No. 5 seed.

Kahlina is the first-ever Charlotte FC and Croatian player to earn an individual MLS Year-End Award. He is the fourth European to claim MLS Goalkeeper of the Year honors, joining Roman Bürki (Switzerland, 2023), Vito Mannone (Italy, 2019) and Jimmy Nielsen (Denmark, 2012).

"Without the team, I cannot be where I am."

A special moment shared with those who made this season special. Here’s to our 𝐌𝐋𝐒 𝐆𝐨𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫. pic.twitter.com/1uFp6QNJfF
— Charlotte FC (@CharlotteFC) November 12, 2024

This award is voted on by MLS club technical staff, media and current MLS players.

Kahlina beat out fellow finalists Hugo Lloris (LAFC) and Patrick Schulte (Columbus Crew).

Voting Results

	Players	Media	Clubs	TOTAL
1. Kristijan Kahlina (CLT)	10.81%	53.20%	40.63%	34.88%
2. Hugo Lloris (LAFC)	16.22%	9.60%	6.25%	10.69%
3. Patrick Schulte (CLB)	10.81%	8.80%	9.38%	9.66%