Canada Soccer has revealed its shortlist for players of the year, with three men and three women now vying for the prestigious award from the initial pool of eight nominees. The trio of women finalists includes Bayern Munich’s Vanessa Gilles, last year’s victor, San Diego’s Adriana Leon, and Manchester United’s Jayde Riviere. On the men’s side, the finalists are Ali Ahmed from Vancouver, Tajon Buchanan from Villarreal, and Jonathan David from Juventus.
Among the nominees were Promise David, Richie Laryea, Tani Oluwaseyi, Niko Sigur, and Dayne St. Clair for the men, while Marie-Yasmine Alidou, Emma Regan, Janine Sonis, Holly Ward, and Shelina Zadorsky were nominated for the women’s category. The eventual winners will be recognized as co-recipients of the award.
The nominees for both the men’s and women’s categories were selected by their respective national team coaching staff. The winners will be determined through a vote by Canadian sports media and coaches, with the announcement scheduled for Friday.
The recipients of the young player, Para, and futsal player of the year accolades are chosen by coaches within their programs. Additionally, the Allstate Good Hands Award, which acknowledges the top save by a Canadian national team goalkeeper in international matches, is decided through a fan vote.
Over the past seven years, David and Canada captain Alphonso Davies have collectively secured the award six times, with Davies receiving the honor on four occasions and David twice. Stephen Eustaquio claimed the award in 2023. Notably, Davies, who recently returned to action with Bayern Munich following a 262-day absence due to a knee injury, is not in the running this year. Similarly, women’s captain Jessie Fleming, a three-time winner from 2021 to 2023, is also absent from this year’s nominations.
Recap of Past Canada Soccer Awardees:
– 2024: Jonathan David, Vanessa Gilles
– 2023: Stephen Eustaquio, Jessie Fleming
– 2022: Alphonso Davies, Jessie Fleming
– 2021: Alphonso Davies, Jessie Fleming
– 2020: Alphonso Davies, Kadeisha Buchanan
– 2019: Jonathan David, Ashley Lawrence
– 2018: Alphonso Davies, Christine Sinclair
– 2017: Atiba Hutchinson, Kadeisha Buchanan
– 2016: Atiba Hutchinson, Christine Sinclair
– 2015: Atiba Hutchinson, Kadeisha Buchanan
– 2014: Atiba Hutchinson, Christine Sinclair
– 2013: Will Johnson, Christine Sinclair
– 2012: Atiba Hutchinson, Christine Sinclair
– 2011: Dwayne De Rosario, Christine Sinclair
– 2010: Atiba Hutchinson, Christine Sinclair
– 2009: Simeon Jackson, Christine Sinclair
– 2008: Julian de Guzman, Christine Sinclair
The source of this information can be found [here](https://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/david-gilles-finalists-2025-canada-soccer-player-of-the-year-9.7012118).
