Canadian soccer is rising to prominence, driven by exceptional talents making waves on the global stage. Among the famous Canadian soccer players, Alphonso Davies stands out as one of the best Canadian soccer players of all time, combining unmatched speed and versatility with leadership as Canada’s captain. His performances have inspired a nation as they head into the Copa América. Similarly, Jonathan David, often mentioned in discussions about who is the best Canadian soccer player, is a clinical finisher for LOSC Lille, placing him among the top Canadian soccer players and elevating Canada in crucial matches.
Stephen Eustáquio anchors Canada’s midfield with precision and resilience, playing a vital role for both FC Porto and his national team. Ismaël Koné’s growth at Olympique Marseille and Niko Sigur’s emergence at Hajduk Split highlight the depth of best young Canadian soccer players, showcasing defensive strength and playmaking vision.
These players symbolize Canada’s ascent in global soccer, blending skill, determination, and leadership, paving the way for an exciting future in Canada soccer.
Here are the best and highest paid players of 2024 / 2025:
- Alphonso Davies – C$12.3 million/year
- Jonathan David – C$3.3 million/year
- Ismaël Koné – C$2 million per year
- Stephen Eustaquio – C$0.6 million per year
- Alistair Johnston – C$1.6 million per year
- Tajon Buchanan – C$0.6 million per year
- Moïse Bombito – C$1 million per year
- Jacob Shaffelburg – C$0.2 million per year
- Derek Cornelius – C$1.3 million per year
- Niko Sigur – C$0.2 million per year
Factors we considered to curate this list
- Performances for Canada
- Current form for the respective club
- How important they have been to their club’s success
- Their current market value and yearly salary
Canada’s Impact on Global Football
Canada’s soccer stars are no longer confined to domestic recognition. With talents like Alphonso Davies dazzling in the Bundesliga and Jonathan David lighting up Ligue 1, Canadian players are becoming household names on the global stage. Clubs like Bayern Munich, LOSC Lille, and Olympique Marseille are now home to famous Canadian football players who excel not only in skill but also in leadership.
This international success has placed Canada firmly on the map as a rising football powerhouse. Performances in tournaments like the Copa América, where players like Jacob Shaffelburg and Moïse Bombito played pivotal roles, demonstrate the team’s ability to compete with the world’s best. The decision of dual-national players, such as Niko Sigur, to commit to Canada over other nations, signals a newfound belief in the program’s future.
With every assist, tackle, and goal, Canadian players are rewriting the narrative of football in North America, proving that the nation is no longer a developmental league but a breeding ground for elite global talent. Among these talents, Alphonso Davies has become a leading candidate for Canada’s best soccer player, setting the bar for future generations.
Alphonso Davies - FC Bayern München
Alphonso Davies continues to electrify the football world with his blazing pace, technical skill, and versatility. As a key figure for Bayern Munich, Davies has regained top form this season, anchoring their defense while driving attacks with his seamless transitions and incisive runs. His selection to the IFFHS Men’s World Team of 2024 cements his place among the best Canadian football players and answers the question, who is the best soccer player in Canada?
On the international stage, Davies captains Canada, exemplifying leadership and skill as he guides his team into the prestigious Copa América. His journey from refugee to national hero resonates deeply, inspiring fans and players alike. Under his leadership, Canada displays renewed determination, embodying the passion and pride he brings to the pitch.
At just 23, Davies is already a cornerstone in global football. Speculation of a move to Real Madrid underscores his immense value, with clubs vying for his unique blend of defensive reliability and offensive flair. Whether dazzling with Bayern or elevating Canada soccer, Davies embodies the modern footballer: dynamic, impactful, and transcendent. As his career ascends, his significance in the sport only grows, promising even greater achievements ahead.
Alphonso Davies' 2024/25 stats
Games: 21 Goals: 1 Assists: 3
Salary and Market Value:
Yearly Salary: 12.3 CAD million/year
Current Market Value: €50.00m
Jonathan David - LOSC Lille
Jonathan David, the 24-year-old Canadian forward, has been a pivotal force for LOSC Lille in the 2024-2025 season. His clinical finishing and intelligent positioning have propelled him to the top of the Ligue 1 scoring charts, netting 11 goals in 15 matches, cementing his reputation as one of the best Canadian players.
In the UEFA Champions League, David’s prowess continues to shine. Over six matches, he has scored four goals, averaging 0.67 goals per match, and provided one assist, underscoring his significance in Lille’s European campaign.
On the international stage, David remains indispensable for the Canadian national team. In 2024, he featured in all 14 matches, contributing five goals and three assists. Notably, three of these goals were decisive match-winners, highlighting his knack for delivering in crucial moments. David’s consistent performances have attracted interest from elite European clubs, including FC Barcelona, Tottenham Hotspur, and Bayern Munich. With his contract at Lille expiring at the end of the season, he has stated that there is a 50-50 chance of either renewing with Lille or seeking new challenges elsewhere.
Jonathan David's 2024/25 stats
Games: 26 Goals: 17 Assists: 5
Salary and Market Value:
Yearly Salary: 3.3 CAD million/year
Current Market Value : €45.00m
Ismaël Koné - Olympique Marseille
Ismaël Koné, the 22-year-old Canadian midfielder, has swiftly ascended in the football world, showcasing his prowess both at the club and international levels. After a notable stint with Watford in the English Championship, where he contributed 4 goals and 3 assists in the 2023–24 season, Koné secured a move to Olympique Marseille in 2024.
At Marseille, he has been utilized as a defensive midfielder, tallying 48 accurate passes, three tackles, and two interceptions in 147 minutes of play.
Internationally, Koné has been instrumental for Canada. In June 2024, he delivered a standout performance against France, playing 84 minutes in a commendable 0-0 draw against the world’s second-ranked team. His versatility and composure under pressure have drawn comparisons to midfield stalwarts, underscoring his potential to become a linchpin in both club and country setups.
Koné’s trajectory indicates a burgeoning talent poised to make significant impacts in top-tier football, with his blend of defensive acumen and playmaking abilities marking him as a midfielder to watch in the coming years.
Ismaël Koné's 2023/24 stats
Games: 46 Goals: 4 Assists: 3
Salary and Market Value:
Yearly Salary: 2 million CAD per year
Current Market Value: €12.00m
Stephen Eustáquio - FC Porto
Stephen Eustáquio, a 28-year-old Canadian midfielder, has been instrumental for FC Porto and the Canadian national team. After a challenging start to 2024, he reclaimed his starting position, featuring in Porto’s last five league matches and eight of their last nine across all competitions.
In the UEFA Europa League, Eustáquio has been a consistent presence, starting all but one of Porto’s six matches. His defensive prowess is evident, with an average of 2.58 tackles per 90 minutes, placing him in the 75th percentile among midfielders. Eustáquio’s vision and passing accuracy have been pivotal in orchestrating play from midfield, contributing significantly to Porto’s build-up and transition phases.
Internationally, as Canada’s vice-captain, he has been a key figure in their midfield, demonstrating leadership and technical skill. Eustáquio’s resilience and recent performances underscore his growing significance in the football landscape, marking him as a player to watch in the coming seasons.
Stephen Eustáquio's 2024/25 stats
Games: 22 Goals: 2 Assists: 2
Salary and Market Value:
Yearly Salary: 0.6 million CAD per year
Current Market Value: €11.00m
Alistair Johnston - Celtic FC
Alistair Johnston, the Canadian right-back for Celtic FC, has been a cornerstone of both his club and national teams. In the 2024–25 season, he has made 16 appearances in the Scottish Premiership, netting four goals and providing four assists, showcasing his offensive prowess from defense. Defensively, Johnston has been a rock, averaging 2.5 tackles and 4.84 ball recoveries per match in the UEFA Champions League, with an impressive 87.17% passing accuracy. His versatility allows him to excel both as a right-back and a center-back, adapting seamlessly to various defensive roles.
Internationally, Johnston earned his 50th cap for Canada in 2024, underscoring his importance to the national side. His leadership qualities have been recognized, with reports indicating that Celtic is close to extending his contract, reflecting his value to the team.
Johnston’s blend of defensive solidity and attacking contributions makes him a standout in the current football landscape, embodying the modern full-back’s role.
Alistair Johnston's 2024/25 stats
Games: 25 Goals: 4 Assists: 6
Salary and Market Value:
Yearly Salary: 1.6 million CAD per year
Current Market Value: €9.00m
Tajon Buchanan - Inter Milan
Tajon Buchanan, a dynamic 25-year-old Canadian winger, has been making significant strides with both Inter Milan and the Canadian national team. After transferring to Inter Milan in 2023, Buchanan faced a challenging period due to a broken tibia sustained in July 2024, which required surgery and sidelined him for several months.
Demonstrating resilience, he made his first start for Inter in a Coppa Italia victory in December 2024, showcasing his speed and creativity on the flank.
Internationally, Buchanan has been pivotal for Canada, earning 43 caps and scoring 4 goals. His standout performance in the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup, where he was named Best Young Player, highlighted his potential on the global stage.
Buchanan’s blend of pace, technical skill, and tenacity makes him a valuable asset, with the potential to become one of North America’s top football talents.
Tajon Buchanan's 2023/24 stats
Games: 30 Goals: 4 Assists: 4
Salary and Market Value:
Yearly Salary: 0.6 million CAD per year
Current Market Value: €8.00m
Moïse Bombito - OGC Nice
Moïse Bombito, a 24-year-old Canadian center-back, has rapidly ascended in the football world with his commanding defensive prowess and aerial dominance. Standing at 6’3″, Bombito began his professional career with the Colorado Rapids in Major League Soccer (MLS), where he became a cornerstone of their defense, contributing 2 goals and 1 assist in 16 matches during the 2024 season.
His impressive performances earned him a transfer to Ligue 1 club OGC Nice, where he has continued to showcase his defensive capabilities.
Internationally, Bombito has been instrumental for the Canadian Men’s National Team. He was called up for the 2024 CONMEBOL Copa América, where he played every minute of the tournament, providing an assist in the semifinal match against Uruguay.
Bombito’s blend of physicality, tactical intelligence, and composure under pressure has drawn comparisons to elite defenders, marking him as a significant figure in contemporary football and a beacon for Canada’s defensive line.
Moïse Bombito's 2023/24 stats
Games: 20 Goals: 2 Assists: 0
Salary and Market Value:
Yearly Salary: 1 million CAD per year
Current Market Value: €7.00m
Jacob Shaffelburg - Nashville SC
Jacob Shaffelburg, a dynamic left winger for Nashville SC and the Canadian national team, has recently showcased his burgeoning talent on prominent stages. In the 2024 Copa América, he was instrumental in Canada’s historic 1–0 victory over Peru, providing the decisive assist for their inaugural goal in the tournament. His knack for pivotal contributions was further evident when he scored against Venezuela, propelling Canada to the semifinals.
At the club level, Shaffelburg’s agility and incisive play have been vital for Nashville SC. In the 2024 season, he tallied six goals across 29 appearances, underscoring his offensive prowess. His market value has risen to €5 million, reflecting his growing significance in the football landscape.
Shaffelburg’s trajectory suggests he is poised to become a key figure in North American soccer, blending speed, creativity, and a penchant for delivering in crucial moments.
Jacob Shaffelburg's 2023/24 stats
Games: 29 Goals: 4 Assists: 5
Salary and Market Value:
Yearly Salary: 0.2 million CAD per year
Current Market Value: €5.00m
Derek Cornelius - Olympique Marseille
Derek Cornelius, a 27-year-old Canadian centre-back, has recently emerged as a formidable presence in both European club football and on the international stage. In August 2024, he transferred to Olympique Marseille from Malmö FF, where he had been instrumental in securing the 2023 Allsvenskan title.
Cornelius made an immediate impact at Marseille, delivering a solid debut performance in a commanding 5-1 victory over Brest. His defensive prowess, characterized by decisive tackles and aerial dominance, has fortified Marseille’s backline, contributing to their strong start in Ligue 1.
Internationally, Cornelius has been pivotal for Canada, earning 29 caps to date. Under coach Jesse Marsch, he played a crucial role in Canada’s impressive fourth-place finish at the 2024 Copa América, showcasing his ability to neutralize top-tier attacking threats.
Cornelius’s blend of physicality and tactical intelligence not only elevates his teams’ defensive stability but also positions him as a rising star in global football. His trajectory suggests a promising future, with the potential to become one of the premier defenders in the sport.
Derek Cornelius's 2023/24 stats
Games: 19 Goals: 2 Assists: 1
Salary and Market Value:
Yearly Salary: 1.3 million CAD per year
Current Market Value: €4.00m
Niko Sigur - HNK Hajduk Split
Niko Sigur, a 21-year-old defensive midfielder for HNK Hajduk Split, has rapidly emerged as a pivotal figure in both club and international football. Standing at 180 cm, the Burnaby-born talent has showcased versatility and composure beyond his years.
In the 2024–25 season, Sigur has been instrumental in Hajduk Split’s midfield, contributing three goals in 13 league appearances. His defensive acumen and ability to dictate the tempo have drawn comparisons to seasoned midfield generals, underscoring his growing influence on the pitch.
Internationally, Sigur’s decision to represent Canada over Croatia in August 2024 marked a significant milestone. He debuted for the Canadian national team on September 10, 2024, against Mexico, seamlessly integrating into the squad and demonstrating his commitment to elevating Canadian soccer on the global stage.
Sigur’s blend of technical prowess, tactical intelligence, and unwavering determination positions him as a rising star in the football world, with the potential to leave an indelible mark in the years to come.
Niko Sigur's 2024/25 stats
Games: 17 Goals: 3 Assists: 0
Salary and Market Value:
Yearly Salary: 0.2 million CAD per year
Current Market Value: €4.00m
The Future of Canadian Soccer
The future of Canada soccer has never been brighter. A generation of players is showcasing world-class talent across all areas of the pitch. From Alphonso Davies’ blistering runs to Jonathan David’s lethal finishing, the team has the star power to inspire future generations.
Canada’s consistent performances in global tournaments, coupled with their players’ success in Europe’s top leagues, signal a promising trajectory. With young talents like Ismaël Koné and Niko Sigur continuing to rise, the squad’s depth and quality are set to grow even further. EA 24 and EA 25 ratings also reflect this upward trend, showcasing Canadian players among the elites.
As Canada gears up for the next FIFA World Cup and beyond, it’s clear that this is just the beginning of a new era. The nation’s blend of determination, skill, and unity is paving the way for a legacy that will resonate on pitches around the world for years to come.
