Lille’s Jonathan David among nominees for Canada Soccer Player of the Year
Jonathan David Leads Men’s Nominees for Canada Soccer Player of the Year
Jonathan David, the top scorer in the French league this season, is at the forefront of the list of men’s nominees for the Canada Soccer Player of the Year award. Canada Soccer has selected eight men’s and eight women’s nominees, with the winners to be determined through a vote by Canadian media and coaches. The three finalists will be announced on Dec. 19, with the winners being revealed the following day.
David, who clinched the award in 2019, faces competition from the four-time winner and Canada captain Alphonso Davies (2018, ’20, ’21, and ’22) and vice-captain Stephen Eustaquio (2023). The other nominees this year include Moise Bombito, Maxime Crepeau, Alistair Johnston, Cyle Larin, and Jacob Shaffelburg.
David, hailing from Ottawa, leads France’s Ligue 1 with 11 goals in 14 games this season, totaling 17 goals in all competitions. The 24-year-old surpassed the 100-goal mark for Lille with a brace in a recent 3-1 victory over Brest in Ligue 1 play, inching closer to Lille’s all-time record of 112 goals held by Andre Stappe.
His impressive 11 league goals have come from 32 shots, showcasing a remarkable 34% goal conversion rate. David also contributed five goals and four assists in 14 matches for Canada this year, bringing his total to 31 goals and leading Larin by one in the Canadian men’s record books.
Canada coach Jesse Marsch, a seasoned coach with experience in multiple countries, praised David, labeling him as “the smartest player I’ve ever coached.” As a free agent after this season, David has attracted interest from prominent clubs across Europe.
Women’s Award Race
The women’s award race is tightly contested among nominees Vanessa Gilles, Kadeisha Buchanan, Kailen Sheridan, Jade Rose, Jessie Fleming, Ashley Lawrence, Evelyne Viens, and Simi Awujo. Gilles, a stalwart in the Canadian defense, has also showcased her aerial prowess with four goals in 14 appearances for Canada in 2024. She plies her trade for Lyon in France on loan from Angel City in the NWSL.
Fleming, the Canada captain, has secured the award for the past three years, with Buchanan recognized in 2015, ’17, and ’20, and Lawrence in 2019. Former Canada captains Christine Sinclair and Atiba Hutchinson have previously dominated the awards, with Sinclair winning 14 times and Hutchinson six times. Both players are now retired.
Additional Canada Soccer awards will be presented to the top futsal player, para player, young player, and outstanding goalkeeper save. The goalkeeper award will be determined by fan votes, while the other winners will be selected by the coaching staffs from the respective programs.
Nominees
Men: Moise Bombito, Maxime Crepeau, Jonathan David, Alphonso Davies, Stephen Eustaquio, Alistair Johnston, Cyle Larin, Jacob Shaffelburg.
Women: Vanessa Gilles, Kadeisha Buchanan, Kailen Sheridan, Jade Rose, Jessie Fleming, Ashley Lawrence, Evelyne Viens, Simi Awujo.
Canada Soccer Awards Schedule
Dec. 16: Futsal Player of the Year
Dec. 17: Para Player of the Year
Dec. 18: Young Player of the Year
Dec. 18: Allstate Good Hands Award winners
Dec. 20: Player of the Year winners
