Top 5 Canadian soccer players of all time

Whilst the recent arrival of Argentine superstar, Lionel Messi to the United States and Major League Soccer has shook up the game of football in the definite Western world, a host of talented players from ‘The Great White North’ can argue themselves as some of the best products Canada and the US combined in the recent history of the sport.

Especially in recent times, the likes of Bayern Munich full back and Canada international Alphonso Davies has set the world alight with his performances for both club and country – particularly in the UEFA Champions League and the Bundesliga.

While furthermore, based in France, Lille striker, Jonathan David has enjoyed a hugely-prolific tenure for the former Ligue 1 champions since his arrival from Belgian side Gent – and having netted an impressive 24 league goals last campaign, the 23-year-old is available at good odds to vie for the Golden Boot award in Ligue 1. 

And in terms of the Ligue 1 golden boot race,– just Paris Saint Germain forward and World Cup finalist, Kylian Mbappe has so far managed to out-pace the above-mentioned Jonathan David in the early odds race, with the youngster also finding himself as a closer betting favorite to win the Golden Boot ahead of Mbappe’s PSG teammate, Portuguese striker, Goncalo Ramos.

A host of bookies and markets are already taking action on potential outright winners of both individual and team honors in Ligue 1, including the Golden Boot race – in which Canadian star, David can be backed as short as +700 or 7/1 to win the accolade. And following his prolific time in French football so far, interested bettors and punters would be wise to keep a keen eye on the youngster, in a league which has so far suited the Canadian frontman – in a bid to return themselves some potential hefty payouts from bookies and online bookmakers operating in Canada. 

However, in terms of the most prestigious footballers to emerge from Canada, former Bayern Munich and Manchester United midfielder, Owen Hargreaves may comfortably take that accolade, despite lining out for the Three Lions and the England national side during an ever-present international career.

Another Canadian favorite comes in the form of the above-mentioned, Davies, who has fast-tracked his way into the left hand side of the defense for reigning Bundesliga champions, Bayern Munich, following the departure of Austrian defender, David Alaba to Real Madrid. 

Nicknamed ‘The Roadrunner’ due to his intense athleticism and creative ability down the left hand flank for both Canada and Bayern Munich, Davies has been heralded as one of the greatest full backs playing football today, attracting his fare share of attention – particularly from Premier League sides. 

Still going strong following an early and successful spell in English football, veteran winger, Junior Hoilett – who made a stunning move back home to the Vancouver Whitecaps this season, will be remembered for his tricky nature in the Premier League, racking up a slew of appearances for Blackburn Rovers, Queens Park Rangers, and Cardiff City whilst playing at the top end of the English game. 

Playing across three top leagues in Europe, holding midlfield talent, Atiba Hutchinson has been recognised as one of Canada’s greatest exports to boot, capped an impressive 103 times for the national side.

Playing for Dutch side, PSV during his career, Hutchinson will be best known for his roles in the heart of midfield for both Danish side, FC Copenhagen, and Turkish giants, Besiktas – ending his playing career earlier this year. 

Credited as the first Canadian to play in La Liga, Julian de Guzman, a former Toronto FC midfielder made the move to former high-flying Spanish side, Deportivo La Coruna in 2005, following a successful spell with Bundesliga side, Hannover 96. 

Most recently managing Ottawa Fury, de Guzman managed to find himself capped for the Canadian national side on 89 separate occasions – making his way as a staple in the team’s midfield, with the Toronto native a hugely honorable mention as one of the greatest Canadian players of all time.