Vanessa Gilles and Jonathan David have been crowned the 2024 Canada Soccer Players of the Year, earning recognition for their exceptional performances with Canada’s Women’s and Men’s National Teams and their respective clubs, Olympique Lyonnais Féminin and LOSC Lille. Both honorees began their soccer journeys in Ottawa and are alumni of École secondaire publique Louis-Riel.
Gilles, a first-time recipient of the award, reflected on the honor, saying, “I’m incredibly honoured to be named Canada Soccer’s Women’s Player of the Year. It’s been a heck of a year filled with many highs and lows, but getting to represent this country has always been one of my greatest joys. As we move forward in a new cycle, I’m incredibly excited for what the future holds for this team. Thank you to my teammates, friends, and staff who helped us all get through such an interesting year!”
David, who claimed the title for the second time following his 2019 win, shared his gratitude, stating, “I’m truly honoured to be named Canada Soccer’s Men’s Player of the Year. Representing this country is a privilege, and I’m proud of everything we’ve accomplished together. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, I’m excited for what’s ahead. Thank you to my teammates, coaches, and everyone who has supported me on this journey.”
Gilles solidified her status as a defensive stalwart in 2024, starting and appearing in 14 matches for Canada, contributing four goals and one assist. Her standout performances included a stoppage-time goal against France during the Olympic Women’s Football Tournament. At the club level, Gilles was instrumental in Olympique Lyonnais’s Division 1 Féminine title-winning campaign and their UEFA Women’s Champions League push, appearing in 25 matches.
An Olympic gold medalist, Gilles has made 48 international appearances for Canada since 2019. She was named to the Concacaf W Championship Best XI in 2022 and has already collected two Division 1 Féminine and Coupe de France Féminine titles with Lyon. Gilles began her career with Ottawa Capital United SC in Ontario and has become one of Canada’s most reliable defenders.
David, meanwhile, proved indispensable to the Men’s National Team, playing in all 14 matches in 2024 and tallying five goals and three assists. He made history by becoming Canada’s all-time leading goalscorer with his 31st goal during the Concacaf Nations League Quarterfinals. David also earned his 50th cap against Peru at the 2024 Copa América, where he was named Gatorade Player of the Match three times, including in the pivotal win over Peru.
On the club front, David delivered a stellar season for LOSC Lille, featuring in 49 matches and registering 36 goals and 10 assists. He notched his 100th career goal for Lille in December and currently leads the Ligue 1 scoring charts for the 2024-25 season.
Starting with Gloucester Dragons in Ontario, David has represented Canada 59 times since 2013 and remains the country’s top scorer with 31 goals. His accolades include the 2019 Concacaf Gold Cup Golden Boot and a spot in the Concacaf Nations League Best XI in 2023. At Lille, he has already celebrated Ligue 1 and Trophée des Champions victories.
Gilles topped the Women’s National Team voting ahead of Jessie Fleming, Evelyne Viens, Kadeisha Buchanan, and Ashley Lawrence, while David finished first in the Men’s vote ahead of Moïse Bombito, Alistair Johnston, Jacob Shaffelburg, and Alphonso Davies.
Earlier this week, Canada Soccer also announced the winners of its 2024 Player Awards, recognizing Olivia Smith and Nathan Saliba as Young Players of the Year, Duncan McDonald as Para Soccer Player of the Year, and Loïc Kwemi as Futsal Player of the Year. Kailen Sheridan earned the 2024 Allstate Good Hands® Award.
