Whitecaps FC sign leading playmaker Ryan Gauld to contract extension
Vancouver, British Columbia – Ryan Gauld, an attacking midfielder for the Vancouver Whitecaps FC, agreed to a Designated Player contract extension until 2027, the team announced on Thursday.
Axel Schuster, sporting director of Whitecaps FC, stated, “Since joining the club in the summer of 2021, Ryan has been the creative force behind our attack and one of the best players in the league.” “By qualifying for the MLS Cup Playoffs twice and winning two Canadian Championships, he has contributed to our team’s advancement while always exhibiting the highest caliber of professionalism in the locker room. Ryan and his fiancée Kat have sponsored neighborhood organizations in our community and accepted the city as a second home. We are happy to announce that Ryan will be working with us for the foreseeable future as he assists us in achieving our objectives.
Club leader with 60 goal contributions in 94 games across all competitions during the MLS era (26 goals, 34 assists).
two-time champion of the Canadian Championship in 2022 and 2023
Player of the Year twice for the Whitecaps FC (2022, 2023) and 2022 Winner of the George Gross Memorial Trophy and MVP of the Canadian Championship
12 games with multiple goal contributions—the second-highest most in the team’s MLS history
twelve selections for the 2023 MLS Team of the Matchday and Player of the Matchday 21
“The city has shown excellent support from the beginning. Everyone at and around the club has made my fiancée and I feel welcome,” Gauld remarked. It is fantastic to know that I will be residing in Vancouver for the ensuing four years. We are excited about what is ahead and have enjoyed our time here.
After leaving Portuguese team SC Farense to join Vancouver in July 2021, Gauld set a club record for the MLS era with 26 goals and 34 assists. The 28-year-old has made 94 appearances overall, starting 84 of them in all competitions. His 60 goal contributions are the most in the club’s MLS history.
In 2023, the Scotsman enjoyed his most prolific season to date, tallying 12 goals as well as a team-high 17 assists across 40 starts and 42 appearances in all competitions as the club reached the MLS Cup Playoffs for the second time in the past three seasons. Gauld received league recognition for his performances in MLS regular season action, as he was named to the Team of the Matchday a team-high 12 times and was awarded Player of the Matchday after notching a goal as well as two assists against Los Angeles FC in Matchday 21.
