Tim Ream is an American center-back who plays for Charlotte FC and has been one of the most experienced defenders in the U.S. Men’s National Team setup. Born on October 5, 1987, in St. Louis, Missouri, Ream is 38 years old as of September 27, 2026 and stands 6 feet 1 inch tall. Charlotte FC lists him as its No. 3 defender.
His career has stretched from Major League Soccer to more than a decade in English football and back to the United States. Ream captained the USMNT at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and U.S. Soccer is set to honor him in his hometown of St. Louis on September 29 for his national-team career and community impact.
Quick Bio: Tim Ream
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Tim Ream |
| Date of birth | October 5, 1987 |
| Age | 38 |
| Birthplace | St. Louis, Missouri, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in |
| Position | Center-back / Defender |
| Current club | Charlotte FC |
| Charlotte FC number | 3 |
| National team | United States |
| USMNT number | 13 |
| Wife | Kristen Sapienza |
| Children | Three |
| Charlotte contract | Through 2026, with an option for 2027 |
Who Is Tim Ream?
Tim Ream is a veteran American defender known for his long career in both the United States and England. Before becoming an established Premier League player and USMNT captain, he developed in the St. Louis soccer community.
Ream attended Saint Louis University from 2006 to 2009, where he played college soccer while studying finance and economics. He also came through St. Louis Scott Gallagher and attended St. Dominic High School.
His professional career began when the New York Red Bulls selected him with the 18th overall pick in the 2010 MLS SuperDraft. His performances in MLS soon opened the door to English football.
From MLS to Bolton and Fulham
Ream moved from the New York Red Bulls to Bolton Wanderers in January 2012. He went on to make 126 appearances for Bolton and was voted the club’s Player of the Year in consecutive seasons before moving to Fulham.
Fulham became the defining club chapter of his career.
Ream spent nine seasons with Fulham from 2015 to 2024, recording 312 appearances. During that period, he helped the London club earn promotion to the Premier League three times—in 2018, 2020 and 2022.
One of his most notable later seasons in England came in 2022–23, when he made 33 Premier League appearances as Fulham finished in the top half of the league.
His longevity in England made Ream unusual among American outfield players, particularly because some of his strongest club and international years came well into his thirties.
Tim Ream at Charlotte FC
Charlotte FC announced Ream’s signing on August 7, 2024, bringing him back to Major League Soccer after his long spell in England.
The club signed him through the 2026 season with an option for 2027. He made his Charlotte debut later that month against the New York Red Bulls, the MLS club that had originally drafted him.
Ream remains listed on Charlotte’s current roster as a senior defender wearing No. 3.
His influence has continued beyond simply providing experience. In June 2026, Ream was selected to the First XI for the 2026 MLS All-Star Game through voting involving fans, players and media members. It was the second MLS All-Star selection of his career after previously being chosen in 2011.
USMNT Career and 2026 World Cup Captaincy
Ream made his senior United States debut on November 17, 2010, against South Africa.
His international career has included the 2022 and 2026 FIFA World Cups. At the 2022 tournament in Qatar, he played every minute of the United States’ four matches.
Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, head coach Mauricio Pochettino officially named Ream USMNT captain. He subsequently appeared in four of the United States’ five World Cup matches as the team reached the Round of 16.
As of September 2026, U.S. Soccer lists Ream with 86 senior international appearances, one goal and four assists.
His connection to the national team is receiving special recognition on September 29, 2026, when U.S. Soccer plans to honor him before the USA-Chile match at Energizer Park in his hometown of St. Louis.
Tim Ream’s Wife and Family
Ream is married to Kristen Sapienza. The couple met at Saint Louis University, where Sapienza played women’s soccer, and they married in 2012.
They have three children: two sons, Aidan and Theodore, and a daughter, Lilia.
Ream has spoken publicly about the importance of fatherhood. He has explained that spending time with his wife and children helps him reset away from football and that becoming a father gave him additional motivation in his career.
Those publicly documented details provide useful family context without relying on speculation about his private life.
Tim Ream Salary, Contract and Net Worth
Ream’s Charlotte FC contract runs through 2026, with the club holding an option for 2027.
The MLS Players Association’s Spring 2026 Salary Guide lists Ream with a base salary of $1 million and annual guaranteed compensation of $1,127,750.
Guaranteed compensation is an MLSPA reporting measure and should not automatically be treated as his total personal income or after-tax earnings.
An exact Tim Ream net worth has not been publicly confirmed. Online celebrity-wealth estimates should therefore be treated cautiously rather than presented as verified financial information.
Why Tim Ream Remains Notable in 2026
Ream’s relevance in 2026 comes from more than career longevity. At 38, he captained the United States at a home World Cup, earned an MLS All-Star First XI selection and remained an active Charlotte FC defender.
His September recognition in St. Louis also brings his career full circle: from youth and college soccer in the area to captaining his country on football’s biggest stage.
Conclusion
Tim Ream’s career now connects several generations of American soccer: an MLS beginning, more than a decade in England, a return to Charlotte FC and leadership of the USMNT at the 2026 World Cup. His profile remains especially relevant as U.S. Soccer prepares to recognize his international career in St. Louis.
FAQs
How old is Tim Ream?
Tim Ream was born on October 5, 1987. He is 38 years old as of September 27, 2026, and will turn 39 on October 5.
How tall is Tim Ream?
Tim Ream is listed at 6 feet 1 inch tall.
What club does Tim Ream play for?
Tim Ream currently plays for Charlotte FC in Major League Soccer. He joined the club from Fulham in August 2024.
What number does Tim Ream wear?
Charlotte FC lists Ream as No. 3, while he has worn No. 13 for the United States national team.
Who is Tim Ream’s wife?
Tim Ream is married to Kristen Sapienza, whom he met while they were students at Saint Louis University. They married in 2012.
Does Tim Ream have children?
Yes. Tim Ream and his wife have three children, sons Aidan and Theodore and daughter Lilia.
Did Tim Ream captain the USMNT at the 2026 World Cup?
Yes. Mauricio Pochettino named Ream captain ahead of the tournament, and he appeared in four of the United States’ five matches during its run to the Round of 16.
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