CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Charleston Battery announced on Thursday the club had signed midfielder Viggo Ortiz to a multi-year contract ahead of the 2025 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

Ortiz had previously competed for the Battery as a USL Academy signing, joining the club last September. The Mexico U-17 Men’s National Team player has impressed since first arriving in the Lowcountry, and recently helped El Tri punch its ticket to the FIFA U-17 World Cup this November.

The ascension from an Academy contract to a professional deal marks a milestone moment in Ortiz’s development and a major step for his career.

“It's just a blessing to sign my first professional contract, I'm looking forward to making a name for myself here with the Battery,” said Ortiz. “This new chapter in my career is exciting, especially as I continue to grow as a player and person. I will give my all for this club and can't wait to make new memories.

“These past months I've seen a growth in my maturity, both on and off the field, to carry myself more professionally. My mentality has also strengthened because of the competitive environment with the experienced players. I've also seen a growth in my ability as a player from training with high-level teammates. I’m thankful for the coaches and my teammates who have been so influential to me.”

While Ortiz did not log an official appearance in 2024, he was selected for four matchday squads in the latter stages of the regular season. The 16-year-old was regularly involved in games during the 2025 preseason, including playing in the friendlies against Austin FC and D.C. United in Florida.

Ortiz has been a rising star within Mexico’s youth national teams. Overall, the Dallas native has earned five caps and scored one goal with the U-17 national team, along with featuring for the U-15 national team (eight caps, one goal) and the U-16 national team (three caps).

“Viggo only continues to get better and better,” said Battery Head Coach Ben Pirmann. “As a young player, it can be difficult to make an impact, especially as an attacking player, however he has already put his stamp on this team in his second season with us. He is a great dribbler in one-on-one situations and has a natural ability to score goals from wide areas.

“Viggo is a selfless player who wants to keep improving. His experiences with the Mexican national team and the Battery have pushed him to continue to be more accountable and become a more complete player. The future is bright for Viggo, and I am proud of him and his family to be a part of our club.”

Ortiz previously competed with the Austin FC Academy at the U-15 and U-17 levels from 2022 to 2024 and was one of their top prospects. He led the Austin U-15 team to victory at the 2023 Generation adidas Cup while being named tournament MVP and to the Best XI.

Ortiz is a dual citizen of the United States and Mexico and is eligible to represent either country in international competition. He is bilingual in English and Spanish.

“I've been working for this dream for years and it's an incredible feeling to see it pay off,” said Ortiz. “I'm so grateful for family, friends, teammates, coaches and this amazing club that have supported me through this journey. I love Charleston Battery and I'm excited to wear the Black and Yellow.”