On 16 July 1998, only four days after the World Cup Final, he joined Rangers of the Scottish Premier League, signed by Dutch manager Dick Advocaat for £1.2 million. Charbonnier wore the number 1 shirt and initially competed with Antti Niemi for a place in the team. He suffered a cruciate ligament injury soon after but made 19 appearances throughout the season, including 11 in the league as Rangers won the 1998–99 Scottish Premier League title. Stefan Klos was signed in December 1998 and immediately became Rangers' first choice.