H. Karamoko, D.C. United, Forward, #19: Rising Star Profile

You’ve seen young talents climb the ranks before, but not many have stepped up with the calm confidence of H. Karamoko, D.C. United’s forward wearing number 19. At only 19, he’s already flashed some of the traits that make him special—a sharp first touch, plenty of pace, and a real knack for finding open space.

It’s not hard to see why Karamoko’s journey from NC State to the pro stage hints at a player who could stick around for a long time.

You can follow his path from college soccer at NC State to his selection as the 10th overall pick in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft. D.C. United spotted his potential pretty early.

He’s already spent time with the club, including a loan stint at Loudoun United FC, picking up valuable minutes in the USL Championship. That loan gave him a chance to sharpen his attacking instincts.

Karamoko’s story isn’t just about a hot start—it’s about watching a young athlete grow up in front of you. If you keep an eye on his progress through D.C. United’s system, you’ll see what makes him one of the more interesting prospects in American soccer.

H. Karamoko: Player Overview

You’re looking at a young forward whose steady climb from college to the pros says a lot about his work ethic. His background, athleticism, and attacking instincts shape how he fits into both D.C. United and Loudoun United’s lineups.

Personal Background

Hakim Karamoko was born on November 1, 2005, in New York City, New York. He played his college soccer at NC State University and caught the attention of Major League Soccer scouts with his performances.

In the 2025 MLS SuperDraft, D.C. United picked him 10th overall—that’s a pretty big deal for a sophomore forward.

He grew up playing in New York’s competitive youth leagues, where he built up strong technical skills and composure in front of goal. His college run at NC State showed off his speed and discipline, making the jump to the pros a bit smoother.

Karamoko joined D.C. United in early 2025, then moved on loan to Loudoun United FC in the USL Championship (D.C. United’s official site). The loan gave him real game time, and he picked up his first professional assist against Louisville City SC.

Physical Attributes

At 1.83 meters (6 feet) tall, Karamoko brings a good mix of height and speed—pretty ideal for a modern winger. He’s got a lean frame that helps him accelerate quickly, but he’s strong enough to hold off defenders in tight spots.

His endurance stands out too; he’s still pressing high even late in games. He’s agile and balanced, which makes him tough to handle in one-on-one situations, especially when he cuts in from the right.

Here’s a quick snapshot of his physical stats:

Attribute	Measurement
Height	1.83 m (6 ft)
Weight	75 kg (165 lbs)
Preferred Foot	Right
Sprint Speed	Above average
Stamina	High

You’ll notice his blend of pace, control, and balance makes him a wide attacker who can also drift inside when needed.

Playing Position and Style

Karamoko usually lines up as a right winger, but he’s flexible across the front line. His game is about direct runs, quick one-twos, and sharp crossing.

He likes to drift inside, opening up space for overlapping fullbacks or taking defenders on one-on-one. You’ll see him thrive in attacking transitions, using his speed to exploit gaps.

His style fits D.C. United’s fast, vertical play. During his time with Loudoun United, he worked on his defensive awareness and off-ball movement.

You can check his current club stats on Transfermarkt. His development looks focused on consistency and adaptability, not just flashy moves. Coaches seem to value him for his balance between creativity and structure.

D.C. United Career

You’re watching a young forward go from college standout to MLS starter. His journey includes a top draft pick, a debut in national competition, and now, a regular role wearing number 19 for one of the league’s oldest clubs.

MLS SuperDraft Selection

You probably first heard Hakim Karamoko’s name at the 2025 MLS SuperDraft, when D.C. United took him 10th overall from North Carolina State University.

The club announced the signing on January 8, 2025—a three-year contract through 2027, with options for 2028 and 2029 (D.C. United’s official site).

At NC State, Karamoko led the team with seven goals as a sophomore and made the All-ACC Second Team. His technical skills, strong build, and speed convinced D.C. United that he could handle the MLS jump.

They saw him as a long-term project, but with a shot at immediate impact. Drafting him in the first round put him right up there with other top young forwards entering MLS, like those picked by the Philadelphia Union and other teams looking for attacking depth.

First Team Debut

Karamoko started for D.C. United on May 6, 2025, in a 2–0 win over the Charleston Battery in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup (Loudoun United’s report).

He played in two matches across all competitions before heading out on loan to Loudoun United FC. That move gave him a chance to build fitness and get regular minutes in the USL Championship.

While at Loudoun, he made nine appearances and notched one assist. He earned a recall to D.C. United in midseason. Early on, he showed calmness on the ball and wasn’t afraid to press defenders—traits that really fit D.C. United’s high-tempo system.

Competition	Team	Appearances	Goals	Assists
MLS	D.C. United	2	0	0
USL Championship	Loudoun United FC	9	0	1

Jersey Number 19

When Karamoko steps on the pitch, you’ll spot the number 19 on his back. That number marks his place among D.C. United’s young core and signals his role as a developing forward.

He follows a line of players who’ve worn 19 before, each adding something different to the club’s history. Wearing it ties him to that tradition, but also hints at a new chapter for the team’s attack.

Karamoko’s physical profile—6’0”, 185 lbs—and his direct style make him a natural fit for the number. Now, 19 is his, and it marks him as one of the promising young domestic players in D.C. United’s system.

Loan Spell at Loudoun United FC

You can see how a short-term loan really shapes a young player early on. Hakim Karamoko used his time with Loudoun United FC to pick up pro experience in the USL Championship and sharpen his attacking game before heading back to D.C. United.

Loan Details and Timeline

D.C. United sent Karamoko to Loudoun United FC on May 30, 2025. That move gave the 19-year-old forward regular minutes at a competitive level.

Loudoun United, D.C. United’s USL Championship affiliate, provided a solid environment for his growth.

He made his debut on June 7, coming off the bench in a 1–1 draw against the Charleston Battery. Over about three months, Karamoko played in nine matches across all competitions.

D.C. United recalled him on September 9, 2025, after he showed steady progress and more consistency in his performances. That recall gave him another shot at cracking the MLS roster.

Performance with Loudoun United

At Loudoun, Karamoko worked on building confidence and getting used to the physical grind of senior soccer. You could see him improve his off-ball movement and positioning.

Coaches liked his composure and work rate, both in training and in games.

He tallied his first professional assist against Louisville City SC on June 25. That moment showed his growing comfort in attack and his ability to link up with teammates under pressure.

His brief spell in the USL Championship also helped him adjust to faster defensive transitions and different tactics. Those lessons came in handy when he returned to D.C. United’s first team later on.

Key Matches and Statistics

Karamoko’s time with Loudoun United didn’t bring a ton of goals, but his work in buildup play and pressing stood out. His stats show how he contributed in ways that don’t always show up on the scoresheet.

Category	Statistic
Appearances	9
Starts	4
Minutes Played	410
Assists	1
Shots on Target	5
Passing Accuracy	78%

These numbers, pulled from D.C. United’s official report, highlight his steady progress. Coming out of North Carolina State University, Karamoko used this loan to make the jump from college standout to a pro forward learning the speed of top-level play.

Collegiate Soccer at NC State

You can see how Hakim Karamoko’s time at NC State played a big part in his road to pro soccer. His two seasons in Raleigh showed steady growth and maturity—enough to catch the eyes of MLS scouts.

Standout Seasons

Karamoko came to NC State as a freshman in 2023 and quickly made an impact up front. You might remember he scored four goals and notched nine points, earning a spot on the 2023 All-ACC Freshman Team.

In his sophomore year, he took another step, leading the Wolfpack in goals and points. He helped the team reach the NCAA Sweet Sixteen, which was one of their best postseason runs in recent memory.

His consistent play got him an invite to the 2024 MLS adidas College Showcase in San Diego, where he trained and played alongside top college prospects. Scouts from D.C. United definitely took notice, setting up his selection in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft.

Season	Games Played	Starts	Goals	Assists	Points
2023	16	11	4	1	9
2024	18	13	7	2	16

Awards and Honors

You can really see Karamoko’s rise in the recognition he picked up along the way. As a freshman, he stood out among all the first-year players in the ACC. By his second season, he ranked right up there with the best in the conference.

He grabbed All-ACC Second Team and All-South Region First Team honors, putting him among the top collegiate forwards in the region. His name even showed up on TopDrawerSoccer’s Postseason Top-100 College Players list, which says a lot about his national reputation.

These awards tell the story of his steady improvement and his knack for performing when it matters. You can see how his technical skill, pace, and awareness turned into real results on the pitch.

Legacy at NC State

Karamoko’s legacy at NC State isn’t just about stats. You notice how his professionalism and work ethic set the bar for younger players. Coaches talk about his focus in training and his ability to step up to higher levels of play.

He became one of the school’s highest-ever MLS SuperDraft picks, going 10th overall to D.C. United, as NC State Athletics reported. That put him in a pretty exclusive group of NC State players who’ve made the jump to Major League Soccer.

His journey shows how a player can grow in a strong college program and then move confidently into the pro game.

Accolades and Achievements

Hakim Karamoko’s early success really shows his steady growth and proven skill. His college years at NC State explain why D.C. United wanted him so much, with honors that highlight both his performance and consistency.

All-ACC Second Team Selection

It’s tough to earn a spot on the All-ACC Second Team, especially in a conference loaded with talent. Karamoko earned this honor by leading NC State in goals as a sophomore, scoring seven times and picking up key assists in big games.

He started 14 of 19 matches, showing he could keep going all season. He kept creating chances under pressure, and coaches and analysts across the ACC noticed.

Season	Team	Goals	Assists	Matches Played	Honors
2024	NC State	7	1	19	All-ACC Second Team

This recognition put him among the top forwards in college soccer and helped build his reputation as a player ready for the next step. Scouts paid attention, and it played a big role in his MLS SuperDraft selection by D.C. United.

All-South Region First Team Recognition

Regional honors usually mean a player’s been excellent against a wide range of opponents. Karamoko’s spot on the United Soccer Coaches NCAA Division I Men’s All-South Region First Team showed he could perform beyond just conference games.

He stood out for his pace, control, and finishing, especially in tough matches. Coaches pointed out his movement off the ball and smart decisions as big strengths.

D.C. United’s official announcement listed this recognition, backing up his move from college standout to pro prospect. It was the first time in years that an NC State forward earned that regional honor.

Notable Career Highlights

You can track Karamoko’s rise through some pretty clear milestones. He made the ACC All-Freshman Team in 2023, the first NC State player to do that since 2017. Over two seasons, he put up 11 goals and 3 assists in 31 appearances.

His steady production got him picked 10th overall in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft, and D.C. United signed him to a three-year deal with options through 2029.

Year	Club	Competition	Appearances	Goals	Notes
2023–2024	NC State	NCAA	31	11	All-ACC, All-South Region
2025	D.C. United	MLS	Debut Season	—	Loaned to Loudoun United FC

You see a player who built his résumé through results, not hype.

Professional Outlook and Future Impact

Hakim Karamoko’s start with D.C. United shows a forward who already has sharp finishing instincts and physical maturity. His time at North Carolina State gave him a real taste of the pace in pro soccer, and his current path hints at steady growth in both skill and tactics.

Potential in Professional Soccer

Karamoko blends speed, strength, and awareness in the attacking third. Drafted 10th overall in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft, he signed a three-year deal with D.C. United through 2027, with club options into 2029. His early games, including a start in the 2025 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, gave a glimpse of his composure under pressure.

At just 19, his finishing already stands out. He led NC State in goals as a sophomore and earned All-ACC Second Team honors. That kind of reliability in front of goal should translate well to MLS, where young forwards often have growing pains.

Season	Club	Appearances	Goals	Assists	Competition
2023–2024	NC State	31	11	3	NCAA D1
2025	D.C. United	2	0	0	MLS
2025	Loudoun United (loan)	Ongoing	–	–	USL Championship

If he keeps adjusting to the physical side of MLS, you might see him fighting for more first-team minutes by late 2025.

Influence on Young Athletes

Younger players look for real examples of persistence, and Karamoko’s path fits the bill. Coming from New York City and then excelling at NC State, he proves that strong college play can still open doors in today’s MLS, even with all the international scouting.

His steady climb, from the ACC to the pros, gives others a clear roadmap. Players who watch him train or follow his loan at Loudoun United FC see a forward who values consistency more than flash.

Karamoko’s focus on fitness and recovery stands out, too. After preseason core surgery, he got back to training with barely any delay, showing the discipline it takes for a long pro career. That kind of commitment really resonates with young players who hope to balance ambition and patience.

Upcoming Competitions

You’ll probably see Karamoko in both MLS and U.S. Open Cup games, since D.C. United likes to rotate their lineup. They loaned him to Loudoun United so he could get steady minutes—honestly, that’s huge for a young forward trying to figure out how to break down defenders at this level.

The 2025 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup might just be where he makes his mark. Karamoko already started a match in that tournament, and he helped the squad grab a 2–0 win over the Charleston Battery. That sort of performance definitely earns coaches’ trust (and, let’s be real, fans notice too).

D.C. United keeps pushing youth into the spotlight, so don’t be surprised if they call him back for some late-season MLS action. Every time he steps on the field, it’s another chance to prove he belongs in the Black-and-Red’s attack.