Toronto FC has strengthened its defense by adding Walker Zimmerman, a two-time MLS Defender of the Year, to the team until the 2027-28 MLS season. Zimmerman, a 32-year-old U.S. international, brings 13 years of Major League Soccer experience with FC Dallas, Los Angeles FC, and Nashville SC. He is a five-time MLS Best XI recipient, a four-time MLS All-Star, and a two-time MLS Defender of the Year (in 2020 and 2021).
Hailing from Lawrenceville, Ga., Zimmerman has represented the United States in 45 matches and served as the team captain. With Toronto parting ways with veteran defenders Kevin Long, Raoul Petretta, and Sigurd Rosted, Zimmerman’s expertise is crucial alongside young defenders Lazar Stefanović, Zane Monlouis, and Nickson Gomis.
Additionally, veteran goalkeeper Sean Johnson has moved on to D.C. United, following Toronto’s decision not to extend his contract for the 2026 season. Zimmerman’s signing comes after Toronto also secured Brazilian left-back Matheus Pereira from CD Santa Clara, signing him until the 2027-28 season with a club option for 2028-29.
Toronto FC finished the 2025 season out of the playoffs for the fifth consecutive year. However, under first-year head coach Robin Fraser, the team’s defense improved significantly, ranking tied for seventh in the league by conceding an average of 1.29 goals per game.
General Manager Jason Hernandez continues the quest for a top attacker as Toronto struggled offensively, tying for 27th in the league with an average of 1.9 goals per game last season.
Zimmerman’s arrival is a significant defensive addition for Toronto FC, reminiscent of the impact Drew Moor had when he joined the club in 2015 as the first free-agent MLS signing. Moor played a pivotal role in strengthening Toronto’s defense, leading the team to the MLS Cup final in 2016 and winning the championship in 2017.
Zimmerman, with 307 MLS regular-season and playoff appearances, has been a key player for Nashville SC since its inception in 2020. He made 172 appearances across all competitions during his time with Nashville, scoring 16 goals. Despite his substantial salary as a designated player last season, Zimmerman will not occupy a designated player slot with Toronto, as the team used targeted allocation money to secure his services.
Originally drafted by FC Dallas in 2013, Zimmerman was later traded to Los Angeles FC in 2017 before joining Nashville in 2020. His previous achievements include helping FC Dallas win the MLS Supporters’ Shield and Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in 2016.
Zimmerman expressed his excitement about joining Toronto FC, recognizing the club’s storied success in MLS and looking forward to contributing to the team’s pursuit of trophies alongside his new teammates and loyal fans.