Vanessa Gilles and Jonathan David have been announced as the Canada Soccer Players of the Year for the second consecutive year. Gilles, a central defender playing for Bayern Munich in Germany, secured the award over Adriana Leon from San Diego Wave and Jayde Riviere from Manchester United. David, a forward with Juventus in Italy, clinched the title ahead of Ali Ahmed from Vancouver Whitecaps and Tajon Buchanan from Villarreal.
Both Gilles and David were recognized as co-winners through a voting process involving the media and Canada Soccer coaches. David, who also won the 2024/25 CONCACAF Men’s Player of the Year in November, had previously claimed the Canada award in 2019. Gilles celebrated her 50th appearance for Canada with a goal during a 2-0 victory against Mexico at the Pinatar Cup. She expressed her gratitude for the honor and the opportunity to represent her country alongside remarkable role models.
Throughout the year, Gilles played a vital role for Canada, especially in the absence of Kadeisha Buchanan due to injury. The Canadian women’s team had a mixed record when Gilles was on the pitch compared to when she was not playing. Despite a challenging year ending in a five-game losing streak, Gilles showcased her talent and leadership both for her club and country.
Gilles, known for her aerial prowess, has scored eight goals in 56 appearances for Canada. Meanwhile, David, who featured in all 14 matches for Canada in 2025, netted six goals and provided two assists. His impressive performances for Lille in France before joining Juventus on a free transfer highlighted his impact on the field. David’s dedication to the national team, as evidenced by his commitment during the Gold Cup, further emphasized his love for representing Canada.
The announcement also featured other notable players like Promise David, Richie Laryea, Tani Oluwaseyi, Niko Sigur, and Dayne St. Clair among the male nominees, and Marie-Yasmine Alidou, Emma Regan, Janine Sonis, Holly Ward, and Shelina Zadorsky on the female side. Additionally, Olivia Chisholm and Luc De Fougerolles were named Young Players of the Year, Duncan McDonald as Para Soccer Player of the Year, and Lea Palacio-Tellier as the Futsal Player of the Year. Maxime Crepeau received the Allstate Good Hands Award for the best save.
The list of past Canada Soccer winners includes prominent names like Alphonso Davies, Jessie Fleming, Christine Sinclair, and Atiba Hutchinson, showcasing the rich history of outstanding Canadian soccer talent.