The Charleston Battery are pleased to announce the signing of Guatemala international forward Rubio Rubín to the 2025 roster on Thursday, pending league and federation approval. The attacker has extensive experience in North America and Europe and previously played for the U.S. Men’s National Team before switching his allegiance to Guatemala, who he currently represents.
Rubín, 29, starred for MLS side Real Salt Lake from 2021 to 2023, appearing in 93 matches and scoring 12 goals and nine assists across all competitions. His sensational bicycle kick goal against the San Jose Earthquakes won the 2021 MLS Goal of the Year. Rubín was loaned out to Liga MX club Querétaro FC in 2024, tallying three goals and one assist across 17 appearances.
“I’m excited for this chapter and to see what we can achieve together,” said Rubín. “I’m looking forward to getting to work, to improving, to training hard and learning from this team, all to help this team win trophies. I see myself fitting in well with the squad and the way they play, it’s a team that attacks and creates a lot of scoring opportunities.
“The club has an ambition to be at the top, and I want to contribute to that goal, that’s really what drew me to wanting to join the Battery. And on an individual level, with World Cup qualifiers and the Gold Cup around the corner, I want to be in the best position and the best form.”
“I remember being at a camp with the Guatemalan national team and having a call with Ben Pirmann and Lee Cohen about joining the Battery, I quickly realized that this club is inspired to win and wants to win now more than ever,” said Rubín.
A native of Beaverton, Oregon, and with family ties to Mexico and Guatemala, Rubín began his international career with the United States, ascending through the youth national team ranks before earning seven caps with the USMNT.
In 2022, Rubín made a one-time switch to represent Guatemala and has been among their most prolific scorers with 11 goals and 30 caps to date. He most recently featured for Guatemala in their pair of Concacaf Gold Cup qualification matches against Guyana in March, scoring one goal en route to helping Los Chapines secure their spot in the 2025 Gold Cup.
“Rubio is a high-quality player and has been on most North and Central American-based clubs’ radar for a while,” said Head Coach Ben Pirmann. “Rubio is an attacker who can play in a variety of roles, out wide on either side or centrally in a variety of roles. He has striker tendencies to create and finish attacks and will work out of possession to defend with the front line.
“He has had incredible success in MLS, USL, Liga MX, Europe and with his senior national squad, and we did not want to miss the chance to add him to our group.”
Prior to his move to MLS, Rubín played in Europe for Dutch side FC Utrecht (2014-17), Danish club Silkeborg IF (2017) and Norwegian team Stabæk (2017).
Rubín returned to North America in 2018 to play for Liga MX clubs Tijuana and Dorados (loan) from 2018 to 2020. He had a brief stint with USL Championship side San Diego Loyal SC in 2020, scoring five times in just four games.
“It’s always a positive to strengthen the squad,” said Coach Pirmann. “We have a talented group and never want to rely on one player or position, so we are excited to be able to improve with a player who is also versatile. Rubio has great energy and wants to win, he knows our league and works hard, so he will be a great addition to an already selfless and hard-working group.”
Rubín, who reunites with former Salt Lake teammate Douglas Martínez, is ready to begin his next chapter in the Lowcountry.
“I’m eager to feel the fans’ energy and to give them something exciting, because their support is everything,” said Rubín. “In my experience, Guatemalan fans have been amazing and really love the game of football, so I hope the Charleston Battery fanbase can embrace me as well. I will do everything I can to represent the club and their supporters well. I’m excited for this chapter and excited to see what we can do together.”
Rubín will wear the number 14 and will be available for Saturday’s USL Jägermeister Cup match at FC Naples.
