Canadian Soccer Stars Shine: David adn Gilles Claim Top Honors
Ligue 1: Marseille frustrated by Lille and its inefficiency”>Jonathan David and Vanessa Gilles have been named Canada’s top male and female soccer players of 2024, respectively. This prestigious recognition comes after a year of remarkable achievements for both athletes on both the club and international stage.
David, a 24-year-old forward for French club Lille, secured his second Canada soccer Player of the Year award, having previously won in 2019.He outperformed fellow Canadian nominees Moise Bombito (Nice) and Alistair Johnston (Glasgow Celtic) to claim the title.
David’s 2024 season has been nothing short of phenomenal. He currently leads Ligue 1 with an notable 11 goals in 14 games, bringing his total to 17 across all competitions. This prolific form saw him surpass the 100-goal milestone for Lille in December, inching closer to Andre Stappe’s club record of 112 goals.
Beyond his club success, David has been instrumental for the Canadian national team. In 49 appearances for Canada in 2024, he contributed 36 goals and 10 assists. He also shone on the international stage, netting five goals and providing four assists in 14 games, pushing his total to 31 and surpassing cyle Larin as Canada’s all-time leading scorer.
David expressed his pride in representing Canada,stating,”Representing this country is a privilege,and I am proud of everything we have achieved together. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, I’m excited for what’s to come.”
His coach, jesse Marsch, lauded David’s exceptional talent and tactical intelligence, describing him as “a very special personality” and “the smartest player I have ever coached.”
Gilles, a 28-year-old defender for Lyon (on loan from Angel City in the national Women’s Soccer League), earned the women’s award, beating out fellow nominees Jessie Fleming (Portland Thorns), Evelyne Viens (Roma), Kadeisha Buchanan, Kailen Sheridan, Jade Rose, Ashley Lawrence, and Simi Awujo.
Gilles has become a cornerstone of the Canadian defense, contributing four goals in 14 appearances for Canada in 2024, bringing her total to seven goals in 48 international appearances.
Despite a challenging year for the Canadian women’s team, which faced a drone spying scandal during the Paris Olympics leading to the departure of head coach Bev Priestman, Gilles remained a steadfast presence.
“It has been a very intense year, full of ups and downs, but representing Canada has always been one of my greatest joys,” Gilles said. “As we move into a new cycle, I am incredibly excited for what the future holds for this team.”
Gilles’ journey to the top is a testament to her dedication and perseverance. after initially pursuing tennis, she switched to soccer at 16, starting as a goalkeeper before transitioning to defense. Her talent shone through at the University of Cincinnati, where she became a star player.
Following her collegiate career, Gilles played in Cyprus before moving to France in 2018. She made history by scoring the first-ever goal for Angel City FC after joining the team in december 2021.The Canada Soccer Awards, decided by a vote of Canadian media and coaches, have historically been dominated by legends like Christine Sinclair (14 wins) and Atiba Hutchinson (6 wins), both now retired. Other notable nominees this year included Alphonso Davies, Stephen Eustaquio, Maxime Crepeau, Jacob Shaffelburg, and cyle Larin.
Teh provided text is a sports news report announcing Jonathan David and vanessa Gilles as Canada’s top male and female soccer players of 2024, respectively.
Let’s break it down:
Jonathan David:
A 24-year-old forward playing for the French club Lille.
This win marks his second recognition as Canada’s top male soccer player, with his first win being in 2019.
He surpassed fellow Canadians Moise Bombito (Nice) and Alistair Johnston (glasgow Celtic) to earn the title.
The report highlights his accomplishments both with his club (Lille) and on the international stage, though specific details for 2024 are missing.
Vanessa Gilles:
Named Canada’s top female soccer player of 2024.
Specific details about her achievements (club and international) are excluded from the text.
Further Discussion Points:
As a moderator experienced in sports debates, this news piece sparks some great conversation topics:
Comparing Jonathan David’s 2024 performance to his 2019 award-winning year: Both years secured him the title, but have his skills progressed, remained consistent, or perhaps dipped slightly since his first win?
Jonathan David vs.other Canadian nominees: What specific factors set him apart from Bombito and Johnston in the selection process? Analyzing their respective seasons statistically and in terms of their impact on crucial matches could offer deeper insights.
Vanessa gilles’ rise to the top: What were some key moments or achievements that solidified her position as the best female player in Canada in 2024?
Overall impact on Canadian Soccer: Do these awards reflect a positive momentum for Canadian soccer on the international stage? What future predictions can we make based on the success of these players?
