Today we have an exclusive interview and report on Glory Nzingo. On loan to Carolina Core FC from Swansea City we check out how life is going for Glory. He is finding the net and enjoying his time in the USA. And now we get the full brief.

Just 20 years old, Dublin-born midfielder Glory Nzingo has already embarked on a fascinating soccer journey, showcasing his talent across various youth academies, European clubs, and now making his mark in the American professional landscape. Currently on loan with MLS Next Pro side Carolina Core FC Glory’s career is a testament to early promise and consistent development. Glory's footballing education began in Ireland, where he honed his skills with several prominent youth clubs, including Mountview Boys, Castleknock Celtic, Home Farm, and Cherry Orchard. His prodigious talent was evident early on, leading to a move to St Patrick's Athletic in January 2019. It was at St Pat's that Glory made a significant splash, making his senior debut at the tender age of 14 in a pre-season friendly against English giants Chelsea. His potential was further recognized in 2020 when he was named the Football Association of Ireland U15 Player of the Year.

His impressive performances caught the eye of European scouts, leading to a move to French side Stade de Reims in July 2021, after a reported bid from Stade Rennais. Glory continued his development in France, featuring for Stade de Reims B in Championnat National 2, making 10 appearances between 2021 and 2023. In June 2023, Glory’s career took another significant step when he signed for our academy, a move that brought him back to British football.

To gain valuable first-team experience, Glory made a loan switch to Carolina Core FC in MLS Next Pro on February 14, 2025, a deal set to run until December 31, 2025. He quickly integrated into the squad, making his debut on April 2, 2025, in a U.S. Open Cup match against Charlotte Independence. Since then, he has become a regular fixture for Carolina Core, featuring in 17 MLS Next Pro matches and contributing 7 goals, showcasing his attacking prowess from midfield. He also made an appearance in the U.S. Open Cup.

Beyond club football, Glory has proudly represented the Republic of Ireland at various youth levels. He has earned caps for the U15, U16, and U19 national teams, and most recently, in November 2024, received his first call-up to the Republic of Ireland U21 squad, making his debut in a friendly against Sweden U21. Glory’s career trajectory thus far is one of consistent progression and a commitment to development. With his talent, dedication, and the valuable experience he's gaining in MLS Next Pro, he is certainly one to watch as he continues his ascent in the world of professional soccer.

⚽️ Glory Nzingo Shines Bright for Carolina Core FC
Glory’s arrival was met with anticipation, given his background in top European academies like Stade de Reims and Swansea City. He wasted no time making his presence felt, debuting on April 2, 2025, in a U.S. Open Cup match against Charlotte Independence.
The young midfielder's prowess was particularly highlighted in April, as he earned the MLS Next Pro Goal of Matchweek 6 honor. This accolade came after a sensational first-half strike against Toronto FC II, where he received a pass near midfield, beat his defender, and launched a superb shot over the goalkeeper for the opening goal. This moment was a clear indication of his attacking flair and ability to produce moments of magic. Throughout the 2025 MLS Next Pro season, Glory has been a consistent performer for Carolina Core FC. His ability to link play, drive forward, and contribute in the final third has been crucial for the team.

⚽️ Glory Nzingo's Stats at Carolina Core FC (as of July 31)
These statistics underscore Glory’s significant contribution to Carolina Core FC. His seven goals in just 17 MLS Next Pro appearances demonstrate his clinical touch in front of goal, while his assists highlight his playmaking capabilities. He's proven to be a dynamic force in the midfield, combining his technical skills with an impressive work rate.
Glory’s time with Carolina Core FC is proving to be invaluable for his development. The regular playing time and opportunity to impact matches at a professional level are precisely what a young talent needs to refine his game. As the season progresses, Glory will undoubtedly continue to be a player to watch, with his performances potentially paving the way for further opportunities in his promising career.

⚽️ Manager Donovan Ricketts on Glory Nzingo
Q. What is the connection to Swansea City given there are many other academies you could have chosen a player from and, why did you choose Glory NZingo in particular.

A. There is no official partnership or connection with Swansea City. We were made aware of Glory through his agent and when we saw the highlights we were intrigued so we watched a few games and what we saw on the highlights was the same in the games we watched so we got the ball rolling to see what could be done.

Q. What would you say about Glory’s personality, work ethic, motivation etc .

A. Glory is very motivated he is aware of how talented he is as a player and he wants to play at a high level. His environment at Swansea has molded the mindset that in order to play you need to work hard and not just rely on talent. With this mindset he turns up to practice every day ready to work and compete in order to improve. Glory is very religious and he’s humble that’s why his transition was relatively smooth to settle in a new environment and with new teammates seamlessly.

Q. You spent time at Bolton and 3 years with Bradford City in League 1. Do you think Glory at his current stage in his development would hold down a regular starting place in a League 1 team.

A. Without a doubt I think Glory has the talent and work ethic to hold down a regular starting place in a league 1 team. Glory is a talented footballer. The challenge for Glory now is what type of player are you once the team is not in possession and he’s been trying to develop that side of his game since he’s been with us at Carolina Core.

Q. Do you think Glory is going to go on to bigger things whether it’s with an MLS team or higher in the English soccer pyramid.

A. In my opinion I think Glory will definitely play at a high level once he keeps on the same path of being a student of the game and work to improve every day.

⚽️ Glory on Glory
Q. How are you enjoying your American experience and how does it compare to France and Wales.

A. It’s great. So different to the UK and Europe culture and people wise. The weathers amazing and the people are really friendly. It really is different in a good way. Also I’m a Christian and there are lots of Christian communities around me. That’s really important to me.

Q. Where or what do you see happening next when you return to Swansea at the end of the year given we will be in mid season.

A. The season ends here in October unless we make the play off’s so I see myself trying to push on and challenge for the first team when I get back as opposed to another loan move. Ultimately my dream is to play for one of the big teams in La Liga.

Q. How does the infrastructure at Carolina Core compare to Swansea’s academy ie training facilities, training regimes, staff etc.

A. It’s only the clubs second season in existence but they have already built facilities that match those back home and you can see that the club is serious about going places. The training is just as hard.

Q. What type of player would you describe yourself as. DM, CM or AM and what do you think your best qualities are on the pitch. Dribbling, creating, attacking, scoring, tackling or ?

A. When I came here I had mostly played as an attacking midfielder but they have given me the opportunity to play center forward where I can really show what I can do. It allows me to show more of my abilities and I feel I have progressed a lot in my time here.

Q. Which recognised player is your playing style to similar too.

A. I like the style of Rayan Cherki and Neymar. If you really want me to pick a player whose style I see similarities with that would be Xavi Simons at RB Leipzig.

Thanks to Carolina Core, Donovan Rocketts & of course Glory Nzingo. We wish you the very best concluding your loan in the USA. The Marauder will return.

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This report is ©️Swansea Independent, reproduction with credit.

Photographs : Carolina Core Fc & Next Pro, interview conducted in the USA

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