Chituru Odunze

Chituru Ethan Odunze (born October 14, 2002) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a goalkeeper for Phoenix Rising FC in the USL Championship, on loan from Major League Soccer club Charlotte FC.

Early life Born in Raleigh, North Carolina, Odunze moved to London, England as a child and played for local youth teams before spending time in the Chelsea academy. He moved to Calgary, Alberta when he was eleven and played for local sides Calgary Villains FC and Calgary Blizzard SC. In January 2019, he joined the Vancouver Whitecaps Academy from Calgary Foothills. He went on to train with the senior squad.

Club career On August 2, 2023, Odunze signed a professional contract with Crown Legacy FC in MLS Next Pro.

Odunze signed with the Charlotte FC first team on January 18, 2024. His Major League Soccer contract is guaranteed through 2027 with a club option for 2028.

In February 2026, Odunze was loaned from Charlotte FC to USL Championship side Phoenix Rising ahead of the 2026 season.

Personal life Chituru is of Igbo Nigerian descent.

International Odunze is eligible for the United States, England, Canada, and Nigeria. He was called up to the Canada under-15 side in 2017 but has represented the United States at under-17 and under-20 levels. He represented the United States at the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup, playing in two group-stage games.