Tyger Smalls

Tyger Smalls (born 18 September 2002) is an English professional footballer who plays as a winger for Major League Soccer club Charlotte FC.

Early life Smalls played youth football with Norwich City academy, later moving to the Tottenham Hotspur academy. Afterwards, he played with Red Lodge FC, Mundford FC, Whitton United, Felixstowe & Walton United, Billericay Town, Stowmarket Town Needham Market, and Histon. In 2020, he had a trial with the Arsenal U23 team.

College career In 2021, Smalls began attending Tyler Junior College in the United States, where he played for the men's soccer team, where he spent two seasons. On 17 November 2021, he scored a double overtime winning goal to help them reach the knockout rounds of the NCJAA national tournament. In 2022, he was named to the United Soccer Coaches All-America Junior College Team and the NJCAA All-America Third Team.

In 2023, he transferred to Loyola Marymount University to play for the men's soccer team in the NCAA. On 2 September 2023, he scored a brace in a 2–2 draw with the California Baptist Lancers. On 17 November, he scored another brace in a victory over the UC Irvine Anteaters in the first round of the NCAA tournament. He scored the only goal in a 1–0 victory over the UCLA Bruins on 19 November to help Loyola reach the Sweet Sixteen for the first time in school history.

Club career In August 2019, Smalls signed with the Haverhill Rovers in the Eastern Counties Premier. He made his debut for the club on 6 August 2019 in a league match against Godmanchester Rovers, followed by becoming the club's youngest ever player to play in an FA Cup match on 10 August against Colney Heath. He scored 15 goals in 24 matches for the club.

In December 2019, he joined Saffron Walden Town in the Essex Senior League.

In September 2020, he signed with Felixstowe & Walton United. He scored in a pre-season match off of a free kick against Lowestoft Town.

At the 2024 MLS SuperDraft, Smalls was selected in the first round (14th overall) by Charlotte FC. In February 2024, he signed a contract with the Major League Soccer club for the 2024 season, with club options from 2025 through 2027. On 27 April, he made his Major League Soccer debut, in a substitute appearance, against New York City FC.

Career statistics

Personal life Smalls is the older brother of fellow footballer Magic Smalls.