Canada may be popular for ice hockey and lacrosse, but the Great White North boasts of several breakaway stars. With Canada making its only second appearance in the FIFA Men's World Cup in Qatar, this is a perfect opportunity to take a look at some of its biggest stars.
Although unsurprisingly, it's expected that things won't be easy for them on such a high level, and the beating they got from Croatia did simmer down the promise their first performance against Belgium brought for the fans. Nevertheless, the future looks bright for them. But which players made a mark on the biggest stage since the inception of the game? Let's find out together!
Christine Sinclair
Any Canadian football superstars' list would be incomplete without the star forward, Christine Sinclair. Triple Olympic medallist (1 gold, 2 bronze), 2010 CONCACAF champion and 14-time winner of Canada Soccer Player of the Year; the honors board keeps rolling for Sinclair. She has represented her national team in five editions of the FIFA Women's World Cups and four Olympic Football Tournaments. She holds the record for the most international goals with 190 to her name (Cristiano Ronaldo is a distant second with 118 goals). Sinclair has also won four Championships with three pro-teams, namely FC Gold Pride (2010), Western New York Flash (2011), and Portland Thorns FC (2013, 2017). We can keep listing her professional achievements, but these feats alone earn her the top spot in our list.
Craig Forrest
While it is not easy for a goalkeeper to make into such lists, such was the impact of Craig Forrest that he takes the number two spot. Forrest spent the entirety of his senior career in the English league with appearances for Ipswich Town, Chelsea and West Ham United. He was one of the 13 international players who started on the opening weekend of the newly congregated FA Premier League in 1993. He made 56 appearances for the national team, the most for a goalkeeper. Forrest is etched into the memories of Canadian soccer buffs for his exploits with the national team in the 2000 CONCACAF Gold Cup. He conceded only 3 goals in the tournament and saved 2 penalties during the final match, thus securing the cup for his country.
Alphonso Davies
One of the hottest young prospects on the international stage, Alphonso Davies, could end up first on this list by the time he hangs up his boots. Widely considered as the face and talisman of the Canada national team, he has already achieved more than most at the age of 22. Playing at the left-wing or left-back position, Davies started his career with Vancouver Whitecaps. He soon outgrew the MLS and moved to Bayern Munich. He was an integral part of the Bayern team that achieved the unprecedented sextuple of all major footballing trophies in 2020-21. Apart from that, he has won a plethora of cups and trinkets during his time in the MLS and Bundesliga. A name that would definitely be popping up on football sports betting sites as someone who could conjure some magic for their team.
Owen Hargreaves
This might be a controversial pick as the hardworking midfielder never represented Canada, Owen Hargreaves was born in Calgary. He even spent three years of his youth career with the Calgary Foothills. Hargreaves had an illustrious career playing for Bayern Munich and Manchester United, before spending a season with Manchester City at the wane of his powers. During his time with the German side, he won four league titles and the prestigious Champions League in 2001. He picked up another league and champions league medal with Manchester United before injuries proved to be a major stumbling block. One can look back at his playing time and grieve over his unfulfilled potential, but he was the first Canadian national to etch an indelible mark on European football.
Atiba Hutchinson
Next on the list is the current captain of the national team and the record holder for most appearances (99), Atiba Hutchinson. The 6-time winner of the Canadian Player of the Year, Although Hutchinson started his youth career in Canada, he broke through in the Scandinavian leagues. The defensive midfielder appeared for Öster and Helsingborg (Sweden) and FC København (Denmark). He won four league trophies and a league cup with the Danish club, also earning their player of the year award in 2009-10. Hutchinson did a brief stint in the Netherlands, playing for PSV before moving to Beşiktaş in 2013. He has made over 250 appearances for the Turkish giants and currently captains their team.
Julian de Guzman
Julian de Guzman had a real journeyman career, playing in the professional leagues of Germany, Spain, Greece, the US, and his native Canada. De Guzman was scouted by the French club Olympique Marseille where he spent three years. He made his senior debut with the German club, Hannover 96. His stocks rose when he moved to Deportivo La Coruña, becoming the first Canadian to play in the Spanish La Liga. He was a mainstay in their midfield, even winning the player of the year award in 2007-08. He also has the second most appearances (89) for the national team and even captained their side from 2013-16. His career might lack the trophies like some others on this list, but he will go down as one of the finest Canadian players ever.
Conclusion
When someone mentions Canada and sports together, most people might be reminded of Wayne Gretzky or Steve Nash, but as evidenced in the list above, they have had their fair share of football stars. And the current crop of players participating in the FIFA World Cup will definitely inspire the next generation of budding talents.
