Who are the best Canadian soccer players right now? Join us as we look at some of the most talented figures in the sport...
The Canadian men’s national soccer team has been on the ascendancy for the last six years.
From a near all-time low FIFA Ranking of 117th at the end of 2016, Canada has rebuilt around hot prospects, climbing to a high of 33rd in February 2022.
10 Best Canadian Soccer Players:
Powered by a strong mix of exciting young players and stalwart veterans in key areas of the pitch, the momentum built by Canada saw the team finish top of CONCACAF to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
So, it’s clear that the Canadian national team now has several top players at its disposal. These are the ten best Canadian soccer players right now...
Alphonso Davies
Without a doubt, Alphonso Davies is the best Canadian soccer player right now and looks set to go down as one of Les Rouges’ best of all time.
After switching to Bayern Munich from the Vancouver Whitecaps in 2019, the teenager did the unthinkable: uprooted David Alaba to force him from left-back to centre-back.
Due to developing myocarditis as a result of COVID-19, Davies missed much of last season, but still managed to put up six assists in 31 games.
Next season, the speedster with an endless engine will challenge for the Champions League once again, with Bayern Munich at +600 in the soccer betting to take the European title.
Since his national team debut back in 2017, Davies has put up 12 goals and 16 assists in just 32 games for Canada, predominantly from left-midfield.
Jonathan David
Still only 22-years-old, Jonathan David has quickly developed into Canada’s most exciting forward.
In 2018, he switched from Ottawa ISC to KAA Gent’s youth set-up, making his first-team debut that summer. Just two years later, Ligue 1 side LOSC Lille paid close to $27 million for the stud striker.
The powerhouse forward’s haul of 18 goals in Ligue 1 and the Champions League showcase another season of improvement, leading to David being tipped for a move to one of Europe’s elite clubs last season and throughout this summer.
For his national team, the striker has netted 21 times in 32 caps to date.
Very impressive. I would put 5 past him in the first half though. He is still a dog. https://t.co/WSNIvNpLrx
— Jonathan David (@itsJoDavid) July 7, 2022
Cyle Larin
In the 2015 MLS SuperDraft, Cyle Larin was taken first off the board, broke the rookie record with 17 goals, and won the MLS Rookie of the Year Award.
Before he could hit 100 appearances, with 44 goals under his belt, Europe came calling: Turkish powerhouse Beşiktaş won the race for the Canadian winger.
Cementing his place as one of the best Canadian soccer players, Larin decided to see out his contract in Turkey and move as a free agent to Club Brugge in the Jupiler Pro League this summer.
The chance to play in the Champions League group stage proved very appealing to the forward looking to keep his place alongside David up top for Canada.
Tajon Buchanan
In January last year, Tajon Buchanan made a move from MLS side New England Revolution to Club Brugge, immediately muscling his way into the starting XI.
Next season, the right-winger will play alongside compatriot Larin along the Belgian side’s forward line.
Still only 23-years-old, the Brampton-native already has four goals and six assists in 24 games for Canada, and will surely only improve with regular soccer in Europe.
BREAKDOWN 📋
— OneSoccer (@onesoccer) July 13, 2022
Why Cyle Larin to Club Brugge makes sense for the #CanMNT star
In a World Cup year and with a fellow Canadian in Tajon Buchanan, here's @tv_jjd with analysis on why this transfer works out well, on paper ✅
WATCH ▶️https://t.co/Ww7MPFlec9 pic.twitter.com/2zwAvlkgMh
Stephen Eustáquio
Hailing from Leamington, Stephen Eustáquio played his youth international soccer for Portugal, but pivoted back to Canada for his senior-level debut in 2019 at the age of 22.
Now, he has three goals and three assists, being a trusted player to give the ball to and who can produce some real magic with his eye for a pass.
In the middle of last season, Eustáquio moved from Paços de Ferreira to one of the league’s elite, FC Porto.
Used sparingly by the Dragões, the Canadian playmaker will be looking to break into the starting XI and help secure the Primeira Liga title, for which they’re the +110 favourites in the sport betting.
Atiba Hutchinson
Easily the most influential player in the locker room and most trusted player on the pitch, Atiba Hutchinson has become iconic for the Canada men’s national soccer team.
Canada’s captain is the backbone of the squad, and despite being 39-years-old, can still play a full shift in defensive midfield or centre back.
#CANMNT Captain Atiba Hutchinson threw out the ceremonial first pitch at the Toronto Blue Jays game last night! ⚾️
— Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN) June 16, 2022
Good luck today @BlueJays! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/8aIRiU0GOz
Mark-Anthony Kaye
In one of the stories of the summer in the MLS, Toronto FC put up general allocation money, a 2023 first-round pick, an international roster slot, and Ralph Priso to bring Mark-Anthony Kaye home.
He reunites with Bob Bradley, who was his coach at Los Angeles FC. Now, the 27-year-old will be able to dazzle hometown fans with his crafty plays from the middle of the pitch.
Jonathan Osorio
The “Return of the MAK” sees Kaye join forces with fellow Torontonian Jonathan Osorio, which will surely cement the chemistry between the two for the Canadian national team.
A record-breaker for his MLS side with 309 total appearances for the club, he also has seven goals and seven assists in 55 games for Canada.
#TFCLive is on the verge of picking up a big win over the #Quakes74, and they can thank (who else?) Jonathan Osorio, who scored *this* chip for his 5th of the season (6th all comps)
— Alexandre Gangué-Ruzic (@AlexGangueRuzic) July 10, 2022
Along with an assist, not a bad game for the #CanMNT manpic.twitter.com/NQCFwWyQ0y
Steven Vitória
Another graduate from the Portuguese youth ranks to end up playing for Canada, Toronto-born Steven Vitória made his debut for CanMNT at 29-years-old and is now a regular starter at centre back.
His presence at the back is near-unmatched at 195cm, and Vitória will continue playing in Portugal’s top-tier this season with the newly-promoted GD Chaves.
Milan Borjan
Alongside Hutchinson, 34-year-old Milan Borjan has helped to forge a reliable and experienced core for the current Canada national soccer team, allowing the young guns to go out and wreak havoc.
The 196cm netminder is known for his willingness to make erratic stops while also being very reliable between the posts.
As you can see, the best Canadian soccer players right now play all over the pitch, with each of these ten picks regularly bringing their best respective games whenever they pull on the jersey of Les Rouges.
Milan Borjan, draped in the 🇨🇦 flag talking about the number of new and first generation Canadians on this men’s team that feel thankful for the chance to represent Canada after the country gave them so much. “When something gives you that much love you have to return it.” pic.twitter.com/GuwGljDqNU
— Matthew Scianitti (@TSNScianitti) January 30, 2022
*Credit for all images in this article belongs to AP Photo*
FIRST PUBLISHED: 14th July 2022
