Cyle Larin

Cyle Larin is recognized as a leading striker in Canadian soccer, known for his goal-scoring achievements across multiple leagues and international competitions. Larin became the first Canadian player selected first overall in the MLS SuperDraft, signaling the start of a career marked by significant milestones. During his two seasons with the UConn Huskies, Larin scored 23 goals in 39 matches, drawing attention before transitioning to professional soccer.

Larin began his professional career with Orlando City, where he set a single-season MLS rookie scoring record. After finishing his season with 17 goals in 27 games, Larin was named MLS Rookie of the Year and selected for the MLS All-Star Game against Arsenal FC of the Premier League. Over three seasons with Orlando City SC, he scored 43 goals in 87 games before transferring to Besiktas JK of the Super Lig. While in Turkey, Larin won the Super Lig title, the Super Cup, and the Turkish Cup with Besiktas. He later joined Club Brugge KV, competing in the Belgian Pro League, and continued his form in Spain’s top flight with Real Valladolid, recording 11 goals and six assists in 2,167 minutes. Larin also played for Mallorca and joined Southampton on loan, where he scored nine goals in 22 games, contributing to the club’s run to the FA Cup semifinals and English Championship playoffs.

Internationally, Larin has made significant contributions to the Canada men’s national soccer team. He scored his first hat trick in a 5-1 win over Bermuda during World Cup qualifying and added a brace in a 2-1 win over Mexico, helping Canada secure its first win against Mexico in over two decades. Larin surpassed Dwayne De Rosario’s record to become Canada’s all-time leading goalscorer and played a key role as Canada qualified for the World Cup after a 36-year absence, including a 4-0 win over Jamaica.

Larin and Jonathan David formed a striking partnership that propelled Canada through World Cup qualifying and into the tournament. The two also co-hosted the podcast "The Strikers' Corner." After periods at Mallorca and a loan to Feyenoord, Larin regained his place in the national team, scoring the equalizer to earn Canada its first point at a men’s World Cup on home soil. Larin has appeared in 80 matches for Canada and scored 30 goals. His career, spanning Major League Soccer, the Turkish Super Lig, Belgian Pro League, La Liga, and the English Championship, highlights his adaptability and consistent performance in professional soccer.